Explore these different methods of cooking chicken cutlets and find recipe inspiration that will satisfy the whole family!
I’ve cooked a lot of chicken because my kids and I both love it, it’s always on sale, it freezes well, and there are SO many things you can do with it. My 7-year-old daughter asked me if they made any meat besides chicken, which made me realize I needed to take a break from the chicken recipes for a while. But because we are all still diehard fans in my family, I’m still going to walk you through how to cook chicken cutlets.
Are you standing in your kitchen staring at those chicken cutlets, wondering exactly how long they need to bake? I’ve been there too! Getting the timing right can be tricky, but I’m here to help you nail perfectly cooked chicken cutlets every single time.
Chicken cutlets are my go-to weeknight dinner option – they’re quick, versatile, and when cooked correctly, absolutely delicious The key is knowing exactly how long to cook them at 350°F, which happens to be one of the most common and reliable oven temperatures for baking chicken
What Are Chicken Cutlets Anyway?
Before we dive into cooking times, let’s get clear on what we’re talking about. Chicken cutlets are essentially thinned chicken breasts – they’re either sliced horizontally from a thick breast or pounded thin. Their uniform thickness is what makes them cook so quickly and evenly compared to regular chicken breasts.
How Long Should You Cook Chicken Cutlets at 350°F?
The cooking time for chicken cutlets at 350°F depends primarily on their thickness
- ¼ inch thick cutlets: 10-12 minutes
- ½ inch thick cutlets: 15-20 minutes
- ¾ inch thick cutlets: 20-25 minutes
Remember, these are general guidelines. The actual cooking time might vary slightly depending on your specific oven and the exact thickness of your cutlets.
Both Kitchendemy and Bake It With Love say that making sure your chicken reaches the right internal temperature is more important than strictly following these times.
The Magic Number: 165°F
No matter how thick your cutlets are, they need to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safely cooked. This isn’t just a recommendation – it’s the temperature at which harmful bacteria are killed, making your chicken safe to eat.
I always recommend using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature It’s the most reliable way to ensure your chicken is both safe and perfectly cooked.
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
Several things can impact how long your chicken cutlets need to stay in the oven:
1. Thickness of the Chicken
This is the most obvious factor. Thicker cutlets need more time, thinner ones cook faster. If you’re making your own cutlets, try to pound them to an even thickness so they cook uniformly.
2. Starting Temperature of the Chicken
Cold chicken straight from the refrigerator will take longer to cook than chicken that’s been sitting at room temperature for 20 minutes (which is generally safe and helps promote even cooking).
3. Your Specific Oven
Ovens can vary significantly in temperature accuracy. Some run hot, others run cool. Getting to know your oven’s quirks can help you adjust cooking times accordingly.
4. Type of Baking Dish
Glass or ceramic dishes and dark metal pans absorb and spread heat in different ways. This can affect how quickly your chicken cooks.
5. Seasoning and Coating
If your chicken cutlets have a breading or coating, they might take a little longer to cook through – usually closer to the upper end of the time ranges I provided earlier.
My Foolproof Method for Perfect Chicken Cutlets
Here’s how I make perfect chicken cutlets every time:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (makes cleanup so much easier!)
- Season your cutlets as desired (don’t skimp on the seasoning!)
- Place the cutlets on the baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch
- Bake according to thickness:
- ¼ inch: check after 10 minutes
- ½ inch: check after 15 minutes
- ¾ inch: check after 20 minutes
- Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature has reached 165°F
- Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving (this helps keep it juicy!)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When cooking chicken cutlets, watch out for these common pitfalls:
- Overcrowding the pan: Give each cutlet some space so the heat can circulate properly
- Not checking the temperature: Don’t guess – use a thermometer!
- Cutting into the chicken immediately: Let it rest first to retain those flavorful juices
- Forgetting to season: Chicken needs proper seasoning to shine
How to Tell When Chicken Cutlets Are Done (Without a Thermometer)
Even though a meat thermometer is the best way to tell, these things can help you tell if your chicken cutlets are done:
- The juices run clear (not pink) when you pierce the cutlet
- The meat is firm to the touch but not hard
- There’s no visible pink inside when you cut into the thickest part
- The cutlets have shrunk slightly in size
Delicious Seasoning Ideas for Chicken Cutlets
Here are some of my favorite ways to season chicken cutlets, which is one reason I love them so much:
- Italian style: Garlic powder, dried oregano, basil, and a sprinkle of parmesan
- Cajun: Store-bought cajun seasoning or make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs
- Simple herbs: Just salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme
- Lemon pepper: Lemon zest, black pepper, and a touch of salt
Serving Suggestions
Chicken cutlets pair beautifully with so many sides! Some of my favorites include:
- Roasted vegetables (you can roast them at the same temperature!)
- Fresh green salad
- Pasta with light sauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice pilaf
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftover chicken cutlets (though in my house they disappear quickly!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat without drying them out:
- Preheat oven to 300°F
- Place cutlets on a baking sheet and add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to the pan
- Cover with foil
- Heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through
FAQs About Cooking Chicken Cutlets
Can I cook frozen chicken cutlets at 350°F?
It’s best to thaw them first for even cooking, but if you must cook from frozen, add about 50% more cooking time and check the internal temperature.
Should I cover chicken cutlets while baking?
For standard chicken cutlets, there’s no need to cover them. If they’re very thin, covering might cause them to steam rather than bake.
Can I use the same method for breaded chicken cutlets?
Yes! Breaded cutlets follow the same guidelines, though they may take a few extra minutes to cook through.
What’s the difference between a chicken cutlet and a chicken tender?
Cutlets are typically made from the breast, while tenders are a specific small muscle that runs along the breastbone. Tenders are naturally smaller and cook even faster than cutlets.
Final Thoughts
Cooking chicken cutlets at 350°F is one of the easiest ways to get a delicious meal on the table quickly. The key takeaways are:
- ¼ inch cutlets: 10-12 minutes
- ½ inch cutlets: 15-20 minutes
- ¾ inch cutlets: 20-25 minutes
- Always cook to an internal temperature of 165°F
- Let them rest before serving
Once you’ve mastered the basic timing, you’ll find chicken cutlets can be the foundation for countless delicious meals. They’re quick enough for busy weeknights but can be dressed up for special occasions too.
I’d love to hear how your chicken cutlets turn out! Drop a comment below sharing your favorite seasonings or sides to serve with them. Happy cooking!
Why Are Chicken Cutlets Best?
Chicken breast is my go-to because it’s healthy and delicious, and cutlets are often what I grab for most recipes calling for chicken that needs to be cut before preparation.
First, chicken cutlets are already cut and prepped. You don’t need to do much more to get a chicken cutlet recipe ready — the fat is already trimmed, the skin is removed, and the meat is sliced to a reasonable size. This reduces the prep time significantly, making it so much easier for busy families like mine.
It also reduces the risk of contamination, as you’re not using your prep areas to cut and trim chicken. It’s easy to spread bacteria while cutting meat, so anything that can help reduce that risk is a win in my book. (Related: let me help you pick the best cutting board for raw meat. ).
If you’re looking for an even thinner portion of chicken breast, chicken cutlets can be pounded flatter with a meat mallet. This helps them cook quickly and evenly, making chicken cutlets an excellent choice for quick, easy, homemade, and guilt-free dinners.
What Are Chicken Cutlets?
The meat from chicken breasts that has been cut down several times smaller than their original size is called chicken cutlets.
To give you an idea of what we’re talking about, there are approximately 4-5 cutlets per average chicken breast.
I buy these often — for recipes that cover everything from fajitas to chicken chow mein. “Why do I love chicken cutlets?” There are many good reasons to buy and cook chicken cutlets for dinner, and I’m happy to talk about them.
