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Ever wanted the crunch of fried chicken cutlets but without the mess? This easy oven-baked chicken cutlet recipe is your answer. It’s simple to make and gives you a crispy outside and juicy inside. Impress your loved ones with these baked chicken cutlets that taste just like the fried kind.
Introduction to Baked Chicken Cutlets
Baked chicken cutlets are a tasty and healthier choice compared to fried ones. They get a crispy outside from the oven without extra fat. These crispy chicken cutlets taste great and are perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep.
The Beauty of Oven-Baked Crispy Chicken Cutlets
The key to baked chicken cutlets is the right breading and oven temperature. A simple three-step breading and baking at 425°F ensures a crispy outside and juicy inside. This healthy chicken recipe lets you enjoy fried chicken’s taste without the unhealthy fats.
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 393 |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Protein | 48g |
| Fat | 19g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 13g |
| Cholesterol | 161mg |
| Sodium | 168mg |
The oven-baked chicken cutlets are healthier than fried ones. They offer a crispy texture and delicious taste without harming your diet. These baked chicken cutlets are a hit for meal prep or a quick dinner.
Preparing the Chicken Cutlets
To start, you need to prepare the chicken breast cutlets. First, cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in half horizontally. This makes thin, even chicken cutlets. If they’re too thick, place them between plastic wrap and pound them to 1/2-inch thickness.
This makes sure the chicken cutlets cook evenly in the oven.
Seasoning and Marinating the Chicken Cutlets
Then, season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Next, marinate them in buttermilk, hot sauce, and more seasonings. Letting the chicken marinate for at least an hour (or up to overnight) keeps it tender and juicy.
This step is key for flavorful and moist marinated chicken cutlets.
- Marinate the chicken cutlets in a mixture of buttermilk, hot sauce, and seasonings for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
- Pounding the chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness ensures the chicken cutlets cook evenly.
- Seasoning the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper enhances the overall flavor.
“The key to perfectly baked chicken cutlets is in the preparation. Taking the time to slice, pound, and marinate the chicken ensures a crispy, flavorful result every time.”
Setting Up the Breading Station
To get the perfect crispy finish on your baked breaded chicken cutlets, you need a well-organized breading station. This three-step process helps the chicken get a golden-brown crust in the oven.
- In the first dish, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, and onion powder. This dry mix will give the chicken a satisfying crunch.
- In the second dish, whisk together mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, and water. This wet mix helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
- In the third dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and olive oil. The panko creates the signature three-step breading process. The Parmesan adds extra flavor.
With your breading station ready, you can bread the chicken cutlets. Then, bake them to crispy perfection in the oven.
“The key to perfectly crispy baked chicken cutlets is all in the breading process. Taking the time to set up a proper breading station is the secret to success.”
By using this three-step breading method, your breaded chicken cutlets will have a crunchy exterior. They’ll also be juicy and tender inside. Get ready to enjoy the ultimate in oven-baked chicken perfection!
Breading the Chicken Cutlets
Now that you’ve set up your breading station, it’s time to bread the chicken cutlets. This three-step process is key to getting a crispy and crunchy exterior on your baked chicken cutlets.
The Three-Step Breading Process
- Dredge each chicken cutlet in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured cutlet into the beaten egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Gently press the coated cutlet into the panko-crusted breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated on both sides.
This simple yet effective three-step breading technique creates a delectable breaded chicken cutlet. It bakes up golden, crispy, and full of flavor. The flour, egg, and seasoned breadcrumbs form a protective barrier. This seals in the juices and gives a satisfying crunch with every bite.
“The secret to perfectly crispy baked chicken cutlets lies in the three-step breading process. It’s a game-changer for achieving that coveted crunchy texture right in your own oven.”
Whether you’re making breaded chicken cutlets for a family dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, mastering this technique is key. It ensures your chicken cutlets are deliciously crisp and golden every time.
Baking the Breaded Chicken Cutlets
Now that you’ve breaded your chicken cutlets, it’s time to bake them. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the baked chicken cutlets on the sheet, leaving space for even browning.
Before baking, lightly drizzle the oven-baked chicken with olive oil. This step helps get that golden-brown crust. Bake for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re cooked and reach 165°F (75°C).
The high oven temperature and the top rack help the baked chicken cutlets get crispy. Watch them closely to avoid overcooking and drying out.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Cooking Time for Baked Breaded Chicken Cutlets | 30-35 minutes |
| Common Ingredients for Bread Crumb Mixture | Dry Italian bread crumbs, panko, Parmesan cheese, dried basil leaves, dried oregano, onion powder, ground black pepper |
| Percentage of Chicken Breast Halves Needed | 100% |
| Oven Preheating Temperature | 350°F (175°C) |
| Required Internal Temperature for Cooked Chicken | 165°F (75°C) |
| Time Needed for Chicken Breasts to Cook Through | 30-35 minutes |
Your baked chicken cutlets are now golden and crispy. This method gives you a delicious texture without deep frying. Enjoy your oven-baked chicken cutlets!
“The secret to perfectly crispy baked chicken cutlets is all in the baking method. High heat and a quick cooking time are the keys to that irresistible fried-like texture without the oil.”
Serving Suggestions for Baked Chicken cutlets in oven
These perfectly baked chicken cutlets are incredibly versatile. They can be served in many delicious ways. For a classic dish, try them with roasted potatoes, a fresh green salad, or your favorite pasta or rice.
You can also make chicken parmesan by topping them with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
Delicious Side Dishes to Accompany the Cutlets
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss a medley of seasonal veggies like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and zucchini with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then, roast them alongside the chicken cutlets for a complete meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are perfect with these crispy chicken cutlets.
- Pasta or Rice: Serve the baked chicken cutlets over a bed of your favorite pasta or rice dish for a hearty and satisfying dinner.
- Fresh Salad: A light and refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing balances out the richness of the chicken cutlets.
The baked chicken cutlets also make a great addition to sandwiches, wraps, or salads. No matter how you choose to serve them, these oven-baked chicken cutlets are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. They are a kid-friendly chicken dish that the whole family will enjoy.
“These baked chicken cutlets are a game-changer for easy chicken dinner recipes. The crispy breading and juicy meat make them a versatile choice that the whole family will love.”
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftover baked chicken cutlets, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep the fridge at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or less for best chicken storage. For longer storage, freeze them for 2 to 6 months at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or less.
To enjoy your baked chicken cutlet leftovers, warm them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can also reheat them in the air fryer or toaster oven for a quick warm-up.
Leftover baked chicken cutlets are great for meal prep. They can be used in many dishes like chicken Parmesan, spicy chicken sandwiches, or in salads.
| Storage Method | Recommended Temperature | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 41°F or less | 3-4 days |
| Freezer | 0°F or less | 2-6 months |
When reheating chicken cutlets, make sure they’re hot through, about 10-15 minutes in a 350°F oven. You can also microwave them at 50% power, covered, to prevent drying out.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your baked chicken cutlets all week. It’s a great way to make the most of your meal prep.
Tips for Perfect Baked Chicken cutlets in oven
Ensuring crispiness and flavor
To get crispy and tasty baked chicken cutlets, follow a few steps. First, pound the chicken breasts thin and even. This makes sure they cook well and stay juicy inside.
Then, coat the chicken well in a three-step breading process. This adds a nice crunch on the outside.
Bake the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This lets hot air circulate and make the chicken crispy. Don’t overcrowd the sheet to avoid steaming instead of browning.
Lastly, season the baked chicken cutlets with your favorite herbs and spices. A homemade mix or a squeeze of fresh lemon can elevate your oven-baked chicken to perfection.
FAQ
What are the benefits of baking chicken cutlets in the oven instead of frying them?
Baking chicken cutlets in the oven is healthier than frying. It gives you a crispy texture without the extra fat and mess of deep frying.
What’s the secret to getting crispy baked chicken cutlets?
The secret is a three-step breading process and baking at a high temperature. Place the cutlets on the top rack of the oven. This makes them crispy and golden.
How do you prepare the chicken breasts for baking?
Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half horizontally. This makes them thin and even. If they’re still thick, pound them gently with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they’re 1/2-inch thick.
How do you set up the breading station for baked chicken cutlets?
You’ll need three shallow dishes for the breading station. In the first, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, and onion powder. The second dish has a wet mix of mayonnaise, egg, Dijon mustard, and water. The third dish is for panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and olive oil.
How do you bread the chicken cutlets?
First, coat the chicken in flour, shaking off excess. Then, dip in the wet egg mixture, letting any extra drip off. Finally, press the cutlets into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure they’re coated well on both sides.
How do you bake the breaded chicken cutlets?
Place the breaded cutlets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake at 450°F for 12-14 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
How can you serve the baked chicken cutlets?
These cutlets are versatile and can be served many ways. Try them with roasted potatoes, a green salad, or pasta. You can also use them in sandwiches, wraps, or salads.
How do you store and reheat leftover baked chicken cutlets?
Store leftover cutlets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes. You can also reheat in the air fryer or toaster oven for a quick crisp.