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Baked Chicken Cutlets

This dish features tender, juicy chicken cutlets baked until golden with a crisp breadcrumb crust. Main ingredients include thinly pounded chicken breasts coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, baked to perfection with a light drizzle of olive oil. The final result is a juicy interior encased in a crunchy, golden exterior, perfect for a simple yet satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts preferably pounded to an even thickness
  • 1 cup plain panko breadcrumbs for light crunch
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese optional, for extra flavor
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika smoked or sweet
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 large eggs beaten, for coating
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for drizzling or spraying
  • 1 lemon lemon for squeezing before serving
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone mat
  • Shallow dishes
  • Tongs or fork
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
  2. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch, ensuring they cook uniformly. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme.
  3. Set up your breading station: place beaten eggs in one shallow dish and mix the panko with Parmesan, if using, and additional seasonings in another.
  4. Dip each chicken cutlet into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
  5. Arrange the breaded cutlets on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Drizzle or spray lightly with olive oil for a golden, crispy crust.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
  7. Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
  8. Squeeze fresh lemon over the cutlets just before serving for a bright, fresh flavor. Serve hot alongside your favorite sides.