Description
This recipe provides a quick and family-friendly method to create crispy, golden chicken schnitzel cutlets, perfect for busy weeknights. It offers tender, flavorful chicken with a satisfying crunch, coming together faster than takeout for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 0.5 cup neutral oil for frying (such as avocado or grapeseed)
- 1 lemon, cut into fresh lemon wedges
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Place chicken breasts between parchment paper and pound to about 0.25-inch thickness. This ensures quick, tender cooking and takes 2-3 minutes per breast.
- Set Up Breading Station: Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first, combine flour, salt, and pepper. In the second, beat the eggs. In the third, place the Panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Cutlets: Dredge each chicken piece first in the seasoned flour (shake off excess), then in the beaten egg (let excess drip), and finally press firmly into the Panko breadcrumbs for a complete, crisp coating.
- Pan Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat 0.5 inch of oil in a large 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 3-4 minutes. Fry the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Maintain a consistent sizzle during frying.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer cooked chicken schnitzel immediately to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This helps them stay wonderfully crispy. Serve with fresh lemon wedges.
Notes
To avoid dry chicken, do not overcook. For a healthier option, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden (note: pan-frying yields the crispiest texture). Avoid overcrowding the pan during frying to keep the oil hot and ensure even cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cutlet (approx. 170 g)
- Calories: 550 calories
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: chicken schnitzel, crispy chicken, pan fry, easy dinner, weeknight meal, family-friendly, quick recipe, breaded chicken