For a quick and easy dinner, chicken cutlets can be made ahead of time and baked in the oven with little work. It takes less time for these thin slices of chicken breast to cook up juicy and tasty than bigger chicken breasts. If you know how long to bake thin chicken cutlets for, the meat will be fully cooked without getting dry.
With the right technique, you can have a sheet pan of perfectly baked chicken ready to top salads, fold into sandwiches, or slice over rice in no time. Read on for tips on choosing cutlets, oven temperature, cook times, doneness tests, and more.
Choosing the Right Thickness of Chicken Cutlets
The most important factor in determining baking time for chicken cutlets is thickness
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Thin cutlets are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick This is the ideal thickness to cook quickly while keeping the interior moist Thin cutlets baked in a hot oven take 10-15 minutes,
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Medium cutlets are 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick and take 15-20 minutes to bake.
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Thick cutlets over 3/4 inch require 20-25 minutes in the oven.
When you buy cutlets, look for packages that say “thin” and check each one to make sure it’s the same thickness so that they cook evenly. Thicker pieces may need longer cook times. You can also pound chicken breasts until they are thin and even between plastic wrap sheets.
Setting the Oven Temperature
To brown the chicken and cook it all the way through before it dries out, you need to bake thin chicken cutlets at a high temperature.
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For thin cutlets, preheat the oven to 400°F-425°F.
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For thicker cutlets up to 3/4 inch, 375°F is ideal.
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Make sure the oven is fully preheated before baking.
Use a baking sheet with a lip and parchment paper or foil on the sides to catch any drips. Place the cutlets on the sheet. Bake on the middle rack so the meat cooks evenly.
How Long to Bake Thin Chicken Cutlets
Here are general guidelines for how long to bake thin chicken cutlets:
- Thin cutlets (1/4-1/2 inch): 10-15 minutes
- Medium cutlets (1/2-3/4 inch): 15-20 minutes
- Thick cutlets (over 3/4 inch): 20-25 minutes
The thickness of the cutlets can increase bake times. Always rely on a meat thermometer and check for visual doneness signs over suggested cook times.
Doneness Tests for Baked Chicken
Checking your chicken cutlets for doneness ensures they are cooked through for food safety without overbaking. Here’s how to test for doneness:
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Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check temperature. Chicken is safely cooked at 165°F. Insert into thickest part without touching bone.
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Cut into a piece and check that the meat is white inside with no pink.
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Juices should run clear, not pink or red.
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The outside will be golden brown and crispy when fully cooked.
If cutlets are undercooked, return them to the oven for a few more minutes until tests indicate they’re done.
Tips for Baked Chicken Perfection
Follow these tips for the best oven-baked chicken cutlets:
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Pound cutlets to an even 1/4-1/2 inch thickness so they cook evenly.
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Brush both sides with oil to promote browning and prevent sticking.
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Season as desired before baking. Herbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon pepper are all tasty options.
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Bake in a single layer without overcrowding so air circulates for even cooking.
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Allow to rest 5 minutes before slicing for juicier chicken.
Common Questions
How long does it take to bake chicken cutlets at 400 degrees?
At 400°F, thin 1/4-1/2 inch cutlets take 10-15 minutes. Medium 1/2-3/4 inch cutlets bake for 15-20 minutes. Thicker cutlets over 3/4 inch bake for 20-25 minutes.
Can you bake frozen chicken cutlets?
Yes, bake frozen cutlets at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Defrost first for shorter oven time.
What if my chicken cutlets are thick?
For cutlets over 3/4 inch thick, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and increase baking time to 20-25 minutes. Check temperature to confirm doneness.
What temperature should baked chicken cutlets reach?
Cook cutlets to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a meat thermometer for food safety. Juices will run clear at this safe minimum temp.
How can I tell if my baked chicken is dry?
If cutlets are dry with a rubbery texture, they are overcooked. This can happen if the oven is too hot, cutlets are too thick, or bake time is too long.
The Takeaway on Baked Chicken Cutlets
Baking thin chicken cutlets in a 400°F oven takes just 10-15 minutes for tender, juicy meat. Allow a few minutes extra for thicker cutlets and use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness. With the right prep and cook time, you can enjoy baked chicken cutlets any night of the week.
Why anyone can cook chicken cutlets at home:
- You don’t have to pound out your own chicken breasts because you can buy them thinly sliced.
- Use store bought Panko bread crumbs.
- There are minimal ingredients to this recipe.
- Because the chicken is so thin, the cutlets cook very quickly.
- There are only a few easy steps to the process.
- Thinly Sliced Chicken Breasts
- Panko Bread Crumbs (can use gluten free here as well)
- Flour (can also use gluten free all purpose flour)
- Eggs
- Salt and Pepper
- Good oil: I like to use olive oil or a mix of olive oil and avocado oil. The avocado oil can cook at a higher temperature than the olive oil, which keeps it from getting burned.
There is truly nothing better than a fresh cutlet straight from the pan. Deep-fry the cutlets for four to five minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and the chicken is cooked all the way through. Then I put the crispy cutlets on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain the extra oil. I then sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Serve as you wish from there!.
You can of course also cook these cutlets in the air fryer as well, but nothing compares to the real deal pan fried cutlet. BUT if you want to air fry the cutlets, follow all instructions up until the frying point and spray with oil on both sides. Air fry for 6-8 minutes until golden, flipping once.