Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for baking the chicken cutlets to a crisp without drying them out.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Trim the Chicken: If needed, trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts. You can also cut the chicken breasts into thinner cutlets if desired.

2. Pound the Chicken (optional): For even cooking and tender results, lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick, using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This will help the chicken cook evenly and reduce the risk of drying out the edges.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

1. Season both sides of each chicken cutlet with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly with the seasonings to maximize flavor.

Step 4: Set Up the Breading Station

1. Flour Dredging: Place the flour in a shallow bowl. This will be the first step in the breading process.

2. Egg Wash: In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs. You can add a small splash of water or milk to help the egg wash go further.

3. Breadcrumb Coating: In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Mix them together to ensure an even distribution of breadcrumbs and cheese.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

1. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour, making sure to coat it evenly and shake off any excess flour.

2. Dip the floured chicken cutlet into the egg wash, coating it completely. Let any excess egg wash drip off.

3. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well. Coat both sides evenly.

Step 6: Arrange on the Baking Sheet

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray.

2. Arrange the breaded chicken cutlets in a single layer on the baking sheet. Make sure they are not touching to allow for even crisping.

Step 7: Bake the Chicken

1. Bake the chicken cutlets in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Flip the cutlets halfway through the baking time to ensure both sides get evenly crispy.

2. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the chicken cutlets are perfectly baked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.

2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a burst of tangy flavor.