Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Cutlets Recipe

Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Cutlets are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken cutlets. This recipe combines juicy, tender chicken breasts with a flavorful, crispy coating, resulting in a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Ideal for busy weeknights or a delightful weekend meal, these chicken cutlets can be served alongside various sides or incorporated into salads, sandwiches, and more.

Preparation Tips

1. Pound the Chicken Evenly: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook uniformly and stay juicy.
2. Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality breadcrumbs make a significant difference in flavor and texture.
3. Set Up a Breading Station: Organize your flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb mixture to make the breading process smoother and more efficient.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pound the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly and remain tender.
2. Trim and Season: Remove any excess fat or tendons from the chicken breasts. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

1. Prepare Three Shallow Dishes:
   • In the first dish, add the flour, seasoned with salt and pepper.
   • In the second dish, crack the eggs and beat them until combined.
   • In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well to combine.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

1. Dredge the Chicken:
   • Begin by coating each chicken cutlet in the flour, ensuring an even layer. Shake off any excess flour.
   • Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off.
   • Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. Place the breaded chicken cutlets on a plate or wire rack and let them sit for a few minutes to set the coating.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken Cutlets

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps achieve a crispy exterior.
2. Prepare a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Arrange the Cutlets: Place the breaded chicken cutlets on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not touching to allow air circulation, which contributes to even cooking.
4. Drizzle or Spray with Oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the cutlets or spray them with cooking spray. This step helps enhance the crispiness of the coating.
5. Bake: Bake the chicken cutlets in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The cutlets should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish: Once baked, remove the chicken cutlets from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges for a burst of freshness.
2. Serving Suggestions: Crispy oven-baked chicken cutlets can be enjoyed in various ways:
   • On a Plate: Serve alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
   • In a Sandwich: Place the cutlet in a bun with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, and mayo for a delicious sandwich.
   • In a Salad: Slice the chicken cutlets and add them to a mixed green salad for a protein-packed meal.

Variations

Italian Style

• Add Italian Herbs: Incorporate dried oregano and basil into the breadcrumb mixture for an Italian twist.
• Marinara Sauce: Serve with marinara sauce for dipping or drizzle on top.

Asian Style

• Sesame Panko: Replace traditional breadcrumbs with sesame panko for an Asian flavor.
• Serve with Soy Sauce: Pair with a soy sauce or teriyaki glaze for dipping.

Spicy Variation

• Add Spices: Mix cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
• Buffalo Sauce: Toss the cooked cutlets in buffalo sauce for a flavorful twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use skin-on chicken breasts?

Yes, skin-on chicken breasts can be used, but they may require a longer cooking time. The skin will also add additional fat and flavor.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well in this recipe and will provide a slightly different texture, being juicier than chicken breasts.

What if I don’t have Panko breadcrumbs?

You can substitute regular breadcrumbs for Panko; however, Panko offers a lighter, crunchier texture. For a homemade option, pulse stale bread in a food processor to create coarse crumbs.

Conclusion

Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Cutlets are a versatile and delicious meal option that everyone in the family will love. With their golden, crunchy exterior and juicy interior, these chicken cutlets prove that healthier choices can be just as satisfying as their fried counterparts. Whether served on their own, in a sandwich, or over a salad, they are sure to be a hit. This recipe’s simplicity and adaptability make it a must-have in any home cook’s repertoire. Enjoy crafting this delightful dish and savoring the delightful results!

Yield: 4

Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Cutlets Recipe

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Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Cutlets are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken cutlets. This recipe combines juicy, tender chicken breasts with a flavorful, crispy coating, resulting in a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Ideal for busy weeknights or a delightful weekend meal, these chicken cutlets can be served alongside various sides or incorporated into salads, sandwiches, and more.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• Cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
   
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking and tenderizes the meat.
   Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt and black pepper.
   
3. Set Up the Breading Station:
   In a shallow dish, place the flour. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs and water together. In a third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
   
4. Bread the Chicken Cutlets:
   Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour, shaking off any excess.
   Dip into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
   Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the chicken.
   
5. Bake the Cutlets:
   Arrange the breaded chicken cutlets on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil for added crispiness.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Flip the cutlets halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
   
6. Serve:
   Remove the cutlets from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a salad, pasta, or vegetables.

Notes

Variations: Try adding grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.

Make Ahead: You can bread the cutlets in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake.