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
- Gather and Prepare Ingredients: Collect all the ingredients you’ll need and get them ready for the cooking process.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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