Best Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Cutlets - Easy Recipe (2024)

by Amy Estes 14 Comments

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CrispyOven Baked Chicken Cutletsthat have an amazing golden, crispy crust and a crazy juicy center. Thishealthier fried chicken recipecan be made inunder 30 minutesfor an easy chicken dinner the whole family will love!

Best Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Cutlets - Easy Recipe (1)

These crispy baked chicken cutlets are juicy on the inside, with a seasoned coating that adds great flavor and creates a scrumptious golden brown crust.

Thischicken recipeis easy to make and is a healthier “fried chicken” thatrequires no deep frying in oil. Trust me! It is so incredibly delicious that most people actually have told me they cannot believe it is not fried!

What’s better thancrispy breaded chickenthat is loaded with flavor and goes with pretty much anything? Plus these crispy chicken cutlets store and reheat great too!

Easily top them with sometomato sauceand cheese for a Healthy Chicken Parmesanthat even the kids will go crazy for!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE OVEN-BAKED CHICKEN CUTLETS

  • Easy chicken recipe– get perfectly crispy, juicy chicken in only a few quick steps for a perfect weeknight dinner.
  • Not a lot of ingredients– Requires only a few simple ingredients.
  • Delicious recipe– crispy chicken with much less oil than fried chicken but still all of the flavor!
  • Versatile– easily made gluten-free.
  • Great meal prep recipe– stores and reheats are great!
  • Healthy – this recipe is a much healthier alternative to the fried chicken cutlets you would get at most Italian restaurants.

Short on time? Try theseAir Fryer Chicken Cutletsthat are just as delicious and can be ready in under 15 minutes or thesechicken tendersthat are also great for the kids!

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Ingredients you will need

  • Chickenbreast– I used 5-6 ounce whole chicken breasts that were boneless and skinless that I sliced and pounded into chicken cutlets. You could also use thin-sliced chicken breasts that you can buy at most grocery stores.
  • Breadcrumbs– You can use anybreadcrumbsyou like, regular or panko breadcrumbs, or even gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Grated parmesan cheese– This is optional but adds an amazing layer of salty, crunchy flavor to the chicken. You can also sub withVegan Parmesan Cheese.
  • Eggs– these act as a binder to help the breading stick to the chicken. You will need 2 large eggs.
  • Milk– you can use non-dairy or plain milk. Make sure it is unsweetened.
  • Seasoning– I used chili powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, koshersalt, and pepper but you can use any blend you like on the chicken.

*Check out the recipe card located at the bottom of this post for the full recipe ingredients, instructions, and nutritional information.

How to make oven-baked chicken cutlets

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  1. Prepare the chicken:slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise using a sharp knife so it yields two even pieces from each chicken breast. Place each chicken cutlet between a large sheet of plastic wrap and pound it out thin to ¼ inch thickness yielding 4 thin chicken cutlets. The best way to do this is to use a meat tenderizer If you have one, or a rolling pin like I used.
  2. Mix up the coating:in a medium size shallow bowl, crack the eggs, add the milk and some salt, and black pepper, and whisk well to combine. In a separate shallow bowl, combine thebreadcrumbswith the parmesan cheese, seasoning, and salt and, pepper.
  3. Coat the chicken cutlets:Dip each of the chicken breast cutlets into the egg then the breading, pressing the breadcrumb mixture into each piece of chicken on both sides. Then place the coated chicken on the rimmed baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  4. Cook:bake the breaded chicken cutlets at 400 degrees F for 17-20 minutes until golden and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F when it is done. Per the recipe card below.
  5. Serve:Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes on a cutting board then serve it hot with your favorite sides.
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Recipe Tips For Making this Chicken Cutlets Recipe

  • Use evenly sized chicken breasts so they cook at the same time.
  • Season the egg and breadcrumb mixture with salt and pepper. Pre-seasoned breadcrumbs can be used instead of a seasoning blend.
  • Marinate the chicken before coating it for extra flavor.
  • To make the chicken super crispy, spray it with olive oil spray before baking.

FAQs

How do you store crispy baked chicken?

Once you have cooked the chicken cutlets, let them cool completely then transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

How do I reheat breaded chicken?

These baked chicken cutlets will reheat best in the oven. Place them onto a lined baking sheet and reheat them at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes. This will ensure they are still crispy and delicious but will not dry out.

How to pound out chicken breast into cutlets?

First, slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise with a sharp knife. Then, place each cutlet between a large sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound to ¼ inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.

How long does it take to bake chicken cutlets?

Bake breaded chicken cutlets at 400 degrees for 16-17 minutes, flipping halfway through. Larger, thicker cutlets may take longer to cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Check with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.

How to ensure a crispy crust?

  • Spray the chicken cutlets with olive oil spray before you bake them.
  • Flipping the chicken over halfway through the cooking time will help it to stay crispy all around.
  • You can also cook the chicken on a wire rack on top of the baking sheet so you don’t need to flip it while cooking.
  • Make sure to bake them until they are nice and golden. Let them rest for a few minutes before you cut them. They get even crispier are they cool.
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Serving Suggestions

There are so many things that go well with the chicken cutlet recipe. Here are a few of my favorites.

  • SaladKale Salad, Couscous Salad, Chopped Italian Salad, Chopped Kale Salad.
  • Side dishesRoasted Potatoes and Carrots, Butternut Squash, Asparagus, Brussel Sprouts
  • PotatoesMashed Sweet Potatoes, Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes.

More Delicious Chicken Recipes

  • Air Fryer Chicken Breast
  • BBQ Chicken Breast
  • Healthy Green Chicken Enchiladas
  • Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
  • Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
  • Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
  • Gluten Free Chicken Parmesan
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Did you try this baked chicken cutlets recipe? If you did then please leave a rating and comment below. I would love to hear how yours turned out!

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Best Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Cutlets - Easy Recipe (11)

Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Cutlets

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star

5 from 4 reviews

  • Author: Amy Estes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Diet: Low Calorie
Print Recipe

Description

These crispy baked chicken cutlets are packed with incredible flavor and they have the most amazingly delicious, golden crust that is so good! Make them in under 30 minutes for an easy weeknight meal the whole family will love!

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 (5-6 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons milk – you can use non-dairy
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs – you can use gluten free
  • ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Olive oil cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the chicken – slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise so it yields two equal pieces from each chicken breast. Use a sharp kitchen knife to do this. Then place each piece of chicken in between some plastic wrap and use a meat tenderizer, rolling pin, or even your hands to pound the chicken into ¼ inch thick cutlets that are even all over in size.
  3. Mix up the coating – in a medium shallow dish, crack the eggs and whisk them with the milk and some salt and pepper. In a separate shallow dish mix the breadcrumbs with the parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Coat the chicken – dip each chicken cutlet into the egg then in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breading into the chicken as you coat it. Place the coated chicken onto the baking sheet in a single layer with none of them overlapping. Continue until you have coated all of the chicken. Spray each of the chicken cutlets with olive oil spray for extra crispiness.
  5. Cook – place the coated chicken into the preheated oven and bake it for 17-20 minutes, turning it over halfway through the baking time. Cook until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F. You can check this using a meat thermometer.
  6. Serve – once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and leave it on the pan to cool for a few minutes before serving it.

Notes

  • Use chicken breasts that are similar in size or you can buy chicken cutlets.
  • For an extra crispy crust, spray the chicken cutlets with olive oil spray before you bake them.
  • You can store these baked chicken cutlets after they have been cooked and cooled, in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the oven on a baking sheet at 350 degrees for a few minutes until warmed through or in the air fryer at 350 degrees for a few minutes.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 17 minutes
  • Category: Healthy Dinner Ideas
  • Method: Oven Baked
  • Cuisine: American
Best Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Cutlets - Easy Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep chicken crispy when baking? ›

We like using a rack instead of simply plopping the chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet because the rack allows the oven's hot air to reach and crisp-up every single nook and cranny in the chicken skin. A quick word on whether or not you should cover the chicken in foil.

How do you keep cutlets crispy? ›

Just place them on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet.

In much the same way, putting fried food on a cooling rack means the excess oil will drip off, but there's enough air circulating underneath the food that the bottoms don't get soggy.

Should baked chicken be covered or uncovered in the oven? ›

Larger cuts, such as whole chickens or bone-in pieces, often benefit from covered baking to ensure thorough and even cooking. Smaller cuts, like chicken breasts or tenders, can be baked uncovered for quick results. Lastly, think about the desired texture and flavor you're trying to achieve.

Is flour or cornstarch better for crispy chicken? ›

While every fried chicken joint or gas station will tell you that they have a secret formula to their batter, we don't like to keep secrets. Cornstarch will make your fried chicken better.

What ingredient makes chicken skin crispy? ›

That trick is a sprinkling of baking powder, and it'll get you the crispiest, crackliest bites of fatty, salty skin imaginable, whether you're cooking just one thigh, a plate of wings, or an entire bird.

Why didn't my chicken get crispy in the oven? ›

Low Temperature: Baking chicken at too low a temperature can result in a lack of crispiness. To achieve crispy chicken skin, bake the chicken at a higher temperature, typically between 375°F to 425°F (190°C to 220°C), depending on the recipe and the size of the chicken pieces.

Why is my oven chicken not crispy? ›

Chicken skin needs to be dry in order for it to crisp when cooked. Whether or not you rinse the chicken before prepping, you need to make sure the skin is as dry as possible. After removing the chicken from the package (and washing it, if that is your preferred method) pat each piece dry with paper towels.

Why aren't my chicken cutlets crispy? ›

Don't overcrowd the pan. This will prevent the chicken from getting extra crispy. Plan on doing at least two batches. Bread the chicken and let them sit for at least 10 minutes before frying so the breading sticks to the chicken.

Should I flour my chicken cutlets? ›

You should always start with a layer of flour. This helps absorb moisture on the surface of the chicken, which would keep the breading from sticking and make a mess in the hot oil. The flour also gives the egg something to cling to—otherwise it would slide right off the chicken.

What makes breading extra crispy? ›

Cornstarch in the flour makes the crust crispier.

Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400? ›

Guidelines for Baking:
  • For bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, consider baking at 350°F for a longer time (45-55 minutes), checking the internal temperature to ensure doneness.
  • For boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you can bake at 400°F for a shorter time (25-35 minutes), again checking the internal temperature.
Aug 10, 2021

Is it better to bake chicken in glass or metal? ›

If youre looking to oven bake chicken then metal is the best choice however if you're looking to make a casserole then glass can work perfectly. Just be careful not to expose heated glass to cold tempatures as it will shatter!

How long to cook chicken in the oven at 350? ›

The right temperature and time
Type of chickenWeightRoasting: 350°F (177˚C)
breast halves, bone-in6 to 8 oz.30 to 40 minutes
breast halves, boneless4 oz.20 to 30 minutes
legs or thighs4 to 8 oz.40 to 50 minutes
drumsticks4 oz.35 to 45 minutes
1 more row

What makes chicken skin extra crispy? ›

Rub with Salt and Baking Powder

Both substances pull moisture out of the skin. But baking powder has additional powers. It prods some of the skin's proteins and fat to break down, which, combined with its alkalinity, accelerates the Maillard reaction, for skin that browns and crisps more quickly.

How do Chinese get their chicken so crispy? ›

The chicken is then air-dried for 10 to 12 hours before being flash-fried, then oil-poached. The skin gets its signature crispiness from 10 to 12 minutes of basting with scalding hot oil right before serving.

What's the secret to good fried chicken? ›

The secret to succulent fried chicken starts with a marinade or brine, which keeps the chicken at its peak juiciness. Fried chicken traditionalists generally choose a buttermilk marinade while others swear by a brine, which is a mixture of sugar, salt and sometimes spices dissolved into water.

Is baking powder or soda better for crispy chicken? ›

Baking powder, it turns out, is good for quite a lot more than baking. The slightly alkaline mixture raises the skin's pH levels, which allows proteins to break down more efficiently, giving you crisper, more evenly browned results.

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