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.

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.

Emily