Are you tired of serving dry, overcooked chicken cutlets to your family? Trust me, I’ve been there! After countless dinner disasters, I’ve finally mastered the art of baking perfectly juicy chicken cutlets in the oven. Today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about how long to cook chicken cutlets in the oven at 375°F so you can nail it every single time.
Chicken cutlets are my go-to weeknight dinner option because they’re versatile, healthy, and a crowd-pleaser (even with my picky 7-year-old!). But getting that perfect balance of fully cooked yet still juicy meat can be tricky without the right timing.
The Quick Answer: Chicken Cutlet Cooking Time at 375°F
For those who need the information fast:
Chicken cutlets baked at 375°F (190°C) typically require 12-18 minutes to cook through depending on their thickness.
Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety and optimal tenderness.
Understanding Chicken Cutlets
Before we dive into cooking times, let’s clarify what we’re working with Chicken cutlets are boneless, skinless chicken breast that’s been cut down into smaller, thinner pieces. Typically, you can get about 4-5 cutlets from an average chicken breast
Why choose cutlets over regular chicken breasts?
- They cook faster and more evenly
- They absorb marinades and seasonings better
- They’re perfect portion sizes
- They’re already prepped, saving you time and reducing contamination risk
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
Understanding these variables will help you adjust your cooking time as needed:
1. Cutlet Thickness
This is the most significant factor affecting cooking time. Thinner cutlets (around ½ inch) might be done in 12 minutes, while thicker ones could take up to 18 minutes or more.
2. Oven Accuracy
Not all ovens heat the same! Your actual oven temperature might be different from what you’ve set it to. Consider using an oven thermometer to verify the actual temperature.
3. Starting Temperature
Room temperature cutlets will cook more evenly than cold ones straight from the refrigerator. Never cook frozen cutlets without thawing them first.
4. Breading
If your cutlets are breaded, they may require slightly longer cooking times than unbreaded ones. The breading acts as an insulator, slowing down heat penetration.
5. Baking Sheet Material
Dark metal baking sheets tend to cook faster than lighter-colored ones or glass dishes. Adjust your timing accordingly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Perfect Chicken Cutlets
Follow these steps for juicy, delicious chicken cutlets every time:
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and ensure it’s fully heated before adding your chicken
- Prepare your cutlets – if they aren’t uniform in thickness, pound them with a meat mallet until they’re even (about ½ inch thick)
- Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture
- Season generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings
For Unbreaded Cutlets
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Place seasoned cutlets on the sheet, leaving space between each piece
- Lightly spray or brush with olive oil
- Bake for 12-18 minutes, depending on thickness
For Breaded Cutlets
- Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes:
- Dish 1: Flour seasoned with salt and pepper
- Dish 2: Beaten eggs with a splash of water or milk
- Dish 3: Breadcrumbs (plain, seasoned, or panko)
- Dredge each cutlet in flour, then egg wash, then breadcrumbs
- Place on a lined baking sheet
- Spray or drizzle with a little oil for better browning
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through
How to Tell When Chicken Cutlets Are Done
The most reliable way to check for doneness is with a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the cutlet – when it reads 165°F (74°C), your chicken is safe to eat.
No thermometer? Look for these signs:
- The juices run clear (not pink)
- The meat is firm but not hard when pressed
- The breading (if used) is golden brown
- When cut, the meat is white throughout with no pink
Tips for Juicy Chicken Cutlets
Nobody likes dry chicken! Here are my top tips for keeping your cutlets juicy:
- Don’t overcook – this is the #1 cause of dry chicken
- Let them rest for 5-10 minutes after baking
- Consider brining your cutlets before cooking (soak in salt water for 15-30 minutes)
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes before baking
- Tent with foil during the resting period to retain moisture
Delicious Serving Ideas
Chicken cutlets are super versatile! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them:
- Classic: with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes
- Italian: topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella for an easy chicken parmesan
- Sandwich: on a roll with lettuce, tomato, and mayo
- Salad: sliced over mixed greens with your favorite dressing
- Wraps: in a tortilla with veggies and sauce
Storing and Reheating Leftover Chicken Cutlets
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Properly stored chicken cutlets can be enjoyed later:
- Refrigerate cooked cutlets in an airtight container for 3-4 days
- Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers
Best Reheating Methods:
-
Air Fryer (my personal favorite!):
- Preheat to 350°F
- Heat for 3-6 minutes, flipping halfway through
-
Oven:
- Preheat to 375°F
- Place cutlets on a baking sheet
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through
-
Microwave (quick but not ideal for breaded cutlets):
- Place on a microwave-safe plate
- Heat in 30-second intervals, flipping between each
- Continue until heated through
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake chicken cutlets directly on the baking sheet?
While possible, lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil is highly recommended for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Should I flip chicken cutlets while baking?
It’s not strictly necessary, but flipping halfway through the cooking time can promote even browning on both sides.
Can I use frozen chicken cutlets?
It’s not recommended. Frozen cutlets cook unevenly and take significantly longer. Always thaw completely before baking.
What are some good seasonings for baked chicken cutlets?
The possibilities are endless! Try garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, or chili powder. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite!
How do I prevent my chicken from drying out?
The key is not overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure you remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it reaches 165°F. Marinating beforehand can also help maintain moisture.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the art of baking chicken cutlets at 375°F opens up endless meal possibilities. Remember that the typical cooking time of 12-18 minutes is just a guideline – factors like thickness, breading, and your specific oven will influence the exact time needed.
The most important takeaway? Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. It’s the foolproof way to ensure your chicken is both safe to eat and perfectly juicy.
What’s your favorite way to season chicken cutlets? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!
What Are Chicken Cutlets?
Chicken cutlets are boneless, skinless chicken breast meat that’s been cut down several times smaller than its original size.
To give you an idea of what we’re talking about, there are approximately 4-5 cutlets per average chicken breast.
I buy these often — for recipes that cover everything from fajitas to chicken chow mein. Why do I love chicken cutlets? There are so many benefits to buying and preparing chicken cutlets for dinner, and I am more than happy to talk about them.
Why Are Chicken Cutlets Best?
Chicken breast is my go-to because it’s healthy and delicious, and cutlets are often what I grab for most recipes calling for chicken that needs to be cut before preparation.
First, chicken cutlets are already cut and prepped. You don’t need to do much more to get a chicken cutlet recipe ready — the fat is already trimmed, the skin is removed, and the meat is sliced to a reasonable size. This reduces the prep time significantly, making it so much easier for busy families like mine.
It also reduces the risk of contamination, as you’re not using your prep areas to cut and trim chicken. It’s easy to spread bacteria while cutting meat, so anything that can help reduce that risk is a win in my book. (Related: let me help you pick the best cutting board for raw meat.)
If you’re looking for an even thinner portion of chicken breast, chicken cutlets can be pounded flatter with a meat mallet. This helps them cook quickly and evenly, making chicken cutlets an excellent choice for quick, easy, homemade, and guilt-free dinners.