How many calories are in 1 breaded chicken cutlet?

October 27, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutrition databases, a single medium-sized, fried breaded chicken cutlet can contain approximately 270 to 300 calories. The exact number can vary significantly depending on cooking methods, portion size, and the type of breading used, which is why it's crucial to understand the different factors at play when asking how many calories are in 1 breaded chicken cutlet.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of one breaded chicken cutlet depends on cooking methods, portion size, and breading ingredients. Frying adds substantial calories from oil, while baking offers a lighter alternative. A typical cutlet has about 270-300 calories, but larger portions or heavier breading can increase this significantly.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The calorie count for one breaded chicken cutlet is not fixed and can range from around 270 to over 600 calories depending on preparation.
Cooking Method is Key: Frying a chicken cutlet significantly increases its calorie and fat content compared to baking or air-frying.
Breading Choice Matters: The type of breading, whether traditional breadcrumbs or alternatives like almond flour or crushed nuts, impacts total calories.
Portion Size Affects Totals: A larger chicken cutlet will have a higher calorie count than a smaller one, so portion control is important.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Making cutlets at home allows for better control over ingredients like oil, breading, and sodium, potentially leading to a healthier option.
Healthy Alternatives Exist: For lower-calorie options, use healthier breading alternatives and cooking methods like baking or air-frying.

Calorie Breakdown: Why the Numbers Vary

When you ask "how many calories are in 1 breaded chicken cutlet," you'll find that the answer isn't a single, fixed number. The calorie content is a dynamic figure, heavily influenced by several key factors. Understanding these elements can help you make more informed dietary choices.

The Impact of Cooking Method

One of the most significant factors is how the chicken is cooked. Frying and baking produce drastically different calorie counts due to the added fat from the oil. Frying a cutlet in oil causes it to absorb a considerable amount of fat, boosting its total calories. On the other hand, baking or air-frying uses far less oil, resulting in a much lighter, lower-calorie meal.

The Breading: A Calorie Catalyst

The type of breading you use also plays a crucial role. Standard breadcrumbs are the most common, but some recipes call for heavier, more calorie-dense coatings. For example, using panko breadcrumbs, flour, and an egg wash adds more carbs and fats than a lighter dusting. Health-conscious alternatives like crushed nuts, almond flour, or even oat flour can provide a crunchy texture with a different nutritional profile.

Size Matters: From Mini to Massive

Serving size is an obvious but often overlooked variable. A small, three-ounce chicken cutlet will have fewer calories than a larger, six-ounce portion. A standard medium-sized cutlet is typically around 120 grams, but portions can vary widely depending on whether it's store-bought or homemade. Always consider the weight of your portion when calculating your intake.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: The Hidden Differences

When you buy pre-breaded chicken cutlets from a supermarket, they may contain additional ingredients and preservatives that affect the calorie count. Sodium, for instance, can be significantly higher in processed foods. Making your own breaded chicken cutlets at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to manage calories, fat, and sodium more effectively. It also lets you experiment with healthier alternatives, such as using whole-wheat breadcrumbs or a variety of spices to boost flavor without adding excess calories.

Comparison Table: Baked vs. Fried Breaded Chicken Cutlet


Feature	Baked Breaded Chicken Cutlet	Fried Breaded Chicken Cutlet
Calories	~250-450 (depending on size and oil)	~270-660 (depending on size and oil)
Fat Content	Generally lower, as less oil is used	Significantly higher due to oil absorption
Preparation	Involves baking in an oven or air fryer	Typically involves deep-frying or pan-frying in oil
Texture	Crunchy and less greasy	Crispy and more saturated with oil
Healthier Choice?	Yes, typically considered healthier	No, generally higher in fat and calories

Low-Calorie Alternatives and Tips

If you're watching your calorie intake but still want to enjoy a chicken cutlet, there are several simple swaps you can make.

Choose the Cooking Method: Opt for baking, air-frying, or pan-frying with minimal oil instead of deep-frying.
Modify the Breading: Use healthier breading alternatives like almond flour, crushed cornflakes, or rolled oats instead of traditional white breadcrumbs.
Control the Portion: Instead of one large cutlet, use smaller portions or serve your cutlet alongside a large salad to make the meal more filling and nutrient-dense.
Season Generously: Enhance flavor with herbs and spices instead of relying on fatty sauces. Ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning can add a lot of flavor for almost no calories.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

There is no single answer to how many calories are in 1 breaded chicken cutlet, as the total depends on preparation. A typical fried cutlet can range from 270 to over 600 calories, while a baked version is often much lower. By being mindful of your cooking method, breading, and portion size, you can make smarter, healthier choices. Whether you're meal planning or just curious, understanding the components of your food empowers you to take control of your nutrition. For more detailed nutrition information on specific ingredients, consider visiting reliable sources like the USDA's FoodData Central or a comprehensive nutrition app.

For a complete resource on dietary intake tracking, you can visit Eat This Much for their database of calorie and macro information.

Frequently Asked Questions

A small, baked breaded chicken cutlet (around 80g) typically contains fewer calories than a fried one, with estimates often ranging from 150 to 250 calories depending on the ingredients used.

Yes, the type and amount of oil significantly impact the calorie count. Higher-fat oils and deeper frying methods will result in more oil absorption and a higher final calorie total.

Healthier alternatives include a grilled chicken breast, which is not breaded, or using a light breading like crushed cornflakes or nuts and baking it instead of frying.

Frozen breaded chicken cutlets can often be higher in calories, sodium, and fat than homemade versions due to added ingredients and preservatives. Always check the nutritional label.

To calculate calories for a homemade cutlet, you would need to total the calories of all ingredients: the chicken breast, flour, egg, breadcrumbs, and the amount of oil used during cooking. Using less oil when baking or air-frying is a key way to reduce calories.

The breading process, which involves flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, adds carbohydrates and fats to the chicken. This coating, especially when fried, soaks up oil, dramatically increasing the overall calorie count.

Yes, air-frying is an excellent method for reducing calories. It uses significantly less oil than traditional frying while still achieving a crispy, golden-brown exterior.