Perfect Chicken Schnitzel

How to Make the Perfect Chicken Schnitzel

If you're craving a crispy, golden, and juicy chicken dish, look no further than this homemade chicken schnitzel recipe. This family-friendly meal is easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. The secret to achieving the best texture? A perfectly seasoned breading and a finishing touch that elevates the flavors to another level. Let's dive right in!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 large chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Breading:

½ cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic salt

½ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 large eggs

1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs

For Cooking:

Extra light olive oil (or canola, vegetable, or avocado oil)

Coarse salt, for finishing

Fresh lemon wedges

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Trim the Chicken – If the chicken breasts have tenderloins attached, remove them and set them aside (they can also be breaded and cooked).

2. Slice into Cutlets – Place each chicken breast on a cutting board, keep your fingers upward, and carefully slice horizontally to create two even cutlets from each breast.

3. Pound to Even Thickness – Place the cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap or inside a zip-top bag. Using the flat side of a meat mallet, a rolling pin, or a heavy pan, gently pound the chicken to about ¼-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and extra tenderness.

4. Cut for Easier Cooking – If desired, cut each pounded cutlet in half for smaller, easier-to-cook portions.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

1. In the first bowl, combine flour, garlic salt, paprika, and black pepper. Mix well.

2. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.

3. In a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

1. Dredge the Chicken – Using tongs, dip a chicken cutlet into the flour mixture, coating both sides. Shake off excess flour.

2. Dip in Egg Wash – Transfer the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it's fully coated. Let excess egg drip off.

3. Coat with Breadcrumbs – Finally, place the chicken into the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to coat evenly.

4. Let it Rest – Place the breaded cutlets on a tray and let them sit for 10 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Schnitzel

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan.

2. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the cutlets in a single layer without overlapping.

3. Cook for about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. If they brown too quickly, reduce the heat.

4. Check for doneness using a thermometer (165°F internal temperature) or by cutting into one piece—there should be no pink inside.

5. Transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 5: Final Touches & Serving

1. Season Immediately – While still hot, sprinkle a little coarse salt on top to enhance the flavor.

2. Add Lemon & Garnish – Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the schnitzel and serve with additional lemon wedges. Sprinkle some fresh parsley for color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

This crispy chicken schnitzel pairs perfectly with:

Mashed potatoes or French fries

Coleslaw or a fresh green salad

Dipping sauces like ranch, fry sauce (ketchup + mayo), or honey mustard

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Make Ahead – Bread the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours before frying.

Reheating – Warm up leftovers in an air fryer, oven, or skillet to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.

Meal Prep – Fully cooked schnitzel makes a great addition to lunchboxes or meal plans.

Final Thoughts

This crispy, juicy, and flavorful chicken schnitzel is an absolute winner for any meal. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and loved by both kids and adults. Give it a try, and let us know how it turned out!

For more delicious recipes, stay tuned!