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Crispy Chicken Schnitzel with Lemon Recipe


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3.8 from 7 reviews

  • Author: Molly
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Chicken Schnitzel recipe features tenderized, breaded chicken breasts that are pan-fried to a crispy, golden perfection. Flavored with garlic, parsley, and Parmesan, these schnitzels are served with a fresh squeeze of lemon for a delightful and classic dish perfect for a satisfying dinner.


Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, 780g)
  • 1 tsp salt (divided)
  • 1 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked, divided)

Breading

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 Tbsp water
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 ¼ cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

For Frying & Serving

  • 2 cups vegetable oil
  • 1 lemon (quartered)


Instructions

  1. Gather and Prepare Ingredients: Collect all the ingredients you’ll need and get them ready for the cooking process.
  2. Pound the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise. Place each cutlet in a ziplock bag or between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat tenderizer or rolling pin, gently pound each piece to about ¼-inch thickness. Season both sides with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper, then set aside.
  3. Mix Breading Components: Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, mix the flour with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. In the second, whisk together eggs, water, garlic powder, and dried parsley. In the third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture first, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg wash, letting extra drip off. Then press it firmly into the panko-Parmesan mix to fully coat. Place breaded chicken on a sheet pan and repeat with remaining pieces.
  5. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a skillet and heat over medium heat until it reaches 350°F to 375°F. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature for perfect frying results.
  6. Fry the Chicken: Carefully add one piece of breaded chicken into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the skillet; fry in batches as needed. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on one side.
  7. Flip and Finish Cooking: Using tongs, gently flip the chicken and fry the other side for another 2-3 minutes. Continue until the internal temperature of each piece reaches 165°F, ensuring it is fully cooked.
  8. Drain and Serve: Remove the cooked schnitzels from the oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Maintain oil temperature between batches. Serve the schnitzel with a squeeze of fresh lemon for bright, tangy flavor and enjoy your meal.

Notes

  • Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to achieve even thickness for quick and uniform cooking.
  • Maintaining the oil temperature is crucial to avoid greasy or undercooked schnitzels.
  • Panko breadcrumbs give extra crispiness compared to regular breadcrumbs.
  • Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor and browning of the crust.
  • For a lighter version, the schnitzels can be baked at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
  • Leftover schnitzel can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in a skillet for best texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: German