๐ง Crispy Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Cutlets ๐ง

These baked garlic Parmesan chicken cutlets are crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor! An easy oven-baked alternative to fried chicken thatโs perfect for busy weeknights. Serve with pasta, salad, or veggies!
Why Youโll Love This Recipe โค๏ธ
โ Crispy & Flavorful โ A golden Parmesan crust with garlic & herbs.
โ Healthier Option โ Baked, not fried, for a lighter but still crispy texture.
โ Quick & Easy โ Minimal prep, simple ingredients, and ready in under 30 minutes.
โ Family-Friendly โ A crowd-pleaser for both kids & adults.
โ Versatile โ Serve with pasta, salad, roasted veggies, or in a sandwich!
Ingredients ๐
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or pre-cut chicken cutlets)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-seasoned or plain)
- ยฝ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ยฝ tsp paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- ยฝ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
For the Coating
- ยผ cup melted butter (or olive oil for a lighter option)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions ๐ฅฃ
1๏ธโฃ Preheat & Prep ๐ฅ
- Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
2๏ธโฃ Prepare the Coating ๐ง
- In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place flour in another shallow bowl and beaten eggs in a third bowl.
3๏ธโฃ Coat the Chicken ๐
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. If thick, slice horizontally to create thin cutlets.
- Dredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage.
- Press into the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly.
4๏ธโฃ Bake to Perfection ๐ฅ
- Arrange chicken cutlets on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle melted butter or olive oil over the top for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).
5๏ธโฃ Garnish & Serve ๐ฝ๏ธ
- Remove from oven & let rest for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color & freshness.
- Serve warm with pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or salad.
Pro Tips & Variations ๐ฅ
๐ฅ Spicy Kick โ Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
๐ง Cheesy Upgrade โ Melt mozzarella or provolone on top during the last 5 minutes.
๐ Gluten-Free Option โ Use gluten-free breadcrumbs & flour.
๐ฟ Herb Swap โ Try thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning instead of oregano & basil.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) โ
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
โ Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs add extra juiciness. Adjust baking time as needed.
2. How do I store & reheat leftovers?
โ Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
โ Reheat in the oven (350ยฐF for 10 minutes) or air fryer (5 minutes at 375ยฐF).
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
โ Yes! Coat the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
4. What sides go well with this dish?
โ Spaghetti with marinara, Caesar salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread.
The Origins of This Dish ๐ฎ๐น
This baked Parmesan chicken is inspired by classic Italian-American cuisine, similar to Chicken Parmesan but without the heavy marinara & frying. Itโs a lighter, modern take on a beloved favorite!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving) ๐ฅ
๐ Calories: 360 kcal
๐ Protein: 42g
๐ Carbs: 28g
๐ Fat: 12g
(Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients.)
What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Chicken ๐ท
๐ฅ Side Salad โ A crisp Caesar or Mediterranean salad.
๐ Pasta โ Serve with garlic butter noodles or pesto pasta.
๐ฅฆ Roasted Veggies โ Try asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts.
๐ฅ Crusty Bread โ A slice of warm garlic bread to soak up the flavors!