If you’re looking for an easy, healthy recipe that’s big on flavor, baked chicken cutlets are your answer. If you like chicken cutlets but want something a little lighter, try these. They are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and baked to golden perfection. Best of all, they’re simple to make with minimal cleanup—no frying required!.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen. Not only do baked chicken cutlets go with pretty much everything, but they are also a lower calorie option that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture.
This chicken cutlet recipe is very flexible, and you can serve it with almost anything you have on hand. Chicken cutlets and spinach and arugula salad are my favorite simple meal together. For the cutlets, I like to add an extra lemon wedge. For a bit more work, try these baked chicken cutlets. For a lighter version of Chicken Parmesan, just bake the chicken cutlets instead of frying them. You can also cut them up and throw them on top of a salad with Healthy Homemade Caesar Dressing, the possibilities are endless![feast_advanced_jump_to].
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet with a wire rack. Spray the rack lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
Butterfly the chicken so it is super thin. If possible you can even butterfly the chicken twice, so one breast yields four cutlets. Then pound thin. The cutlets should almost be see through.
Pat the chicken cutlets dry with paper towels, then sprinkle both sides generously with salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat them dry again. This step ensures crispy, flavorful cutlets.
Use two shallow bowls—one for beaten eggs and the other for breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Dip each cutlet into the egg wash, then coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere evenly.
Arrange the breaded cutlets on the prepared wire rack. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Hint: Prep is very important here, make sure you spend the time to make your cutlets nice and thin and salt them for best results!
To make this recipe a bit leaner in terms of oil usage, I recommend investing in an olive oil sprayer. While you can get away with drizzling the oil (which I prefer) this adds a lot more calories from oil. An oil sprayer will ensure that you are able to go easy on the oil while still getting crispy cutlets.
Leftover baked chicken cutlets are just as delicious! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness.
You can freeze baked chicken cutlets for up to 3 months if stored properly. Here’s how to freeze them for best results:
Cooking chicken cutlets in the oven is a great way to make a healthy, delicious meal easily When baking chicken cutlets, one of the most common questions is how long to cook them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure they are fully cooked and juicy In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to perfectly bake chicken cutlets in the oven.
What are Chicken Cutlets?
Chicken cutlets are thin, boneless chicken breast fillets, usually between 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Chicken cutlets cook faster than regular chicken breasts because they are pounded thin. This allows them to cook through in a shorter time while staying nice and juicy
Cutlets can be made from scratch by slicing chicken breasts horizontally and pounding them thin. You can also purchase pre-made chicken cutlets from many grocery stores for convenience. They make a quick and easy dinner option and can be used in all sorts of recipes from easy baked cutlets to chicken parmesan.
Why Bake Chicken Cutlets?
Instead of frying chicken cutlets, baking them is a better way to cook them. It makes golden, crispy cutlets without adding a lot of extra oil or fat. When you bake, it’s also easy to add flavor by mixing cheeses, herbs, spices, etc. into the breading.
Compared to pan frying, baking chicken cutlets takes a bit more time but not a lot of active effort. Simply prepare them, pop them in the oven, and bake until cooked through and browned. Oven-baked chicken cutlets are crunchy on the outside while remaining juicy inside.
How to Bake Chicken Cutlets at 350 Degrees
When cooking chicken cutlets in the oven, there are a few factors that affect the baking time including thickness, whether they are breaded or not, and the size/number of cutlets. Here are some general guidelines for how long to bake chicken cutlets at 350 degrees:
- Unbreaded chicken cutlets, 4 ounces each – 15-18 minutes
- Breaded chicken cutlets, 4 ounces each – 18-22 minutes
- Thinner cutlets, around 1/4 inch – 12-15 minutes
- Thicker cutlets, up to 1/2 inch – 22-25 minutes
- Smaller cutlets – Decrease time by 2-3 minutes
- Larger cutlets – Increase time by 2-3 minutes
These times are for cuts of meat that are baked in a single layer on a baking sheet with a lip and parchment paper or foil on the bottom.
For breaded cutlets that are crispy, I suggest putting a wire rack on the baking sheet. This lets air flow around the cutlets. For easy cleanup, spray the rack with oil or line it with foil.
Tips for the Best Oven Baked Chicken Cutlets
Here are some useful tips to ensure your oven baked chicken cutlets turn out perfectly cooked and delicious every time:
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Pound cutlets thin to 1/4 – 1/2 inch thickness. This helps them cook faster.
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For extra flavor and moisture, soak chicken cutlets in salt water for 30 minutes before baking.
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Pat cutlets very dry before breading to help the coating stick.
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Use Italian style breadcrumbs for the coating. Panko also works well.
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Dip cutlets in egg wash then press into breadcrumbs to adhere.
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Bake in a single layer on parchment lined baking sheet.
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Flip cutlets halfway during baking for even browning.
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Bake at 350 F until cooked through and browned, about 18-22 minutes.
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Check temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure 165 F.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
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Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350 F oven.
How to Tell When Chicken Cutlets are Done
Using a food thermometer is the most reliable way to tell when your chicken cutlets are fully cooked. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the cutlet, making sure it doesn’t touch bone.
Chicken is safely cooked at an internal temperature of 165 F. If your cutlets have not yet reached 165 F, continue baking and check again in 5 minutes.
If you don’t have a thermometer, look for these signs that the cutlets are fully cooked:
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Breadcrumb coating is nicely browned
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Cutlets are opaque throughout when pierced with a fork
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Juices run clear when cutlet is pierced (not pink or red)
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Texture is firm to the touch
Chicken cooked to 165 F will be moist and tender inside. Be careful not to overbake the cutlets or they will dry out. Immediately remove from the oven when the cutlets are browned and register 165 F.
Common Questions
How long does it take to bake chicken cutlets at 400 degrees?
At a higher 400 F oven, cutlets will bake slightly faster. Unbreaded cutlets will take 12-15 minutes while breaded ones will need 15-18 minutes. Always check internal temp.
Can you bake frozen chicken cutlets?
Yes, frozen breaded chicken cutlets can go straight into the oven while still frozen. Add 5 minutes to the bake time. Bake on parchment lined baking sheet.
Do you need oil when baking chicken cutlets?
Just a small amount of oil helps promote browning when baking. You can use olive oil cooking spray or brush the cutlets lightly with oil before baking.
What sides go well with baked chicken cutlets?
Baked cutlets pair nicely with rice, roasted potatoes, pasta, or a fresh green salad. Top cutlets with sauces like lemon butter or marinara for extra flavor.
The Takeaway
Cooking boneless chicken cutlets in the oven at 350 degrees F makes for a fast, easy, and healthy dinner option. For breaded cutlets about 4 ounces each, allow 18-22 minutes for baking. Check internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165 F. Follow these simple tips for oven baked chicken cutlets that are juicy, tender and crispy!
How to Freeze Baked Chicken Cutlets
- Let cool all the way down: After baking, let the chicken cutlets cool to room temperature.
- Flash-freeze: Lay the cutlets out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for one to two hours. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Package for Freezing: Once the cutlets are frozen, put them in a container that won’t let air in or a freezer-safe zip-top bag. To make sure they are even safer, wrap each cutlet in plastic wrap or foil before putting it in the container.
- Label and Date: Write the date on the label so you can remember how long they’ve been frozen.