Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is crucial for ensuring that your chicken cooks evenly and gets that golden-brown exterior we all crave.
Spray a large casserole dish or baking sheet with cooking oil. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and help it crisp up beautifully.
Remove the chicken from its packaging and place it on a large cutting board. It’s important to handle the chicken carefully to avoid any cross-contamination.
Use paper towels to pat any excess moisture off of the chicken breasts. Drying the meat will help the breading stick better.
Using a sharp knife, slice each chicken breast through the center, creating four thin chicken breast filets. If you're using thin cutlets or tenders, you can skip this step.
Crack the egg into a bowl and whisk it vigorously with a fork until it’s well-beaten. This will be your binding agent for the breadcrumbs.
In a large plate or shallow bowl, combine gluten-free breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese (if using), gluten free flour, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
Take one of the chicken filets in your hands and dip both sides into the beaten egg. Make sure it’s fully coated to help the breadcrumbs adhere properly.
Transfer the egg-coated chicken to the breadcrumb mixture and dip both sides into it. Use your hands to press down gently and pile more breadcrumbs on top to create a thicker coat.
Place the breaded chicken cutlet onto the prepared baking dish and repeat the coating process for the remaining pieces.
Once all the chicken is coated, bake it on the center rack of the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. You want them to be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Insert a digital thermometer into the thickest part of the breast to ensure it's cooked through. Once done, let them rest for a few minutes.
Now, you can serve your baked breaded chicken with your favorite sides, like rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
If you love honey mustard chicken, blend the ingredients for the honey mustard sauce until combined, and drizzle it over or serve it as a dipping sauce.