Italian Style Baked Chicken Cutlets

Every time I think of comfort food, the first dish that comes to mind is Italian Style Baked Chicken Cutlets. This dish has been a staple in my kitchen for years, evoking memories of family dinners filled with laughter and delightful aromas. I remember the first time I attempted to make these cutlets; I was a bit nervous but excited to recreate a recipe that reminded me of my grandmother’s cooking. She always seemed to have the perfect touch, and I wanted to emulate that magic in my own home.
As I gathered the ingredients, I could already picture the crispy, golden-brown cutlets sizzling in the oven. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful seasonings, and that irresistible crunch was simply too good to resist. I realized that this dish not only satisfies those cravings for something hearty but also brings people together around the dinner table. No matter the season, Italian Style Baked Chicken Cutlets is a dish that we can all enjoy, making it perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight meal.
My love for these cutlets grew stronger with every bite, and now, I can’t help but share this recipe with you. It’s not just about filling our stomachs; it’s about making memories and cherishing the time spent together, whether it’s a casual lunch or a festive dinner. I invite you to try making these cutlets and experience the joy they bring to your table!

Essential Ingredients for Italian Style Baked Chicken Cutlets

When it comes to making Italian Style Baked Chicken Cutlets, the ingredients play a crucial role in achieving that mouthwatering flavor and texture. Each ingredient complements the others beautifully, allowing for a delightful culinary experience. The key players in this dish include tender chicken, aromatic spices, and crunchy breading, all coming together to create a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (approximately 3 chicken breasts) – The star of the dish, the chicken breast is perfect for achieving tender cutlets that cook quickly and absorb flavors wonderfully.
• 3/4 cup flour – Coating the chicken in flour helps create a crispy exterior, essential for that satisfying crunch.
• 3 eggs – Beaten eggs act as a binding agent, ensuring the breading sticks well to the chicken.
• 1 cup bread crumbs – These provide a delightful texture and are crucial for achieving that golden-brown finish.
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese – Adding parmesan enhances the flavor profile with its rich, salty goodness.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic brings a robust aroma and depth of flavor to the cutlets.
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that gives the chicken a distinct Italian flair.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Essential for bringing out the flavors of all the other ingredients.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper – Adds a subtle kick and enhances the overall taste.
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted – Drizzling melted butter over the bread crumbs adds richness and helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Step by Step Instructions for Italian Style Baked Chicken Cutlets

Making Italian Style Baked Chicken Cutlets is a straightforward process that builds up to something truly delicious. Just follow these steps to achieve perfectly baked cutlets that are golden and crispy! You’ll feel like a pro in the kitchen as the aroma fills the air and your family eagerly awaits dinner.

1. Preheat your oven to 425˚F. This ensures the oven is hot enough to give your cutlets that perfect crispy texture.
2. Prepare the chicken breasts by placing them on a cutting board. Using a long, sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally into 3-4 thin cutlets. Alternatively, you can cut the chicken in half and then pound it out to achieve thin cutlets.
3. Gather three shallow bowls for the breading process. In the first bowl, add the flour. This will be your first coating.
4. In the second bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. This will help the breading stick to the chicken.
5. In the third bowl, combine the bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the melted butter and stir until evenly distributed.
6. To coat the chicken cutlets, start by dipping each cutlet into the flour on all sides. Make sure they are well-coated for a crispy finish.
7. Next, dip the floured chicken into the bowl of eggs, ensuring each piece is completely wet.
8. Lastly, turn each chicken cutlet in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
9. Grease one or more baking sheets and lay the coated chicken cutlets on them in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the tops are crispy and the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165˚F. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
11. Once baked, remove the cutlets from the oven and transfer them to a wire cooling rack to help them remain crispy until serving. Avoid letting them sit on the baking sheet, as that could cause the bottoms to become soggy.

Ways to Customize

There are countless ways to customize Italian Style Baked Chicken Cutlets to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Whether you want to change the flavor profile or add some extra nutrition, here are some great ideas to explore:

• Spice it Up: Add some heat by incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley to create a unique flavor profile that suits your palate.
• Cheese Options: Try different types of cheese like mozzarella or cheddar in place of parmesan for a twist on flavor.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute traditional flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Add Veggies: Incorporate finely chopped spinach or shredded carrots into the breadcrumb mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
• Meal Prep: To save time, prepare a large batch on the weekend and freeze individual portions for easy meals throughout the week.
• Serving Styles: Serve the cutlets on a bed of spaghetti with marinara sauce for a classic Italian meal or create a delicious chicken sandwich with fresh toppings.

Side Dish Ideas for Italian Style Baked Chicken Cutlets

When it comes to serving Italian Style Baked Chicken Cutlets, the right side dishes can elevate the meal to new heights. Here are some fantastic ideas that pair beautifully with your crispy cutlets:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic make for a comforting side that complements the cutlets perfectly.
• Fresh Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
• Pasta Primavera: Tossed with seasonal vegetables, this colorful pasta dish adds a delightful touch to your dinner plate.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots bring sweetness and depth to your meal, making it visually appealing and nutritious.
• Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs offers a light and flavorful accompaniment that balances the meal.
• Italian Bread: Serve a loaf of freshly baked Italian bread on the side for dipping in marinara sauce or enjoying with the cutlets.
• Seasonal Fruit Salad: Finish the meal with a light fruit salad made from seasonal fruits to cleanse the palate and add a touch of sweetness.

FAQ

Conclusion

Italian Style Baked Chicken Cutlets are more than just a meal; they’re a connection to family traditions and comforting flavors. Each bite is a reminder of home-cooked goodness that warms the heart. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones; it’s sure to become a favorite in your household, just as it has in mine. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and most importantly, make memories around the table!

Italian Style Baked Chicken Cutlets

The ultimate comfort food, Italian Style Baked Chicken Cutlets feature crispy, golden chicken that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, these cutlets will leave you craving more!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Oven
• Frying Pan
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon
• Grater
• Chef's Knife

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast approximately 3 chicken breasts
• 3/4 cup Flour
• 3 large Eggs
• 1 cup Bread Crumbs
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 4 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
• 3 tablespoons Butter melted

Instructions

 

• 1. Preheat your oven to 425˚F. This ensures the oven is hot enough to give your cutlets that perfect crispy texture.
• 2. Prepare the chicken breasts by placing them on a cutting board. Using a long, sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally into 3-4 thin cutlets. Alternatively, you can cut the chicken in half and then pound it out to achieve thin cutlets.
• 3. Gather three shallow bowls for the breading process. In the first bowl, add the flour. This will be your first coating.
• 4. In the second bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. This will help the breading stick to the chicken.
• 5. In the third bowl, combine the bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the melted butter and stir until evenly distributed.
• 6. To coat the chicken cutlets, start by dipping each cutlet into the flour on all sides. Make sure they are well-coated for a crispy finish.
• 7. Next, dip the floured chicken into the bowl of eggs, ensuring each piece is completely wet.
• 8. Lastly, turn each chicken cutlet in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
• 9. Grease one or more baking sheets and lay the coated chicken cutlets on them in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch.
• 10. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the tops are crispy and the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165˚F. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
• 11. Once baked, remove the cutlets from the oven and transfer them to a wire cooling rack to help them remain crispy until serving. Avoid letting them sit on the baking sheet, as that could cause the bottoms to become soggy.

Notes

• Italian seasoning: If you don’t have Italian seasoning mix on hand, you can make your own by using 1/2 teaspoon each of the following dried herbs: basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and sage.
• How to Store: To save leftovers, separate into meal-sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• How to Freeze: Place leftovers in an airtight container or freezer bag and transfer to the freezer. They can be frozen for up to one month.
• How to Reheat: This can be reheated in the microwave in 30-second increments, or cover with tin foil and place into the oven to reheat.
• How to Scale: This recipe can easily be doubled if you are feeding a crowd or halved for smaller portions.

Keyword Baked Chicken Cutlets, Crispy Chicken Recipe, easy chicken dinner, Italian Chicken Cutlets

Previous PostInstant Pot Chicken Adobo

Next Post Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake

Meet Sophia Hayes

I founded YumRecettes to turn my messy, joyful kitchen experiments into something I could share. While I steer the ship, I am first and foremost a cook. I love tackling every type of recipe, from grandmother’s old classics to modern fusion dishes. For me, the magic isn’t in a specific type of food, but in the act of preparing it. I’m usually the one urging the team to try that “one last idea” that ends up making the dish perfect.