Chicken Schnitzel: A Crispy and Delicious Classic

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. This helps the chicken cook evenly and ensures a tender result.
2. Set Up the Breading Stations: In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In another, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, making sure to coat it evenly. Next, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well.
4. Fry the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts to the pan. Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
5. Serve: Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the schnitzel and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
6. Enjoy: Serve your chicken schnitzel with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, potato salad, or a crisp green salad.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Three shallow bowls (for breading)
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Tongs or spatula
• Paper towels (for draining excess oil)
• Meat thermometer (optional, but helpful)

Tips and Shortcuts

• Make It Ahead: You can bread the chicken breasts in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to fry. This will help the breading set and prevent it from falling off while cooking.
• Healthier Option: For a lighter version, you can bake the schnitzel instead of frying it. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken on a greased baking sheet for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Add Some Spice: If you like a little heat, add cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra kick.
• Use Thin Chicken Cutlets: If you want to save time, you can purchase pre-thinned chicken cutlets to skip the pounding step.

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Schnitzel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the schnitzel in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain its crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over low heat, but be sure to cover it to prevent drying out.