Crispy Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Cutlets

by Emily
Crispy Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Cutlets

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Experience the perfect blend of crunchy, cheesy, and garlicky flavors with these Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Cutlets. This easy, wholesome dish features tender chicken breasts coated in a golden Parmesan-panko crust, baked to crispy perfection, then topped with melty mozzarella cheese. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner or comfort food favorite that comes together quickly and satisfies the whole family.

With the rich aroma of garlic and Italian herbs, these cutlets bring a restaurant-quality flair right to your home kitchen—perfect for party food or a simple yet impressive meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple and quick for busy weeknights

  • Crispy Parmesan crust with bold garlic flavor

  • Melty mozzarella topping adds extra cheesiness

  • Kid-approved and family-friendly

  • Healthy baked alternative to fried chicken

  • Great for meal prep or dinner parties

Ingredient Breakdown

  • Chicken breasts: Lean protein, tender when baked, and the perfect base for crusting.

  • Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, savory flavor and helps the crust crisp beautifully.

  • Panko breadcrumbs: Provide a light, crunchy texture that outshines regular breadcrumbs.

  • Garlic powder & Italian herbs: Infuse the crust with aromatic, robust seasoning.

  • Eggs: Bind the coating to the chicken and keep it in place while baking.

  • Mozzarella cheese: Melts deliciously on top for gooey, cheesy goodness.

  • Olive oil: Drizzled to help achieve a golden, crisp finish.

Crispy Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Cutlets

Pro Tips

  • Pound chicken breasts evenly for uniform cooking and crispiness.

  • Use fresh grated Parmesan for better flavor and texture.

  • Let coated chicken rest for 5 minutes before baking to set the crust.

  • For extra crunch, lightly spray cutlets with oil before baking.

  • Check internal temperature to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Ingredient Swaps or Variations

  • Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina cheese for a different melt and flavor.

  • Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.

  • Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a smoky or spicy kick.

  • Substitute chicken breasts with turkey cutlets for a leaner protein.

  • Mix fresh minced garlic into the breadcrumb coating for more intense garlic flavor.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette.

  • Pair with garlic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

  • Offer marinara sauce for dipping to add an Italian twist.

  • Enjoy with crusty bread or over cooked pasta for a hearty meal.

Make Ahead + Storage Tips

  • Coat the chicken and store in an airtight container up to 24 hours before baking.

  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3 days; reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness.

  • Freeze cooked cutlets wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.

Cultural or Historical Notes

Baked chicken cutlets coated with Parmesan and herbs are a classic Italian-American comfort food that combines simple ingredients into a flavorful, crispy dish. This style of cooking is inspired by traditional Italian Milanese dishes but adapted for easy home preparation without frying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well and stay juicy but may require slightly longer baking.

Q: How do I keep the coating from falling off?
A: Make sure to press the coating firmly on the chicken and allow it to rest before baking.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute Parmesan and mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives and check breadcrumb ingredients.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in an air fryer or oven to keep the crust crispy, avoiding the microwave when possible.

Q: Can I bake this without olive oil?
A: You can omit the oil, but the crust may be less crispy and golden. A light spray helps achieve the best texture.

Crispy Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Cutlets
Emily

Crispy Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Cutlets

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or nonstick cooking spray
  • Two shallow bowls or dishes for coating and egg wash
  • Grater for Parmesan (if not pre-grated)
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat & Prepare:Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
  2. Mix the Coating:In a shallow dish, combine Parmesan, panko, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Whisk to blend the flavors evenly.
  3. Prepare Egg Wash:In a separate shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. This will help the coating stick perfectly to the chicken.
  4. Coat the Chicken:Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then press both sides firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly. Place coated breasts on the baking sheet.
  5. Drizzle with Olive Oil:Lightly drizzle olive oil over the chicken cutlets. This will promote a golden, crispy crust as they bake
  6. Bake the Cutlets:Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the coating turns golden brown.
  7. Add Mozzarella:Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella over each cutlet. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and bubbles.
  8. Garnish and Serve:Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs if available for brighter flavor.
  • Adjust seasoning according to taste preferences.
  • Handle raw chicken carefully to avoid cross-contamination.

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