Easy Crispy Baked Wet Lemon Pepper Chicken Cutlets

Name: Easy Crispy Baked Wet Lemon Pepper Chicken Cutlets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 large boneless skinless chicken breast; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs (beaten); 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 3 tablespoons grated Italian cheese blend; 2 tablespoons olive oil (or cold butter); 3 cloves of garlic (minced); 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 lemons (juiced and zested); 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper chili flakes; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

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Easy to make crispy chicken cutlets seasoned in Italian herbs, onion, garlic, smoked paprika, and grated cheese, then tossed in a zesty, citrusy blend of lemon, garlic, red pepper chili flakes, and fresh chopped parsley making this the best-wet lemon pepper chicken recipe.

Crispy baked chicken on a fork, showcasing juicy meat and inviting side dishes in background.

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Baked to Crispy Perfection

Easy Crispy Baked Wet Lemon Pepper Chicken Cutlets are a delicious and quick-to-make main course that combines the savory flavors of fried chicken with the tangy kick of lemon. These chicken cutlets are seasoned with a flavorful blend of Italian herbs, onion, garlic, smoked paprika, and grated cheese before being baked to crispy perfection in a hot oven.

They are then tossed in a tasty lemon sauce made with fresh lemon juice, garlic, red pepper chili flakes, and freshly chopped parsley. Serve them alongside green beans or pasta for a balanced and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

The Schnitzel Method

The breaded chicken cutlet is a versatile dish similar to the traditional chicken schnitzel. Schnitzel originated in Austria and Germany and refers to thin slices of meat, usually veal or pork, that are breaded and fried. This breading and frying meat technique has been adopted in various cultures, leading to the creation of chicken cutlets in Italian cuisine.

The concept of coating the meat in breadcrumbs before frying or baking provides a delightful crunch and remains a popular cooking method worldwide.

Crispy fried wet lemon pepper chicken with pasta and herbs on a plate, inviting home-cooked meal presentation.

Lemon Pepper Culinary Influence

Lemon pepper seasoning is a well-loved blend that combines the bright, tangy flavor of lemon zest with the pungent kick of black pepper. This seasoning has roots in the United States, and lemon pepper seasoning has become a Southern favorite, commonly used to add zest to seafood, poultry, and vegetables. Its unique flavor profile pairs well with various dishes, making it a kitchen staple nationwide.

The Atlanta Connection

Lemon pepper wings, particularly popularized in Atlanta, Georgia, showcase the versatility of this seasoning. In Atlanta, chefs elevated the simple dry rub into a beloved "lemon pepper wet" style by combining it with buttery or Buffalo sauce, creating a dish that balances tanginess with richness. This version gained fame through the city's vibrant music and food scenes, which became the city's signature flavor.

Fresh vs. Dry Lemon Pepper

My recipe for lemon pepper chicken cutlets uses fresh ingredients that are commonly found in household pantries to mimic the store-bought lemon pepper seasoning blend, making it a convenient go-to recipe. You can create a vibrant, tangy flavor profile that rivals any pre-packaged mix by combining fresh lemon zest and juice with cracked black pepper, garlic, and herbs.

This approach ensures that the dish bursts with fresh flavors and allows for customization to suit personal tastes. Adding these easy-to-find pantry staples transforms this recipe into a satisfying main course that's both easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

The Miami Connection

In Miami, lemon pepper seasoning is also prevalent, reflecting the Caribbean's influence on the acceptance of this culinary enhancer. Using citrus fruits and chili peppers in marinades is common among Caribbean immigrants in South Florida.

Ingredients like sour oranges, lemons, limes, habanero peppers, and scotch bonnet peppers are often used to create flavorful dishes, highlighting the cultural fusion with the acceptance of lemon pepper seasoning defining Miami's culinary landscape.

The Caribbean Connection

Miami is renowned for its diverse Caribbean cuisine, offering a rich blend of flavors from various islands. Visitors can enjoy Cuban Ropa Vieja, Haitian Griot, Dominican Mangú, Trinidadian Doubles, and Jamaican Jerk Chicken, making the city a premier destination for experiencing authentic Caribbean dishes.

This culinary diversity is a testament to Miami's role as a cultural crossroads, where traditions from across the Caribbean come together to create an unparalleled dining experience. I can't move too far away from Miami because it's where I was born and raised, and the city's vibrant diversity enriches my passion for cultural cuisine.

If I ever leave the States, it would have to be for a place with a similar multicultural vibe that celebrates food from around the world. Maybe Brooklyn, New York? What cities do you know that share the vibes of Miami's diverse Caribbean cuisine landscape?

More Delicious Recipes to Try

Easy Baked Cheesy Crispy Barbeque Chicken Cutlets (Most Popular)
Loaded Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta
Calabrian Pepper & Lemon Yogurt Baked Chicken and Vegetables (Loved by Fans)
Easy Spicy Turmeric Calabrian Chili Pepper Wet Rub (For your chicken!)
Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Chicken and Broccoli Stir-fry with Scallions Radish Salad

Crispy golden chicken cutlet on pasta with lemon and fresh herbs in a white bowl.

Ingredients with Steps

Prepare the Chicken Breast

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Slice the boneless skinless chicken breasts in half lengthwise, cover them with plastic wrap, and pound them with a mallet to flatten them. Pat each piece dry with a paper towel and set aside.

Bread the Cutlets

Prepare a breading station with three shallow containers: one for all-purpose flour mixed with Italian herb seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and kosher salt; one for beaten eggs; and one for panko breadcrumbs mixed with grated Italian blend cheese. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shake off the excess, dip in the eggs, and coat with the breadcrumbs.

Bake the Cutlets

Place the breaded chicken on a sheet pan rack. Bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. While the chicken bakes, make the sauce by heating oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat and sweating the garlic.

Add low-sodium chicken broth, lemon juice, zest, cracked black pepper, red pepper chili flakes, and kosher salt, reducing the sauce until thickened. Taste and finish with parsley. Finally, coat the chicken cutlets in the sauce, ensuring they are evenly covered.

Delicious spaghetti and golden chicken cutlet served elegantly in a white bowl with herbs.

Culinary Glossary

This section provides concise definitions of key ingredients and techniques to enhance understanding and improve cooking skills related to this recipe.

Chicken Cutlet - A thin slice of chicken breast, often breaded, fried, or baked.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning - A blend of dried lemon zest and cracked black pepper, used to add citrusy flavor to dishes.
Panko Breadcrumbs - Japanese-style breadcrumbs known for their light, airy texture that results in a crisp coating.
Italian Herb Seasoning - A blend of dried herbs, such as basil, oregano, and thyme, used to season dishes.

See the recipe card for quantities below.

For the Chicken Cutlets

ingredients for the wet lemon pepper chicken cutlets in containers on a round pizza tray

For the Lemon Pepper Sauce

Instructions with Pictures

In this tutorial, step-by-step photos guide you through creating succulent and flavorful baked lemon pepper chicken cutlets. From achieving a crispy golden crust to smothering it with a delicious sauce, these photos will help you master this delicious recipe with ease.

Pound the Chicken

animated chef maika in full chef uniform and hat.

To ensure even cooking and prevent damage, always place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable bag before pounding with a meat mallet. This protects the meat from flying everywhere and keeps the mallet clean. Aim for an even thickness across the entire breast by starting with gentle pressure and gradually increasing as needed. Avoid pounding too hard, as this can cause the meat to become mushy or tear.

halved chicken breast on yellow flexible cutting board mat

Lay the paper towel-dried chicken cutlet flat onto a cutting board.

halved chicken being pounded out with a meat mallet on a yellow cutting board

Cover with a plastic wrap film and pound out the chicken with a meat mallet to an even thickness.

Bread the Chicken

To achieve perfectly breaded chicken cutlets, adhere to this order: first, dredge the cutlets in seasoned flour. This creates a base for the subsequent layers. Next, dip the floured cutlets in beaten egg, which acts as a binding agent. Finally, coat the egg-dipped cutlets in breadcrumbs, ensuring a crisp and flavorful exterior.

meat draining container with raw chicken cutlets assembled next to three shallow trays, one with beaten eggs, another with flour and the last one with panko breadcrumbs and next to that a yellow cutting board mat with a breaded raw chicken cutlet

Set up your breading station. Note: the egg tray SHOULD be in the middle.

chicken cutlet being dredged in a shallow pan of flour assembled between two other shallow trays, one with beaten eggs and the other with bread crumbs

First, dredge the chicken in the flour and remove any excess flour.

flour coasted chicken cutlet being dipped in a shallow pan of egg wash assembled next to other shallow trays, one with flour and the other with bread crumbs

Then, place in the beaten eggs and cover completely; this will help with the bread crumbs adhering to the chicken.

raw chicken cutlet being placed in a shallow pan of panko breadcrumbs assembled next to other shallow trays, one with flour and the other with beaten eggs

Finally, gently press the chicken in the bread crumbs to coat both sides well.

Bake the Chicken

panko breaded chicken cutlets on a yellow cutting board mat

The result should look like this. Completely coated with no bare spots.

raw panko breaded chicken cutlets laying on a sheet pan with a wire rack

Then, place it on a sheet pan with a wire rack.

Learn more valuable skills with cooking tips on prepping chicken.

Prepare the Sauce

golden brown panko breaded chicken cutlets on a sheet pan with a wire rack

The wire rack will help to ensure the chicken cutlets cook efficiently and evenly.

a nonstick frying pan with cooked minced garlic and red pepper chili flakes being stirred with a silicone spatula

Using a spatula or wooden spoon, start the lemon pepper sauce by cooking the garlic and chili pepper in olive oil in a skillet.

chicken brown added to the unfinished lemon pepper sauce in a frying pan with a silicone spatula

Then, add the chicken broth.

olive oil being poured in a 1 tablespoon measuring spoon over the unfinished lemon pepper sauce

Add the olive oil.

Get the Dual-Sided Measuring Spoon (1Tsp & 1 Tbsp).

the wet lemon pepper sauce reducing with small bubbles in a non-stick frying pan being tasted with a silicone red spoon

Reduce the sauce until you see small bubbles.

Get the GIR: Get it Right Silicone Heat Resistant Spoon.

a golden brown panko breaded chicken cutlet emerged in the reduced lemon pepper sauce being spooned with more sauce on top in a nonstick frying pan

Place the cutlets into the sauce briefly, one by one, to coat well.

Visit How To Cook Quick and Easy Sauces for more great sauce recipes.

Delicious baked chicken cutlet atop garlic olive oil pasta with fresh herbs and lemon wedge.

Suggested Side Dish Ideas

Olive Oil and Grated Italian Cheese Blend Tossed Pasta
Garlic Sauteed Vegetables
- Green Beans
- Zucchini and Yellow Squash
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Baby Potatoes
Side Garden Salad
Easy Oven Baked Pecorino Basil Pesto Corn on the Cob

Substitutions

Dairy Free

Grated Italian Cheese Blend - Use a dairy-free cheese alternative instead of the Italian blend cheese for the breadcrumb mixture. For flavor to mimic grated parmesan and pecorino cheese, use a dash of nutritional yeast. Try Bragg Premium Nutritional Yeast Seasoning.

Gluten-Free

Panko Breadcrumbs - Substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities; try Kikkoman's Gluten-Free Panko Style Coating.
All-Purpose Flour - Substitute the all-purpose flour with sorghum flour, try Bob's Mill Sorghum Flour, at the same amount

Vegetarian

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast - To make this dish vegetarian, replace the chicken cutlets with slices of firm tofu or eggplant, using the same breading technique for a similar texture and flavor. Or use a meaty textured mushroom, like oyster or portobello. This adaptation provides a satisfying and protein-rich alternative for those following a vegetarian diet. Learn about prepping tofu here

Convenience

Panko breadcrumbs - Replace with crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs for a similar crunchy texture.
Grated Italian blend cheese - Use grated parmesan or pecorino if Italian blend cheese is unavailable. Or use a box grater or [Microplane] to grate a wedge of the fresh cheese.
Fresh lemon juice - Substitute with bottled lemon juice in a pinch, though fresh provides the best results.
Red pepper chili flakes - Use cayenne pepper or ground black pepper for a milder heat. Or use fresh chopped red chili peppers.

Change Heat Level - Modify the recipe's heat level to your liking and learn more about the Scoville Scale and Chili Pairings.

Elegant chicken cutlet garnished with herbs, served with pasta and lemon in a refined dining setting.

Variations

Chicken Wings - Use chicken wings instead, adjusting the cooking time to ensure the wings are fully cooked and crispy.
Chicken Thighs - Replace chicken cutlets with boneless chicken thighs for a juicier result, baking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Chicken Tenderloins - Substitute chicken cutlets with chicken tenderloins for a quicker cooking time and tender texture.

Cooking Variations

Air Fryer Directions

To make lemon pepper chicken cutlets in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare the chicken cutlets, then place the breaded chicken cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.

Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cutlets are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes.

Pan Fry Directions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken cutlets, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the cutlets are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Equipment

Oven - Preheated to a high temperature to bake the chicken cutlets to crispy perfection in a single layer.
Meat Mallet - Using a meat mallet helps to flatten the chicken cutlets, ensuring even cooking and tenderness. If you don't have one, you might get away with using a small pot or rolling pin.
- Don't Have a Meat Mallet?
  - Rolling Pin - A classic kitchen tool that works well for tenderizing chicken.
  - Heavy Can - A sturdy can of soup or vegetables can be used in a pinch.
  - Bottom of a Skillet - The flat bottom of a heavy skillet can also be used to gently pound the chicken.
Paper Towel - Pats dry the chicken cutlets to help the breading adhere better.
Shallow Containers (Breading Trays) - Used to efficiently organize and apply the flour, eggs, and breadcrumb coatings for easy cleanup. Try the trusted Navaris Breading Trays that come in a set of three.
Sheet Pan with Wire Rack - Allows air circulation around the chicken cutlets during baking, ensuring even browning. However, if you do not have a wire rack, don't worry. Just place it directly on the baking sheet pan with parchment paper. Try the highly rated and popular USA Pan's Half Sheet Baking Pan with Nonstick Rack.
Frying Pan - Used to prepare the tasty lemon sauce by sweating garlic and reducing the liquid ingredients. I used the All-Clad HA-1 Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan to develop this recipe. Great on induction, and is oven broiler-safe at 500 degrees Fahrenheit!
Meat Thermometer - It is always good to check the internal temperature. I use the popular ThermoPro Digital Meat Thermometer. It's just a simple design that does the job.

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Crispy baked chicken cutlet atop al dente pasta with fresh herbs and lemon wedge garnish.

Storage

Refrigerator - To store in the fridge, you can place the lemon pepper chicken in a shallow 2-inch container to cool down quickly. Then, store it in an airtight container. As a result, the meal will last up to 3-4 days. I suggest keeping the cutlets separate from the sauce; it will last longer and be easier to heat up.
Freezer - Follow the refrigeration process mentioned above. If you plan to freeze them for future use, do not coat them in the lemon pepper glaze. Freeze them separately. Then, place it in the freezer in a labeled, airtight container.

Airtight Food Containers - I interchange glass food storage containers with plastic clipping lids or wooden push-ins. I always suggest glass storage containers because they can be microwaved, they hold food without staining, and the glass keeps the food at a more stable temperature, keeping it fresher and longer.

Try the OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Glass Rectangle Food Storage Containers or the Pyrex Freshlock Glass Food Storage Containers.

Cooking tips

Best Crispy Chicken - For the best results, ensure the chicken cutlets are patted dry before breading to help the coating adhere and achieve maximum crispiness.
Beautiful Presentation - Add thin lemon slices to the sauce, creating a great garnish.
Easy Cleanup - Line the baking tray with aluminum foil.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can chicken cutlets be prevented from drying in the oven?

Pound the cutlets Evenly. Before baking, make sure your chicken cutlets have an even thickness. This ensures they cook uniformly, preventing some parts from drying out while others remain undercooked.

What extra step can I take to make my chicken come out moist?

Brine the chicken. Brining involves soaking the chicken in a saltwater solution for a few hours before cooking. This helps the chicken retain moisture and stay juicy during baking.

How do I prevent my chicken from overcooking?

Use an instant-read thermometer: Invest in an instant-read thermometer and cook your chicken until it reaches the recommended internal temperature. For chicken cutlets, this is typically around 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcooking, which can lead to dryness.

How do I keep my chicken moist without breading when baking?

Brush with Oil or Butter. Brush the chicken cutlets with a little olive oil or melted butter before baking. This helps lock in moisture and adds flavor. Then, cover with foil. For part of the cooking time, you can cover the chicken with aluminum foil. This traps steam and moisture, preventing the cutlets from drying out.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used as a juicier alternative; adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover chicken cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What sides pair well with these chicken cutlets?

Green beans, roasted potatoes, or a fresh garden salad are great sides to complement this dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the breaded chicken cutlets ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator, baking them just before serving.

How can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?

Reduce or omit the red pepper chili flakes for a milder sauce, or add more for extra heat.

Crispy chicken cutlet with herb-infused spaghetti, garnished with lemon for a delightful dining experience.

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Crispy breaded chicken cutlet with spaghetti, herbs, and lemon garnish for a gourmet poultry dish.

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