These Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Cutlets are juicy, cheesy, and super easy to make. The garlic and Parmesan create a delightful flavor that makes dinner truly special!
Whenever I make these cutlets, the cheese gets all gooey and stretchy—perfect for pulling apart! I usually serve them with pasta or a salad for a tasty meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Cutlets: Boneless, skinless chicken cutlets are the star here. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey cutlets can work well too. Just adjust cooking time since turkey may vary in thickness.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a great flavor, but you could use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. If you’re dairy-free, nut-based Parmesan or nutritional yeast can be tasty substitutes.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are my go-to for extra crunch. However, regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even ground nuts can be excellent alternatives if Panko isn’t available.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These spices boost flavor beautifully. If you prefer fresh, about a clove of minced garlic and a teaspoon of finely chopped onion would work, just remember to adjust based on your taste!
Fresh Parsley: While parsley adds a nice pop of color, feel free to use other herbs like basil or even a sprinkle of dried herbs if fresh isn’t on hand.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken just right can be tricky. Here are some tips to ensure your cutlets are tender and juicy:
- Use a meat thermometer: Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Brine your cutlets: Soaking them in saltwater for 30 minutes can make them moister.
- Let them rest: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps redistribute the juices.
Following this advice will help you get perfectly tender, flavorful chicken cutlets every time!
Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Cutlets with Melted Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken cutlets (about 1 pound)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Topping:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, totaling about 40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll enjoy crispy, cheesy chicken cutlets with minimal effort.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
3. Coat the Chicken:
In another shallow bowl, beat the two eggs until well mixed. Take each chicken cutlet and dip it into the egg mixture, letting any excess egg drip off. Then, coat both sides of the cutlet with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it stick.
4. Arrange in the Baking Dish:
Place the coated chicken cutlets in the prepared baking dish. Once they’re all arranged, drizzle the olive oil or melted butter over the top of the cutlets. This helps them get extra flavor and crunch!
5. Bake the Chicken:
Now, put the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
6. Add the Cheese:
Once your chicken is done baking, take it out of the oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over each cutlet. Pop it back into the oven for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
After the cheese has melted, remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a lovely garnish. Dig in and enjoy your delicious baked garlic Parmesan chicken cutlets!
Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead of Cutlets?
Absolutely! If using whole chicken breasts, just slice them into cutlet-sized pieces (about 1-inch thick) for even cooking. You may need to adjust the baking time to about 25-30 minutes, depending on the thickness.
What Can I Substitute for Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers, cornflakes, or even ground oats as a substitute. Just adjust the amount slightly to achieve a similar texture. If you want a gluten-free option, try almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken cutlets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to keep the coating crispy!
Can I Add Other Seasonings or Ingredients?
Of course! Feel free to get creative with seasonings. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper will give it a bit of heat. You can also incorporate grated lemon zest for a refreshing twist or add spinach under the cheese for more vegetables.
