Easy Golden Chicken Schnitzel Recipe: A Crispy Family Favorite

Crispy, golden chicken schnitzel has been my go-to comfort meal since childhood.

Memories of watching my grandmother pound tender meat into delicate, thin cutlets always bring a smile.

Authentic german cuisine offers incredible depth and simplicity in this beloved dish.

Traditional techniques combine perfectly seasoned flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs to create an irresistible exterior.

Each bite promises a satisfying crunch that melts in your mouth.

Peppery notes and a squeeze of fresh lemon elevate this classic meal beyond ordinary expectations.

You’ll want to gather everyone around the table and savor every delectable moment.

Why Chicken Schnitzel Is Crispy, Golden, and So Good

• Conquer Easy Technique: Master a classic European cooking method with simple steps that transform ordinary chicken into a crispy, golden masterpiece perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Guarantee a delightful meal that appeals to both kids and adults, offering a universally loved dish with satisfying crunch and familiar flavors everyone will enjoy.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in minimal time, with straightforward ingredients and a cooking process that delivers maximum flavor and texture without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy as a main course with salad, pair with traditional sides like potato salad, or serve as a sandwich filling, making it adaptable for different meal preferences and occasions.

What Goes Into Chicken Schnitzel

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, boneless protein that becomes crispy and delicious when breaded and fried.

• All-Purpose Flour, Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Seasoned flour base that provides initial coating and flavor to the chicken.
• Large Eggs: Binding agent that helps breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken surface.
• Plain Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy, golden exterior that gives schnitzel its signature crunch.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil used for frying that helps achieve a perfectly crisp exterior.
• Fresh Lemon: Bright citrus that adds tangy flavor and cuts through the richness of the fried chicken.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional herb garnish that provides color and a fresh, light flavor to the dish.

How to Make Chicken Schnitzel From Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Breasts

Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound gently with a meat mallet until they become thin and even, creating a uniform thickness perfect for quick and even cooking.

Step 2: Create Breading Station

• Seasoned flour (mixed with salt, pepper, and paprika)
• Whisked eggs
• Fresh breadcrumbs

Step 3: Coat Chicken Pieces

• First, cover completely in seasoned flour
• Next, dip into beaten eggs
• Finally, coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure a complete crispy layer

Step 4: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet, heating over medium-high temperature until the surface becomes shimmery and hot, indicating perfect frying conditions.

Step 5: Fry Chicken Schnitzels

Carefully slide breaded chicken into hot oil, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until the exterior turns golden brown and crispy. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Step 6: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer fried schnitzels to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate, allowing excess oil to drip away while maintaining the crisp texture.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Plate the hot schnitzels immediately and add fresh lemon wedges on the side. Optionally, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor.

Tips for Crispy, Juicy Chicken Schnitzel Every Time

• Flatten Precisely: Use plastic wrap and a meat mallet to create an even, thin chicken cutlet without tearing the meat.
• Breading Mastery: Pat chicken dry before breading to help seasonings and breadcrumbs stick better and create a crispier coating.
• Oil Temperature Control: Maintain consistent 350°F oil heat to ensure golden-brown exterior without burning or undercooking the chicken.
• Drain Smartly: Let schnitzel rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the bottom crisp and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Flavor Boost: Squeeze fresh lemon juice right before serving to enhance the schnitzel's taste and cut through the richness of the fried chicken.

Tasty Variations on Classic Chicken Schnitzel

• Herb-Crusted Chicken Schnitzel: Replace standard breadcrumbs with a mix of panko and finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley for an aromatic and rustic flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Schnitzel: Add cayenne pepper and chili powder to the flour mixture, coat with crushed tortilla chips instead of breadcrumbs, and serve with a zesty salsa or chipotle aioli.
• Mediterranean Chicken Schnitzel: Incorporate dried oregano and garlic powder into the flour, use seasoned breadcrumbs with feta cheese, and pair with a Greek-style cucumber salad and tzatziki sauce.

What to Serve With Chicken Schnitzel

• Zesty Lemon Pairing: Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the schnitzel's citrusy notes, cutting through the richness with bright acidity.
• Classic German Accompaniment: Serve alongside traditional potato salad or tangy sauerkraut to echo the dish's central European roots, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
• Herbaceous Side Kick: Craft a fresh cucumber salad with dill and light vinaigrette to balance the crispy chicken's heaviness, adding a refreshing counterpoint to the meal.
• Beverage Boost: German wheat beer (Hefeweizen) offers a perfect match, with its light, slightly sweet character enhancing the schnitzel's golden, crispy exterior.

How to Store Chicken Schnitzel and Keep It Crunchy

• Store cooked chicken schnitzel in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crispiness.
• Wrap individual schnitzels tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Restore crispiness by warming in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwave, which can make breading soggy and compromise texture.
• Always let schnitzel cool completely before storing. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture and keep breading crisp.

FAQs for Chicken Schnitzel Lovers

• Why is pounding the chicken important?

Pounding creates uniform thickness, ensuring even cooking and preventing dry or undercooked sections, which helps the chicken cook quickly and consistently.

• Can I use different types of meat for schnitzel?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork or veal, which are traditional schnitzel meats. The breading technique remains the same for all protein options.

• How do I know the oil is hot enough for frying?

Use a cooking thermometer to check 350°F, or drop a breadcrumb into the oil – if it sizzles immediately and turns golden, the oil is ready for frying.

• What's the secret to getting a crispy breading?

Ensure each chicken piece is thoroughly coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower oil temperature and create soggy schnitzel.

Chicken Schnitzel Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy golden chicken schnitzel emerges as a delightful Austrian classic that brings comfort and flavor to dinner tables. Tender chicken cutlets coated in seasoned breadcrumbs promise a satisfying crunch you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 4 chicken breasts

Breading:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups breadcrumbs

Seasonings and Accompaniments:

• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) vegetable oil
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Optional Garnish:

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken breasts by placing them between plastic wrap and gently pounding with a meat mallet until uniformly thin, approximately ¼-inch thickness.
2. Create a breading station with three separate shallow dishes: first with seasoned flour (salt, pepper, and paprika), second with whisked eggs, and third with breadcrumbs.
3. Carefully coat each chicken breast by first dredging in seasoned flour, ensuring complete and even coverage, then dipping into beaten eggs, and finally coating thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F, creating a shimmering surface that indicates proper temperature.
5. Gently place breaded chicken into hot oil, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Transfer schnitzel to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
7. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges, allowing diners to squeeze citrus over the hot schnitzel for bright, tangy flavor.
8. Optional: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, herbaceous garnish that adds color and subtle brightness to the dish.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent thick, uneven sections that might remain raw.
• Pat chicken completely dry before breading to help coating adhere perfectly and create extra crispy exterior.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs for maximum crunchiness, which delivers superior texture compared to pre-packaged versions.
• Allow oil to reach precise temperature to prevent soggy or greasy schnitzel, using a thermometer for accuracy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg