Introduction
If you’re looking to create a delicious and satisfying meal, this recipe for baked chicken cutlets is a fantastic option. Using simple ingredients and a straightforward method, you can whip up crispy, flavorful chicken that the whole family will love. The cutlets are not only easy to prepare but also versatile, making them a perfect addition to salads, pasta, or as a stand-alone dish. Let’s dive into the ingredients and preparation steps.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup panko bread crumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
Prep Time
Preparation for this dish is quick and easy, taking approximately 15-20 minutes to set up your ingredients and bread the chicken cutlets.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cook time for these chicken cutlets is about 18-22 minutes. In total, you can expect the entire process—from prep to serving—to take around 40-45 minutes. This recipe yields approximately 4-6 servings, perfect for a family meal or gathering.
Directions
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Set your oven to 425°F (218°C).
2. **Prepare the Chicken:** If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to create thin cutlets. This ensures even cooking and a tender result.
3. **Set Up Dredging Stations:**
– In the first shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour.
– In the second dish, beat the eggs until smooth.
– In the third dish, combine the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly to ensure the butter is evenly distributed, which will help achieve a crispy coating.
4. **Bread the Chicken:**
– Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour, ensuring a light, even coating.
– Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
– Press the chicken into the seasoned bread crumb mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated. Press gently to help the crumbs adhere.
5. **Arrange for Baking:** Place the breaded chicken cutlets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Ensure they are not touching to allow for even cooking.
6. **Bake:** Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy. There’s no need to flip the cutlets during baking.
7. **Serve:** Once baked, remove the chicken cutlets from the oven. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. These cutlets pair well with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or over a bed of pasta.
Note: For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken cutlets in Italian dressing for 15-30 minutes before breading. This step is optional but can enhance the taste. Enjoy your delicious baked chicken cutlets!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 425°F (218°C).
Prepare the Chicken
If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to create thin cutlets. This ensures even cooking and a tender result.
Set Up Dredging Stations
In the first shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, beat the eggs until smooth. In the third dish, combine the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly to ensure the butter is evenly distributed, which will help achieve a crispy coating.
Bread the Chicken
Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour, ensuring a light, even coating. Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Press the chicken into the seasoned bread crumb mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated. Press gently to help the crumbs adhere.
Arrange for Baking
Place the breaded chicken cutlets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Ensure they are not touching to allow for even cooking.
Bake
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy. There’s no need to flip the cutlets during baking.
Serve
Once baked, remove the chicken cutlets from the oven. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. These cutlets pair well with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or over a bed of pasta.
Notes
Marinating Option
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken cutlets in Italian dressing for 15-30 minutes before breading. This step is optional but can enhance the taste.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Ensure your oven is preheated to 425°F (218°C) for optimal cooking conditions.
Preparing the Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thin cutlets, promoting even cooking and tenderness.
Setting Up Dredging Stations
Create three shallow dishes: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for the panko mixture with seasonings and melted butter.
Breading the Chicken
Dredge the chicken cutlets in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, followed by pressing into the panko mixture for a crispy coating.
Arranging for Baking
Place the breaded cutlets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.
Baking the Chicken
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
Serving the Chicken Cutlets
Allow the baked cutlets to rest briefly before serving, enhancing their flavor when paired with sides.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result, but the cooking time may vary slightly.
What can I substitute for panko bread crumbs?
You can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, although panko provides a lighter, crispier texture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight can enhance flavor. Just ensure to keep the chicken refrigerated.
What sides pair well with these chicken cutlets?
These cutlets are great with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or pasta dishes for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This baked chicken cutlet recipe delivers a crispy, flavorful dish that is not only easy to prepare but also versatile. The golden-brown parmesan and panko coating, combined with the tender chicken, makes for a satisfying meal. Enjoying these cutlets alongside a variety of sides or incorporating them into different dishes allows for numerous culinary experiences.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Parmesan
Top the baked chicken cutlets with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, then return to the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden for a classic Italian dish.
Chicken Cutlet Sandwich
Place the baked chicken cutlet in a sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce, such as aioli or honey mustard, for a delicious handheld meal.
Buffalo Chicken Cutlets
Toss the baked chicken cutlets with buffalo sauce for a spicy twist. Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing on the side.
Chicken Salad Topper
Slice the baked chicken cutlets and add them to a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and your choice of dressing for a hearty meal.
Chicken Pasta Bake
Cube the baked chicken cutlets and mix them into cooked pasta with marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella, then bake until heated through for a comforting casserole.
Asian-Inspired Chicken Cutlet Bowl
Serve sliced chicken cutlets over rice or quinoa with steamed vegetables and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce for an Asian twist.
