Chicken cutlets are a delicious and easy dinner option that can be prepared so many ways. While pan-frying breaded chicken cutlets is popular baking them in the oven yields cutlets that are equally crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside without the mess and excess oil of frying.
When making baked breaded chicken cutlets, there are a few tricks to ensure they turn out perfectly cooked with a crispy panko coating every time Here we will walk through everything you need to know to bake breaded chicken cutlets like a pro, from ingredients and prep to baking tips and serving suggestions
Ingredients for Baked Breaded Chicken Cutlets
Baked breaded chicken cutlets call for just a handful of ingredients. Here is what you will need:
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Chicken cutlets or boneless, skinless chicken breasts – You can use ready-to-go chicken cutlets or slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to make your own cutlets. Cutting them to an even 1⁄4 inch thickness will ensure even cooking.
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Flour – All-purpose flour is used to lightly coat the chicken before breading to help the coating stick.
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Eggs – Eggs work as the “glue” to adhere the breadcrumbs to the chicken. Beat them well before breading.
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Panko breadcrumbs – Panko breadcrumbs create the crispiest baked cutlets. For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko.
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Parmesan cheese (optional) – Grated parmesan adds great flavor to the breading.
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Herbs and spices – Garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, etc can be added to the breadcrumb mixture or flour for extra flavor.
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Oil – A light drizzle of oil on top helps the breadcrumbs crisp up in the oven.
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Salt and pepper – Season the cutlets with salt and pepper after baking.
Prep Steps for Baked Breaded Chicken Cutlets
With your ingredients ready, here are the easy steps to prep breaded baked chicken cutlets:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F to get it nice and hot for crispy cutlets. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Set up a breading station. Place flour in one shallow dish. In another, beat eggs well. In a third, mix breadcrumbs with any seasonings.
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Pat chicken dry then season all over with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, dip in egg, then press into breadcrumbs until fully coated on both sides.
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Drizzle oil over breaded chicken and place on prepared baking sheet. This helps the breading get extra crispy and flaky in the oven.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and breading is browned and crispy.
And that’s it! With your cutlets prepped, it’s time to pop them in the oven.
Baking Tips for Perfect Chicken Cutlets
Follow these simple baking tips for the crispiest, most delicious baked breaded chicken cutlets:
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Get your oven ripping hot – Cranking up the heat helps the breading get ultra crispy and browns the cutlets beautifully. Try 400-425°F.
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Flip halfway through baking – Flipping the cutlets partway ensures even browning and cooking.
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Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Let rest before serving – Allowing the cutlets to rest 5 minutes after baking allows juices to redistribute so chicken stays juicy when you cut into it.
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Use a nonstick baking sheet – Chicken is more likely to stick to a regular baking sheet. Line with parchment or use a nonstick sheet.
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Avoid soggy breading – Be sure chicken is dried well and bread immediately before baking so the coating doesn’t get soggy.
Follow these simple tips and you’ll be rewarded with perfectly crispy baked breaded chicken cutlets every time!
Serving and Storing Breaded Baked Chicken
Baked breaded chicken cutlets are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with so many sides. Here are serving suggestions:
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Baked cutlets shine when served with starchy sides like mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice. They help soak up the chicken juices.
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Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus compliment the chicken nicely.
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A fresh green salad balances out the meal.
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Drizzle cutlets with lemon or serve with a tangy yogurt sauce.
Leftover baked breaded chicken cutlets will keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat in a 400°F oven until hot and crispy. They also freeze well for 1-3 months.
Variations for Baked Breaded Chicken Cutlets
The possibilities are endless when it comes to the flavors and variations you can make for baked chicken cutlets. Consider these ideas:
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Use Italian seasoned panko or breadcrumbs for an Italian-style cutlet.
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Mix in grated Parmesan for extra flavor and crunch.
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Herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, cayenne, chili powder, ranch seasoning, etc.
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Lemon pepper or lemon zest give a bright, fresh taste.
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For gluten-free and keto, use almond flour and pork rinds for breading.
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Chicken sauce ideas: chimichurri, gremolata, lemon butter, bbq sauce, etc.
With this easy method for baking crispy breaded chicken cutlets, you can now enjoy this classic chicken dinner at home with less mess and no frying required. The key is to start with hot oven, flip the cutlets mid-bake, and let them rest before cutting for juicy baked chicken perfection. Dinner just got a whole lot easier!
Why anyone can cook chicken cutlets at home:
- You can buy thinly sliced chicken breasts at the store, so that you don’t have to pound out your own chicken breasts.
- Use store bought Panko bread crumbs.
- There are minimal ingredients to this recipe.
- The cutlets cook very quickly thanks to the thinness of the chicken.
- The method is simple and straight forward with just a few easy steps.
- Thinly Sliced Chicken Breasts
- Panko Bread Crumbs (can use gluten free here as well)
- Flour (can also use gluten free all purpose flour)
- Eggs
- Salt and Pepper
- High quality oil: I like to use avocado oil, or a mix of avocado oil and olive oil. The avocado oil can cook at a higher temp so it keeps the olive oil from burning.
There is truly nothing better than a fresh cutlet straight from the pan. I simply shallow fry the cutlets on each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and chicken has been cooked through. From there, I remove the crispy cutlets to a paper towel lined baking sheet to let excess oil drain and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve as you wish from there!
You can of course also cook these cutlets in the air fryer as well, but nothing compares to the real deal pan fried cutlet. BUT if you want to air fry the cutlets, follow all instructions up until the frying point and spray with oil on both sides. Air fry for 6-8 minutes until golden, flipping once.
How to make PERFECT Chicken Cutlets
FAQ
How do you cook breaded chicken cutlets in the oven?
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. …
- Prepare 3 separate dished. …
- Cut the chicken breasts in halves lengthwise. …
- Dredge each cutlet in flour, then beaten eggs, and then breadcrumb mixture. …
- Bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400 in the oven?
400°F is the best temperature. The shorter it takes for a chicken to cook, the juicier it will be inside.
How long does it take to cook cutlets in the oven?
- Preheat the oven to 200°C.
- Season the lamb cutlets with herbs, salt, and pepper, and place them on a baking tray.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Let the cutlets rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain moisture.
How long does it take to bake breaded chicken at 400 degrees?
The chicken will bake in the oven at 400 degrees for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees. Once the chicken is cooked it’s time to eat! I topped mine with more buffalo sauce. My wife and kids dipped theirs in honey and it was so good!May 23, 2023
Can you cook breaded chicken cutlets in the oven?
Cooking breaded chicken cutlets in the oven takes a little bit of patience and preparation, but it’s well worth the effort. By using a meat thermometer, preheating the oven, creating an assembly line for breading, using parchment paper or cooking spray, and baking on a rack, you can create perfectly cooked chicken cutlets with a crispy coating.
How do you make breaded chicken cutlets crispy?
To achieve a thicker, crunchier coating, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating. Before placing the breaded chicken cutlets in the oven, it’s crucial to preheat the oven to the recommended temperature of 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and allows for the formation of a crispy outer layer.
How do you cook chicken cutlets in a pan?
Press down on the chicken, turn it over and make sure that every nook and cranny is covered in the crumbs. Place the breaded chicken cutlets on a sheet pan then heat the oil. Heat a cup of oil in a large skillet or pan set over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
Do I need to preheat the oven before cooking chicken cutlets?
Yes, it is important to preheat the oven to the recommended temperature before cooking the breaded chicken cutlets to ensure even cooking and crispy texture. Can I Use Frozen Chicken Cutlets? It is not recommended to use frozen chicken cutlets for this recipe.
Are baked chicken cutlets gluten-free?
Opt for low-carb or keto-friendly breadcrumbs to create a gluten-free, low-carb, or keto version of our baked breaded chicken cutlets. Baked breaded chicken cutlets can be made whether you purchase chicken breasts or cutlets. With a cook time of just 15-minutes, you can create crispy chicken cutlets without deep frying.
Can you freeze baked breaded chicken cutlets?
Place the cutlets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the cutlets. Bake for 12 minutes. Flip them over and continue baking until golden and crisp, 9-10 minutes longer. Serve immediately. Can Baked Breaded Chicken Cutlets be frozen? Yes! My mom almost always prepares them ahead of time and freezes them raw.