Baked Chicken Cutlet Recipe

The moment I pulled these baked chicken cutlets out of the oven, the golden, crispy coating had me bound. I love how they deliver the crunch of fried chicken without a lot of effort in its preparation.
Thin chicken breasts are coated in a mix of pecorino, parsley, and perfectly seasoned breadcrumbs before baking to perfection.
The result is juicy, tender chicken with a crispy, irresistible crust—and the best part? It’s healthier and cleaner than frying. Trust me, this recipe is a total game-changer for weeknight dinners.
Point | Details |
Nutritional Breakdown | 280-350 calories per serving, 14-18g fat, 30g protein, 20-25g carbs, 1-3g fiber. |
Cost Estimate | The cost per serving is approximately $0.70 USD, and the total cost for 4 servings is around $2.80 USD |
Weight Loss vs Weight Gain | Good for both; use less oil for weight loss and pair with carbs for weight gain. |
Popularity by Region | Popular in Italy, U.S., and increasingly in Pakistan and India |
In just 40 minutes, you can have a tray of these cutlets ready to go with your favorite sides. Whether you serve them with creamy pasta, toss them over a fresh salad, or enjoy them with steamed veggies, they’re always a hit.

The panko breadcrumbs add that signature crunch, and baking keeps it simple and light. Did you know this dish has roots in Italian cuisine, where it’s often served as a comforting family meal?
You’ll love how easy, versatile, and mess-free this recipe is—it’s quickly become a staple in my kitchen!
- Prep Time 20 Minutes
- Cook Time 25 Minutes
- Total Time 45 Minutes
Equipment for Baked Chicken Cutlet Recipe
Before jumping into its preparation method, and its quantity of ingredients details, let’s talk about the essential equipment that I used to do for that
- Baking Sheet
- Wire Rack (optional)
- Mixing Bowls
- Tongs
- Sharp Knife
- Meat Mallet
- Parchment Paper (optional)
Ingredients I Recommend you to use
Let’s talk about its ingredient portion, make sure that the quantity mentioned for one serving is here, and further you can add or subtract the quantity of ingredients according to your taste and temperament.
Ingredients
2 large eggs
Optional: Salt flakes or coarse salt for finishing
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 large pieces)
1½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs (recipe below)
2 tablespoons whole milk
A pinch of salt and black pepper
Oil spray
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
3 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano cheese
For the Seasoned Breadcrumbs
- 1 cup fine-textured plain breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions For Its Preparation Method
Follow these instructions to taste the baked chicken cutlet recipe
Step 1: Gather and Prep Ingredients
Start by organizing all the ingredients. For the seasoned breadcrumbs, mix the breadcrumbs, Pecorino Romano, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a large bowl. These breadcrumbs can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for convenience.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
Next, shake together the eggs, Pecorino Romano, parsley, and milk in a separate bowl until smooth. This will act as the coating for the chicken.

Step 3: Trim and Slice the Chicken
Trim off any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Then, carefully slice each breast in half horizontally with a sharp knife to create thinner pieces of meat.

Step 4: Flatten the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces between plastic wrap and gently pound them to about ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This step ensures even cooking. Season both sides of the chicken lightly with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are fully coated. Then, press the chicken into the seasoned breadcrumbs, covering it evenly. Repeat for all pieces.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and spray it with oil. Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer on the pan, leaving space between each piece. Spray the tops of the chicken with oil as well.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the chicken for 15 minutes. Then, flip each piece over and bake for another 10 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For a crispier finish, broil the chicken for 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

(Optional) Sprinkle with salt flakes or coarse salt before serving.
Enjoy the crispy, golden-brown baked chicken cutlets, perfect for any occasion!
More Delicious Italian American Recipes
If you enjoyed the baked chicken cutlets, you’ll love other Italian-American classics like Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta, Homemade Meatballs with Marinara, and Eggplant Parmesan.
For a heartier meal, try Classic Chicken Parmesan or Lasagna with Ricotta Cheese. Don’t miss the delicious Shrimp Scampi for a seafood twist. These flavorful dishes will bring the taste of Italy to your home!
Pro TIPS for Baked Chicken Cutlets
When making baked chicken cutlets, I highly recommend pounding the chicken to about ½-inch thickness for even cooking. This ensures the cutlets cook through without drying out.
I also suggest using freshly seasoned breadcrumbs, as they make a big difference in flavor—add 1 cup of plain bread crumbs mixed with herbs and Pecorino Romano.
To get that perfect crispy texture, I always spray both sides of the chicken with oil before baking at 425°F.
Finally, for a golden finish, broil the cutlets for 1-2 minutes, but keep an eye on them so they don’t burn! Always check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F to guarantee a tender, juicy bite.
Serving Suggestions: Pair these crispy chicken cutlets with a side of mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or some roasted veggies for a complete meal. You can also serve them in a sandwich with lettuce and tomatoes, or top them over pasta with marinara sauce for a hearty dish!
FAQs
1. Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400?
Baking at 400°F is recommended for chicken cutlets because it helps create a crispy crust while keeping the inside juicy. It’s the ideal temperature for this recipe
3. How do I keep my chicken cutlets moist while baking?
To keep chicken cutlets moist while baking, spray them with oil before baking. This helps the breadcrumbs crisp up and seals in moisture, preventing the chicken from drying out.
2. Can I fry the breaded chicken instead of baking it?
Yes, you can fry the breaded chicken, but baking it is a healthier option. Frying will give a similar crispy result, but it adds more oil and calories
4. Can I use other types of cheese in the recipe?
Yes, you can substitute Pecorino Romano with Parmesan or any other hard cheese you prefer. It may slightly change the flavor but will still work well in the recipe.
5. How do I know when the baked chicken cutlets are fully cooked?
The chicken cutlets are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, check by cutting into the thickest part of the cutlet; it should no longer be pink inside.
.