Crispy Chicken Schnitzel is a delicious, breaded and fried chicken dish with a golden, crispy crust. Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
- Pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are even in thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly.
- Set up Breading Station:
- In one shallow dish, add the flour and season with salt and pepper.
- In a second shallow dish, whisk the eggs.
- In a third shallow dish, add the breadcrumbs. You can season them with garlic powder, paprika, and oregano if you’d like extra flavor.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s completely covered.
- Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumbs, pressing down gently to ensure they stick.
- Fry the Schnitzels:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You need enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan, about 1/4 inch deep.
- Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a small piece of bread in — it should sizzle), add the breaded chicken.
- Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Drain and Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the schnitzels.
Tips:
- For extra crunch, you can double-bread the chicken by dipping it in the egg and breadcrumbs twice.
- If you want to make it a more complete meal, serve with a side of mashed potatoes, potato salad, or a simple green salad.
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful chicken schnitzel!
