Loaded Chicken Cutlets

• This meal comes together on one sheet pan for minimal cleanup. 
• Lean chicken offers protein and B vitamins to support a healthy nervous system. 
• Cheddar is a classic loaded potato topping, but you can swap in any cheese you like.

These Loaded Chicken Cutlets have the advantage of lean protein compared to the OG potato recipe. Well-seasoned chicken cutlets and broccoli roast quickly in the oven. The antioxidant-rich broccoli then gets a further flavor upgrade when it is mixed into a creamy cheese-and-bacon mixture, while scallions and lemon zest help cut through some of the richness. This is a classic flavor bomb that’s a meal in and of itself. Keep reading for our expert tips, including what ingredients can be swapped for something else. 

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

• For this recipe, you’ll need a meat thermometer to determine when to remove the chicken from the broiler for adding toppings (160°F) and to ensure the chicken is fully cooked (165°F). Using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken is better than cutting into the chicken to check doneness, which causes loss of the precious juices that keep it moist and tender.
• It’s important to carefully monitor foods that are broiling. Broilers can vary significantly in temperature, and food can burn quickly.
• To save on prep time, consider using bags of prewashed broccoli florets.
• While you can save time with preshredded Cheddar cheese, we highly recommend buying a block of Cheddar and shredding it yourself. This way, you can avoid the anticaking agents and preservatives found in preshredded cheese, which interfere with melting and flavor.

Nutrition Notes

• Chicken cutlets are chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise. They’re a great source of lean protein and provide some micronutrients, like choline and B vitamins, all necessary for a healthy nervous system. 
• Broccoli brings a wealth of nutrition to this dish. Its fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals have been linked with a reduced risk of cancer and heart disease, and may support your bone, skin and gut health. 
• Cheese does contain saturated fat, but there is evidence that the type of saturated fat in cheese may not be as harmful as the kind found in processed and red meats. Cheese adds protein and calcium to these cutlets. It also provides some probiotics for your gut, which will feed on the fiber in the broccoli. 

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower.