Everything Bagel Crusted Chicken Cutlets: Your New Keto BFF
Hey, chicken lovers! Ever have one of those days where you’re craving that everything-bagel-with-cream-cheese magic but also need something hearty for dinner? Or maybe you’re doing the keto tango and miss those crunchy, seedy flavors? *Girl, I feel you.* That’s exactly why I did a happy dance in my flour-dusted kitchen when this Everything Bagel Crusted Chicken Cutlet was born. Imagine this: juicy chicken breasts swiped with creamy goodness, then pressed into a mountain of crunchy everything seasoning until it looks like it rolled straight out of a Brooklyn deli. Bake it until golden, and boom—you’ve got crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside perfection with just 2g net carbs. It’s brunch’s cool cousin crashing dinner party, and trust me, even carb-lovers will beg for seconds. I’ve served this to my picky nephew (who thinks “herbs” are suspicious), my keto-bestie Sarah, and my golden retriever (who may have stolen a bite…oops). All gave tail wags and clean plates. Ready to make your weeknights infinitely tastier? Let’s get clucking!
When Brunch and Dinner Had a Love Child
Okay, story time! This recipe started as a glorious kitchen mishap. Last year, I was catering a fancy brunch with 200 everything bagels. Naturally, I spilled a whole jar of seasoning onto cream cheese-slathered salmon. My sous-chef gasped—but I just shrugged, baked it anyway, and watched guests lose their minds over the “crunchy salmon.” Driving home, I kept thinking: *What if we swapped salmon for chicken?* Cue my late-night lightbulb moment! I tested it the next day, using cream cheese as “glue” (sorry, eggs—you’re fired). The first bite? Heaven. It tasted like Sunday mornings at Grandma’s, where she’d let me shake seasoning over bagels while she whispered, “More sesame seeds, Emmy—flavor’s in the crunch!” Now, this chicken is my edible hug for busy souls. It’s proof that happy accidents + grandma wisdom = dinnertime magic.
Everything Bagel Chicken Cutlets
What You’ll Need (and Clever Swaps!)
- 2 large chicken breasts, halved into 4 cutlets: Look for plump, even breasts! Halving ensures quick cooking. Swap with turkey cutlets or pork chops.
- 3 tbsp softened cream cheese: The “glue” that holds your crust! Full-fat works best, but keto pals—use whipped for spreadability. Vegan? Almond cream cheese rocks.
- ½ cup everything bagel seasoning: Your flavor MVP! Check labels for no added sugar. DIY mix: 2 tbsp each sesame+poppy seeds, 1 tbsp dried garlic+onion, 1 tsp salt.
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter: A drizzle = golden crunch! Butter adds richness; avocado oil works for high-heat.
- Chopped parsley/green onions (optional): Fresh confetti for color! Chives or dill are delish too.
Chef’s Tip: If your seasoning is salt-heavy, rinse chicken first or use low-sodium blends. Your kidneys will thank you later!
Let’s Get Crunchy: Your Foolproof Roadmap
Step 1: Fire up that oven to 400°F (200°C)! Line a baking sheet with parchment—no sticking, easy cleanup. (P.S. Silicone mats work too!)
Why?: High heat = maximum crunch without frying. No parchment? Lightly grease the pan.
Step 2: Pat chicken dry with paper towels. CRITICAL STEP! Wet chicken = sad, sliding crust. Halve breasts horizontally like a pro: place hand flat on top, slice parallel to the board.
Chef Hack: Cover cutlets with plastic wrap and gently pound uneven spots with a skillet. Even thickness = even cooking!
Step 3: Schmear cream cheese! Use the back of a spoon to spread a thin layer (about 2 tsp per cutlet) on one side only.
Fun Fact: Cream cheese keeps chicken juicy while acting as flavor Velcro. No mayo? Greek yogurt or sour cream work in a pinch.
Step 4: Time for the SEASONING PARTY! Pour seasoning into a shallow dish. Press cream-cheese-side down firmly. Lift, press again—double-dipping encouraged!
Pro Tip: Sprinkle extra seasoning on edges. Gaps = missed crunch opportunities!
Step 5: Place cutlets crust-up on your sheet. Drizzle lightly with oil or butter—this blasts the crust into crispiness!
Watch Out: Don’t drown them! A teaspoon per cutlet max.
Step 6: Bake 20-25 mins until internal temp hits 165°F. No thermometer? Cut into the thickest piece—zero pink!
Golden Rule: Rest 5 minutes before serving. Patience = juicy chicken (not dry sadness).
Plating Like a Pro (Minimal Effort, Max Wow)
Slide these golden beauties onto plates crust-side up—show off that bling! I love pairing with:
– A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette (cuts the richness)
– Roasted asparagus or zucchini noodles (keep it keto!)
– Cauliflower mash dolloped underneath (hello, creamy bed!)
Garnish with parsley and a lemon wedge. For “brunch vibes,” add pickled red onions or a side of quick cucumber salad. Extra seasoning on the plate edges? Yes, chef!
Shake It Up: 5 Delicious Twists
1. Spicy ‘Everything’: Add 1 tsp chili flakes to seasoning.
2. Veggie Power: Swap chicken for thick portobello caps or eggplant slices.
3. Cheesier: Top baked chicken with shredded cheddar last 5 minutes.
4. Nut-Free: Use sunflower seeds instead of sesame in DIY seasoning.
5. Air Fryer Fun: Cook at 380°F for 12-15 mins—ultra-crispy!
Emily’s Extra Scoop (aka Kitchen Confessions)
True story: my first test batch looked like a “seedy crime scene” (my husband’s words). Why? I piled seasoning too high—it slid right off! Lesson: schmear cream cheese thin, press gently. Now I double-press for armor-like crusts. Also, this recipe evolved from salmon experiments, but chicken’s cheaper for feeding my rowdy family. Bonus hack? Make extra! Leftovers become killer chopped salad toppers or sandwich fillers (cloud bread for keto). Oh, and my dog Luna still stares at the oven—this chicken’s THAT good.
Your Burning Questions—Answered!
Q: Can I pan-fry instead of bake?
A: Absolutely! Heat 2 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium. Cook crust-side down 4-5 mins until golden, flip carefully, cook 5-6 mins more. Lower heat prevents burning.
Q: My seasoning fell off! What happened?
A: Three culprits: 1) Chicken wasn’t dry enough, 2) Too-thick cream cheese layer (it gets slippery!), or 3) You didn’t press hard enough. Pat, spread thin, and commit to that press!
Q: Is store-bought everything seasoning okay?
A: Totally! But check ingredients. Some brands add sugar or filler. My faves: Trader Joe’s or McCormick.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: In airtight containers for 3 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer (not microwave!) to revive crunch.
Nutritional Per Serving (1 Cutlet)
Calories: 320 | Protein: 35g | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 2g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g
Note: Carbs are net. Values vary by ingredient brands.
Everything Bagel Crusted Chicken Cutlets
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Meet the chicken cutlet that thinks it’s brunch. Juicy chicken breasts get a creamy swipe of cream cheese and a bold crust of crushed everything bagel seasoning. Baked until golden and crisp, it’s the perfect mashup of deli-diner charm and keto-friendly comfort.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts, halved to make 4 cutlets
3 tbsp cream cheese (softened)
½ cup everything bagel seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for drizzling)
Optional: chopped parsley or green onion for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Pat chicken dry and spread a thin layer of cream cheese on each cutlet.
Press everything bagel seasoning onto the cream cheese-coated side.
Place on the baking sheet, seasoning-side up. Lightly drizzle with oil or butter.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until cooked through and crust is golden.
Garnish and serve hot with a simple side or salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320/serving
- Sugar: 1g/serving
- Fat: 18g/serving
- Carbohydrates: 2g/serving
- Fiber: 1g/serving
- Protein: 35g/serving
Final Thoughts: Big Crunch Energy, No Carb Crash
And there you have it, friends—proof that dinner can be bold, flavorful, and weeknight-easy without a single breadcrumb in sight. These Everything Bagel Crusted Chicken Cutlets are like your favorite brunch bagel grew up, hit the gym, and now stars in your dinner rotation. They’re crispy, creamy, juicy, and totally keto-approved. Honestly? They’re the culinary equivalent of wearing pajamas that look like a power suit. Effortless, but dang, do they deliver.
Whether you’re cooking for picky kids, feeding your carb-conscious crew, or just looking for a new way to love on chicken breast (again), this recipe’s got your back—and your taste buds doing the cha-cha. So, schmear that cream cheese, press with purpose, and get ready to serve up serious crunch factor.
And hey, if you eat it cold, straight from the fridge in your slippers the next morning? I won’t judge. In fact, I high-five you. That’s living.
With seasoning in my soul and chicken in my oven,
— Chef Emily 💛🐓
