Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a healthy, flavorful meal that's quick and easy to prepare? Then look no further! This oven-baked chicken cutlet recipe is your answer. Forget greasy frying; this method delivers crispy, juicy chicken cutlets every time, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light weekend lunch. It's one of those easy recipes that's sure to become a staple in your healthy meal rotation. Get ready to impress your family and yourself with this simple yet delicious dish!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk (buttermilk adds extra tang and tenderness)
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a crispy crust. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. In another shallow dish, pour the milk or buttermilk. Finally, in a third dish, combine the panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese (if using).
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dip it in the milk, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere.
Step 4: Bake the Cutlets
Place the breaded chicken cutlets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken should register 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious chicken cutlets immediately. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, zesty touch. These are fantastic on their own, paired with a side salad, or served with your favorite vegetables.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken Cutlets:
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Ensure there's enough space between the cutlets for even browning. You may need to bake them in batches.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through to avoid any food safety concerns.
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to customize the seasoning blend to your liking. Italian herbs, cayenne pepper, or other spices would be delicious additions.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Cutlets: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Crusted Chicken Cutlets: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the breadcrumb mixture.
- Parmesan-Herb Chicken Cutlets: Add grated Parmesan cheese and dried herbs to the breadcrumb mix for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This recipe is a simple, quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights. It's a delicious and healthy alternative to fried chicken, making it a great addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. These best recipes are easy to follow and deliver consistently flavorful results, so enjoy!