Crispy & Fried

Chicken Schnitzel

Name: Chicken Schnitzel
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 eggs; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil

By Rosa Hartwell · June 19, 2026 · Crispy & Fried

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had Chicken Schnitzel. It was at a small Austrian restaurant in my hometown, and the combination of the crispy exterior and juicy interior was love at first bite. Since then, I've been on a mission to perfect my own recipe, and I'm excited to share it with you today.

This recipe is all about creating a dish that's both easy to make and impressive to serve. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a meal that's sure to become a family favorite.

One of the things that sets this recipe apart is the use of fresh and high-quality ingredients. From the tender chicken breasts to the crispy breadcrumbs, every component plays a crucial role in creating a dish that's both delicious and visually appealing.

Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick and easy dinner solution or a foodie looking to try something new, this Chicken Schnitzel recipe is sure to hit the spot. So let's get started and see how to make this crispy and delicious dish from scratch!

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs to create a crispy exterior, while the chicken breasts are cooked to perfection in a hot skillet. We'll also be adding some garlic and lemon juice to give the dish a burst of flavor, making it perfect for any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a great way to get your family to eat more chicken, as the crispy exterior makes it fun to eat.
The dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, as it can be made in under 30 minutes.
It's also a great option for a special occasion, as the presentation is impressive and the flavors are delicious.
You can customize the recipe to suit your tastes by adding different seasonings or herbs to the breadcrumbs.
It's a budget-friendly option, as chicken breasts are relatively inexpensive and the other ingredients are probably already in your pantry.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Chicken Schnitzel is to create a crispy exterior while keeping the interior juicy and tender. This is achieved by using a combination of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs to coat the chicken, and then cooking it in a hot skillet with some oil.

The flour helps to create a dry surface for the eggs to adhere to, while the eggs provide a sticky surface for the breadcrumbs to cling to. The breadcrumbs, in turn, provide a crispy texture that's perfect for schnitzel.

By cooking the chicken in a hot skillet, we're able to create a crispy exterior quickly, while the interior remains juicy and tender. This is because the high heat helps to seal the exterior of the chicken, trapping the juices inside.

Another important factor is the temperature of the oil. If the oil is too hot, the exterior will burn before the interior is cooked through, while if it's too cold, the exterior won't be crispy. By using a medium-high heat, we're able to achieve the perfect balance between the two.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making Chicken Schnitzel, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. You'll need some fresh chicken breasts, as well as some basic pantry staples like flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. You'll also want to have some oil on hand for frying, as well as some lemon wedges and chopped parsley for serving.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when shopping for ingredients is to choose high-quality items. This means selecting fresh chicken breasts and using good-quality breadcrumbs that will provide a crispy texture.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breastsLook for fresh and plump chicken breasts with no signs of damage or discoloration. You can also use chicken cutlets if you prefer.
1 cup all-purpose flourUse a good-quality all-purpose flour that's fresh and has not been sitting on the shelf for too long. You can also use whole wheat flour if you prefer a nuttier flavor.
2 eggsUse large eggs that are fresh and have no cracks or damage. The eggs will help to create a sticky surface for the breadcrumbs to cling to.
1 cup panko breadcrumbsPanko breadcrumbs are lighter and crisper than regular breadcrumbs, making them perfect for schnitzel. You can also use regular breadcrumbs if you prefer.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheeseUse a good-quality Parmesan cheese that's fresh and has a nutty flavor. You can also use other types of cheese like mozzarella or cheddar if you prefer.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsleyUse fresh parsley that's been chopped just before using. You can also use other herbs like basil or thyme if you prefer.
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic that's been minced just before using. You can also use garlic powder if you prefer a milder flavor.
2 tablespoons lemon juiceUse freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. You can also use bottled lemon juice if you prefer.
1 teaspoon saltUse a good-quality salt that's fresh and has not been sitting on the shelf for too long. You can also use other types of salt like sea salt or kosher salt if you prefer.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. You can also use pre-ground pepper if you prefer.
2 tablespoons olive oilUse a good-quality olive oil that's fresh and has not been sitting on the shelf for too long. You can also use other types of oil like vegetable oil or canola oil if you prefer.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWhisk

How to Make Chicken Schnitzel

1
Start by preparing the breading station. In one shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, and pepper. In another dish, beat the eggs until they're well mixed. In a third dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
2
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dip each breast in the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly. Then, dip the breast in the eggs, making sure to coat it completely. Finally, dip the breast in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to help them stick.
3
Heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add two of the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through to 165 F (74 C). Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the breast.
4
Repeat the cooking process with the remaining two chicken breasts. When all the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
5
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the garlic and lemon sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6
To serve, place a cooked chicken breast on each plate. Spoon some of the garlic and lemon sauce over the top of each breast. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
7
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices to redistribute and the chicken to stay tender.
8
Slice the chicken into thin strips and serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or a green salad.
9
You can also serve the chicken with a side of marinara sauce or a green salad with a light vinaigrette.
10
If you want to get fancy, you can serve the chicken with a side of sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini.
11
Finally, be sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within a day or two.

Expert Tips

Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. This can cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in greasy or undercooked chicken.
If you're having trouble getting the breadcrumbs to stick to the chicken, try dipping the breast in the eggs and then the breadcrumbs again.
To make the dish more substantial, you can serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad with a protein like grilled chicken or salmon.
You can also customize the recipe by adding different seasonings or herbs to the breadcrumbs. For example, you could add some dried thyme or oregano for a Mediterranean flavor.
To make the dish more kid-friendly, you can serve the chicken with a side of dipping sauce, such as ketchup or ranch dressing.
If you're looking for a lower-calorie option, you can try baking the chicken instead of frying it. Simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the breaded chicken breasts for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not using enough oil in the skillet, resulting in the chicken sticking to the pan.
Overcrowding the skillet, causing the oil temperature to drop and the chicken to cook unevenly.
Not cooking the chicken to the correct internal temperature, resulting in undercooked or overcooked chicken.
Not letting the chicken rest before serving, resulting in dry or tough chicken.
Not using fresh and high-quality ingredients, resulting in a dish that's lacking in flavor and texture.
Not seasoning the chicken properly, resulting in a dish that's bland or uninspiring.

Variations and Substitutions

Try using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for a unique flavor.
Add some diced ham or bacon to the breadcrumbs for a smoky flavor.
Use different types of herbs, such as thyme or oregano, for a Mediterranean flavor.
Try using gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the skillet with the chicken for added flavor.
Use different types of oil, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil, for a unique flavor.

What to Serve With Chicken Schnitzel

Chicken Schnitzel is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Some popular options include mashed potatoes, a green salad, or a side of sautéed vegetables. You can also serve the chicken with a side of marinara sauce or a light vinaigrette.

For a more substantial meal, you can serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad with a protein like grilled chicken or salmon. You can also customize the dish by adding different seasonings or herbs to the breadcrumbs.

Mashed potatoesGreen saladSautéed vegetablesMarinara sauceLight vinaigretteRoasted vegetables

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Chicken Schnitzel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

You can also freeze the chicken for up to three months. To freeze, place the cooked chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and put it in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the chicken to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer.

To reheat frozen chicken, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the chicken in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

It's also important to note that you can make the breadcrumbs and the garlic and lemon sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day. This can help to simplify the cooking process and make it more efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of oil is best to use for frying the chicken?

You can use a variety of oils for frying the chicken, including olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil. The key is to choose an oil that has a high smoke point, which means it can handle high temperatures without burning or smoking.

How do I get the breadcrumbs to stick to the chicken?

To get the breadcrumbs to stick to the chicken, make sure to dip the breast in the eggs and then the breadcrumbs. You can also try dipping the breast in the eggs and then the breadcrumbs again for extra crunch.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the breaded chicken breasts for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C).

Can I make the chicken ahead of time and reheat it?

Yes, you can make the chicken ahead of time and reheat it. Simply store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days and reheat it in the oven or microwave when you're ready to serve.

What are some good sides to serve with the chicken?

Some popular sides to serve with the chicken include mashed potatoes, a green salad, or a side of sautéed vegetables. You can also serve the chicken with a side of marinara sauce or a light vinaigrette.

Can I customize the recipe with different seasonings or herbs?

Yes, you can customize the recipe with different seasonings or herbs. Try adding some dried thyme or oregano to the breadcrumbs for a Mediterranean flavor, or use different types of cheese for a unique flavor.

Is the recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs. Simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and proceed with the recipe as instructed.

The Full Recipe

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