Name: Crispy Parmesan Baked Chicken Cutlets Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Kraft); 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs; 2 tsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 stick unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch and savory tang of a well-made chicken cutlet, and this Crispy Parmesan Baked Chicken Cutlets Recipe is just that—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside, with a little zing from Dijon mustard that really sets it apart. It’s a family favorite that I keep turning to, especially when I want fuss-free comfort food with a gourmet touch.

The image shows four golden-brown breaded pieces on top of green leafy arugula arranged on a white plate. To the left side of the plate, there are two thin yellow lemon slices. A silver knife rests behind the food pieces, slightly angled to the left. In the background, there are two clear salt and pepper shakers with brass tops, and a stack of white plates, the top one slightly yellowed around the rim. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with a soft light shining from the left side, creating gentle shadows. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Parmesan Baked Chicken Cutlets Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Baked Chicken Cutlets Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Parmesan Baked Chicken Cutlets Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I keep coming back to this Crispy Parmesan Baked Chicken Cutlets Recipe because it’s one of those rare dishes that feel like a treat but is surprisingly simple to make. The parmesan crust gives it a wonderful texture without the need for frying, and the subtle Dijon kick adds a layer of flavor that makes dinner special without extra effort.

Easy Preparation: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make it perfect for weeknights or last-minute meals.
Healthy-ish Crunch: Baked, not fried, so you get that crispy coating with less grease and guilt.
Flavorful Twist: The Dijon mustard mixed in keeps the chicken juicy and adds a surprising zing.
Family Approved: Kids and adults alike love it — I dare say it’s become a dinner staple in my house!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this recipe plays its part to create that ideal balance of crispy, cheesy, and tangy. I always make sure to grab good-quality Parmesan and fresh parsley to keep the flavors bright, and the Dijon mustard? That’s the secret weapon that keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.

Flat lay of six raw boneless skinless chicken breasts arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl holding golden seasoned breadcrumbs, a few sprigs of fresh bright green parsley scattered artfully, one stick of pale yellow unsalted butter unwrapped and whole, a small white bowl containing smooth golden Dijon mustard, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Using thin, even cutlets helps them cook quickly and evenly without drying out.
Parmesan cheese: The sharp, salty tang adds a golden crust that’s oh-so-delicious.
Seasoned breadcrumbs: They add extra crispiness and a seasoning boost—homemade or store-bought both work great.
Fresh parsley: This adds a subtle herbaceous note that brightens the dish and balances richness.
Unsalted butter: Melts beautifully over the dish, enhancing flavor without overpowering.
Dijon mustard: Adds a mild heat and moisture that keeps the chicken juicy and tender.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Crispy Parmesan Baked Chicken Cutlets Recipe is how flexible it is. I usually stick with the classic version, but I love adding my own twist depending on the mood or pantry contents.

Variation: I sometimes swap out the Dijon for a bit of spicy whole grain mustard or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mix to give it a deeper smoky flavor.
Healthier option: Using panko breadcrumbs instead of seasoned ones keeps it lighter, and you can swap butter for olive oil to keep it dairy-free.
Herb boost: Adding fresh thyme or oregano to the breadcrumb and Parmesan mix freshens things up seasonally.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Parmesan Baked Chicken Cutlets Recipe

The image shows two white bowls and a light blue tray on a white marbled surface with a black and white checkered cloth visible in the bottom right corner. One bowl on the top left contains a piece of food coated in a beige crumb mixture with green flecks, along with a metal fork resting inside. The other white bowl on the top right contains a raw pale pink piece of food sitting in a yellow liquid mixture, with a metal fork partially submerged. On the light blue tray below, there are two pieces of food fully coated in the crumb mixture, showing a rough, grainy texture with some green herbs visible from the crumbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Like a Pro

I start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts and then slicing them horizontally if they’re too thick—this helps them cook evenly and stay tender. I like to gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin between sheets of parchment so they’re all about the same thickness. It’s the key to getting that perfect bake without dry edges.

Step 2: Get Your Coating Ready

In a shallow bowl, I combine the grated Parmesan, seasoned breadcrumbs, and chopped fresh parsley. Meanwhile, I melt the butter and whisk in the Dijon mustard in a separate bowl. This mixture not only adds flavor but helps the cheese and breadcrumbs stick beautifully to the chicken.

Step 3: Coat and Arrange

Here’s my tip: Dip each chicken cutlet into the Dijon-butter mix first, making sure it’s coated but not dripping, then press it into the breadcrumb blend, gently patting to cover evenly. I place the coated cutlets on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat—less mess, and they crisp up nicely.

Step 4: Bake and Watch the Magic

Bake your cutlets in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 40 to 45 minutes. I start checking around 35 minutes and watch for a golden-brown color and a crispy texture. You want your chicken cooked through but still juicy inside—that’s the sweet spot.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Crispy Parmesan Baked Chicken Cutlets Recipe over and over, a few tricks really make a difference when you want every bite to be perfect.

Even Thickness: Pounding your chicken to an even thickness helps everything bake uniformly, so no one gets dry or undercooked pieces.
Press Firmly: When coating, press the breadcrumb and Parmesan mix gently but firmly against the chicken – this creates that irresistible crust.
Don’t Skip the Dijon: It might seem like a small addition, but the mustard keeps the chicken juicy and adds a subtle tang that wakes up the whole dish.
Use Parchment Paper: Baking on parchment or a silicone mat prevents sticking and helps your crust stay crisp instead of soggy.

How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Baked Chicken Cutlets Recipe

Crispy Parmesan Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish mine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even some chopped basil if I have it on hand—adds a fresh pop of color and flavor. A light drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving brightens all those rich flavors.

Side Dishes

This chicken cutlet shines with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, garlic-roasted veggies, or even creamy mashed potatoes. For something lighter, I love pairing it with steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts sprinkled with a bit of Parmesan themselves.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve served these cutlets sliced over a bed of creamy risotto or tucked inside crusty rolls with arugula for an upscale chicken sandwich. They also make a lovely base for a quick chicken Parmesan when you add warm marinara and melted mozzarella on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cutlets in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for 3 to 4 days. To preserve the crust, I let them cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.

Freezing

These cutlets freeze beautifully! After baking, I let them cool and then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and foil before popping them in a freezer bag. They keep well up to 2 months and are perfect for quick meals when you’re short on time.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the cutlets in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes—this revives the crispiness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that satisfying crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully here and bring extra juiciness. Just adjust the baking time slightly, checking for doneness around 35-40 minutes since thighs can cook a bit faster.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make the recipe gluten-free, swap the seasoned breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Make sure your Parmesan cheese doesn’t have any additives containing gluten for a safe and tasty meal.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can coat the chicken cutlets and arrange them on a baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

Why is the Dijon mustard important in the recipe?

Dijon mustard adds moisture that keeps the chicken juicy as it bakes and delivers subtle tanginess that complements the Parmesan crust perfectly. It’s a simple addition that elevates this baked chicken to something special.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Crispy Parmesan Baked Chicken Cutlets Recipe is one of my go-to dishes because it’s so reliably tasty and approachable. It’s perfect when you want to impress without stress, and the leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) are just as delightful the next day. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making—and eating—it as much as I do, so go ahead, give it a try and savor every crispy, cheesy bite!