Crispy Parmesan Chicken Cutlets (Printable)

Tender cutlets coated in a golden Parmesan crust and baked until crispy and juicy.

# Ingredient list:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lb)

→ Breading

02 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (0.5 cup)
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 tablespoon milk
05 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
06 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, or mixed)
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ To Finish

11 - Olive oil spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil
12 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
13 - Lemon wedges (optional)

# Cooking steps:

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 - Prepare three shallow bowls: place flour in the first, beat eggs with milk in the second, and mix panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper in the third.
04 - Dredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off excess, dip into egg mixture, then press thoroughly into the panko-Parmesan mixture, coating both sides.
05 - Arrange breaded cutlets on the prepared baking sheet and lightly drizzle or spray with olive oil to enhance crispiness.
06 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crust is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
07 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • It tastes fried and indulgent but bakes clean without the oil splatters and kitchen mess.
  • Ready in under 45 minutes from start to table, making it a weeknight lifesaver that still feels special.
  • The Parmesan crust is addictively crunchy and deeply savory, never bland or boring.
02 -
  • Pat the chicken completely dry after pounding—any moisture prevents the coating from crisping and creates steam instead of crunch.
  • Don't skip the halfway flip; it's the difference between golden-crispy on both sides and pale, soft bottoms.
03 -
  • If you prefer boneless thighs instead of breasts, they're actually more forgiving since dark meat stays juicier even if slightly overcooked.
  • Leftover cooked cutlets keep beautifully in the refrigerator for three days and reheat crispy in a 350°F oven for about eight minutes.
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