Crispy Parmesan Chicken Cutlets (Print)

Juicy chicken breasts with a golden, cheesy crust baked for a crispy finish.

# Components:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)

→ Breading

02 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60 g)
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 tbsp milk
05 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (60 g)
06 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
07 - 1 tsp garlic powder
08 - 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, or mixed)
09 - 1/2 tsp salt
10 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ To Finish

11 - Olive oil spray or 2 tbsp olive oil
12 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
13 - Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly oil or spray it.
02 - Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, then pound to 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet. Pat dry with paper towels.
03 - Place flour in the first shallow bowl. Beat eggs with milk in the second bowl. In the third bowl, combine panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
04 - Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in the egg mixture, then press into the panko-Parmesan mixture, coating both sides thoroughly.
05 - Place breaded cutlets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle or spray lightly with olive oil to enhance crispiness.
06 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
07 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes indulgent and crispy without the mess or oil of frying, so cleanup is just one pan.
  • The Parmesan crust gets deeply golden and stays crunchy even after sitting for a few minutes.
  • It works for picky eaters and dinner guests alike, which is rare and wonderful.
02 -
  • Pat the chicken completely dry before breading, or the coating will slide off in wet patches during baking.
  • Don't crowd the pan, leave space between cutlets so the heat circulates and the breading crisps instead of steaming.
  • Let the breaded chicken rest for five minutes before baking if you have time, it helps the coating adhere even better.
03 -
  • Use a wire rack on your baking sheet if you have one, it lets heat circulate underneath and makes both sides crispy without flipping.
  • Season the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper too, it builds flavor in every layer of the breading.
  • If the panko mixture starts clumping, shake the bowl gently to redistribute, it keeps the coating even and light.
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