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Crispy Chicken Schnitzel Recipe

4.5 from 89 reviews

Crispy Chicken Schnitzel is a classic dish featuring tender chicken cutlets coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust and fried to golden perfection. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite, perfect as a main course for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 chicken cutlets (about 6 oz each)

Breading

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
  • 2 large eggs

Cooking

  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Lightly season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor before breading.
  2. Prepare the Breading Station: In one shallow dish, beat the eggs until smooth. In another dish, place the breadcrumbs for coating.
  3. Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken cutlet first into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated, then dredge it in the breadcrumbs pressing gently so the crumbs adhere well on all sides.
  4. Heat the Oil: Pour the vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Fry the Schnitzel: Place the breaded chicken cutlets carefully into the hot oil. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes or until the coating is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Drain and Serve: Remove the schnitzel from the skillet and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while crispy.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can season the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs.
  • Panko breadcrumbs will give a lighter, crispier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs.
  • Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken cutlets evenly if they are uneven in thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
  • Keep the oil temperature steady to avoid soggy schnitzel; if too cool, the coating absorbs oil; if too hot, breadcrumbs burn.
  • This schnitzel can be served with lemon wedges, potato salad, or a fresh green salad.

Keywords: chicken schnitzel, crispy chicken cutlets, fried chicken, breadcrumb chicken, easy chicken recipe