Cooking chicken cutlets in the oven is a great way to make a healthy, delicious meal easily When baking chicken cutlets, one of the most common questions is how long to cook them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure they are fully cooked and juicy In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to perfectly bake chicken cutlets in the oven.
What are Chicken Cutlets?
Chicken cutlets are thin, boneless chicken breast fillets, usually between 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Chicken cutlets cook faster than regular chicken breasts because they are pounded thin. This allows them to cook through in a shorter time while staying nice and juicy
Cutlets can be made from scratch by slicing chicken breasts horizontally and pounding them thin. You can also purchase pre-made chicken cutlets from many grocery stores for convenience. They make a quick and easy dinner option and can be used in all sorts of recipes from easy baked cutlets to chicken parmesan.
Why Bake Chicken Cutlets?
Baking chicken cutlets is a healthier cooking method compared to frying. It produces crisp golden cutlets without needing to add a lot of extra fat or oil. Baking also allows you to easily add flavor from spices, herbs cheeses, etc mixed into the breading.
Compared to pan frying, baking chicken cutlets takes a bit more time but not a lot of active effort. Simply prepare them, pop them in the oven, and bake until cooked through and browned. Oven-baked chicken cutlets are crunchy on the outside while remaining juicy inside.
How to Bake Chicken Cutlets at 350 Degrees
When cooking chicken cutlets in the oven, there are a few factors that affect the baking time including thickness, whether they are breaded or not, and the size/number of cutlets. Here are some general guidelines for how long to bake chicken cutlets at 350 degrees:
- Unbreaded chicken cutlets, 4 ounces each – 15-18 minutes
- Breaded chicken cutlets, 4 ounces each – 18-22 minutes
- Thinner cutlets, around 1/4 inch – 12-15 minutes
- Thicker cutlets, up to 1/2 inch – 22-25 minutes
- Smaller cutlets – Decrease time by 2-3 minutes
- Larger cutlets – Increase time by 2-3 minutes
These baking times are for cutlets baked in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
For crispy breaded cutlets, I recommend using a wire rack placed on the baking sheet which allows air flow all around the cutlets. Spray the rack with oil or line with foil for easy cleanup.
Tips for the Best Oven Baked Chicken Cutlets
Here are some useful tips to ensure your oven baked chicken cutlets turn out perfectly cooked and delicious every time:
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Pound cutlets thin to 1/4 – 1/2 inch thickness. This helps them cook faster.
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Brine chicken cutlets in salt water for 30 mins before baking for extra moisture and flavor.
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Pat cutlets very dry before breading to help the coating stick.
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Use Italian style breadcrumbs for the coating. Panko also works well.
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Dip cutlets in egg wash then press into breadcrumbs to adhere.
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Bake in a single layer on parchment lined baking sheet.
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Flip cutlets halfway during baking for even browning.
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Bake at 350 F until cooked through and browned, about 18-22 minutes.
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Check temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure 165 F.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
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Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350 F oven.
How to Tell When Chicken Cutlets are Done
Using a food thermometer is the most reliable way to tell when your chicken cutlets are fully cooked. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the cutlet, making sure it doesn’t touch bone.
Chicken is safely cooked at an internal temperature of 165 F. If your cutlets have not yet reached 165 F, continue baking and check again in 5 minutes.
If you don’t have a thermometer, look for these signs that the cutlets are fully cooked:
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Breadcrumb coating is nicely browned
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Cutlets are opaque throughout when pierced with a fork
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Juices run clear when cutlet is pierced (not pink or red)
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Texture is firm to the touch
Chicken cooked to 165 F will be moist and tender inside. Be careful not to overbake the cutlets or they will dry out. Immediately remove from the oven when the cutlets are browned and register 165 F.
Common Questions
How long does it take to bake chicken cutlets at 400 degrees?
At a higher 400 F oven, cutlets will bake slightly faster. Unbreaded cutlets will take 12-15 minutes while breaded ones will need 15-18 minutes. Always check internal temp.
Can you bake frozen chicken cutlets?
Yes, frozen breaded chicken cutlets can go straight into the oven while still frozen. Add 5 minutes to the bake time. Bake on parchment lined baking sheet.
Do you need oil when baking chicken cutlets?
Just a small amount of oil helps promote browning when baking. You can use olive oil cooking spray or brush the cutlets lightly with oil before baking.
What sides go well with baked chicken cutlets?
Baked cutlets pair nicely with rice, roasted potatoes, pasta, or a fresh green salad. Top cutlets with sauces like lemon butter or marinara for extra flavor.
The Takeaway
Cooking boneless chicken cutlets in the oven at 350 degrees F makes for a fast, easy, and healthy dinner option. For breaded cutlets about 4 ounces each, allow 18-22 minutes for baking. Check internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165 F. Follow these simple tips for oven baked chicken cutlets that are juicy, tender and crispy!
How to Freeze Baked Chicken Cutlets
- Cool Completely: Allow the chicken cutlets to cool to room temperature after baking.
- Flash Freeze: Place the cutlets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Package for Freezing: Once frozen, transfer the cutlets to an airtight container or a freezer-safe zip-top bag. For extra protection, wrap each cutlet individually in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in the container.
- Label and Date: Add a label with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been in the freezer.