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Crispy Chicken Schnitzel: Golden, Juicy, and Perfectly Crunchy


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

Scale
(Serves 4)
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • Salt & freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for flavor)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • ½ cup neutral oil (like canola, vegetable, or clarified butter)
  • Lemon wedges & chopped parsley, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prep chicken: Place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin to ¼” thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Set up breading station:
    • Station 1: Flour
    • Station 2: Beaten eggs
    • Station 3: Breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan and garlic powder (if using)
  3. Bread the chicken: Dredge each cutlet in flour (shake off excess), dip in egg, then press firmly into breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly. Place on a wire rack; let rest 5–10 minutes (helps coating adhere).
  4. Fry: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (oil should shimmer but not smoke). Fry 2 cutlets at a time for 2–3 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).
  5. Drain: Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate or wire rack.
  6. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
💡 Pro Tips:
Don’t overcrowd the pan—it lowers oil temp and causes soggy schnitzel.
– For extra crispiness, double-dip: egg → crumbs → egg → crumbs again.
– Make it gluten-free: Use GF flour and GF breadcrumbs.
– Traditional sides: buttered egg noodles, potato salad, or lingonberry jam.

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving):

Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 12 min | Total Time: 27 min
Servings: 4 | Calories: 380 | Net Carbs: 18g | Fats: 19g | Protein: 36g