Description
This recipe for Healthy Baked Chicken Cutlets should be a staple in every kitchen! Thin slices of chicken breast are breaded with a high-fiber bran flake coating and baked until super crispy. Delicious as a standalone meal or add-on protein for your favorite salads, pastas and more!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups bran flake cereal
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- cooking spray for baking
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Prepare the chicken cutlets. Take one chicken breast and place it on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, “butterfly” the chicken by slicing it in half lengthwise to create two thin breast pieces. Place a piece of plastic wrap over each piece of chicken, then use a rolling pin or meat mallet to pound them to about 1/2-inch thickness. Season each side of the cutlet with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
- Prepare the bran flake crumbs. In a food processor, pulse together the bran flake cereal, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper until a coarse crumb forms. (Note – You could also add all ingredients to large freezer bag and pound them with mallet or rolling pin to achieve the same result!)
- Set up a breading station. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until combined. Place the bowl on the left side of your work station. Transfer the bran crumbs to a large plate or bowl and place to the right of the egg mixture. Finally, prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and a wire rack set on top. Place to the right side of the breading.
- Bread the chicken cutlets. Working from left to right, dip each chicken cutlet into the egg mixture and shake off any excess. Next, lay the cutlet on top of the bran crumbs. Be sure to press the chicken into the crumbs so the coating sticks well. Transfer the cutlet to the wire rack, and repeat with the remaining pieces.
- Bake the chicken cutlets. Spray each cutlet with cooking oil (try to spray under the wire rack too!), then place into the oven to bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve immediately topped with fresh parsley and your favorite healthy sides (e.g. steamed vegetables, quinoa etc.). Or enjoy on top of your favorite pasta, salad, or in a sandwich or wrap!
Notes
To Avoid A Soggy Coating: Spray the cutlets with a cooking spray vs. drizzling with oil for a more even distribution. Additionally, bake the cutlets on a wire rack and don’t overcrowd the pan to allow even airflow and cooking on all sides. Optional – Broil the cutlets for 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness and browning.
To Store Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: Reheat cutlets under the broiler for a few minutes, or until hot throughout, to revive their crispy coating.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Meat
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American