Golden, crispy, and irresistibly tender, chicken schnitzel is a classic dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. Coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs and fried to a perfect golden brown, this schnitzel is served with fresh salad, lemon wedges, and garlic bread for a balanced, satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and golden brown – Panko breadcrumbs ensure a crunchy texture with every bite.
- Juicy and tender – The thinly pounded chicken stays moist inside while crisping up beautifully on the outside.
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal.
- Versatile – Serve with salad, garlic bread, or even mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
- Restaurant-quality at home – Get that perfect schnitzel crispiness without deep frying.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Schnitzel:
- Skinless, boneless chicken breasts, halved and pounded thin
- Large eggs
- Salt
- Lemon juice
- Black pepper powder
- Garlic powder
- Paprika powder
- All-purpose flour
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Italian seasoning
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh cucumber, tomato, and red pepper slices
- Garlic bread
Directions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
- Use a mallet or rolling pin to pound them thin (about 1/4 inch thick) for even cooking.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon juice. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
Set Up Breading Station:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs.
- In another shallow dish, place the flour.
- In a third shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning.
Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken piece in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Dip into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Coat in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help them stick.
Fry the Schnitzel:
- Heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve:
- Plate the schnitzel with lemon wedges, fresh salad, and garlic bread.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 520 kcal per serving
Variations
- Baked Schnitzel: Instead of frying, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
- Spicy Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a kick.
- Cheesy Coating: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of all-purpose flour and panko.
- Different Protein: Substitute turkey, veal, or even firm tofu for a variation on classic schnitzel.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked, breaded schnitzel on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Stovetop: Warm in a pan over low heat until crispy.
FAQs
What’s the best oil for frying schnitzel?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil.
Can I make schnitzel in the air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I keep the schnitzel crispy?
Serve immediately and avoid covering with foil, which traps steam and softens the crust.
What side dishes go well with schnitzel?
Serve with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a light cucumber salad.
How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
- Pat the chicken dry before breading.
- Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken.
- Let the breaded chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before frying.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, but panko breadcrumbs create a crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes! It enhances the flavor and makes the chicken even more tender.
What’s the difference between schnitzel and fried chicken?
Schnitzel is thinner and coated in breadcrumbs only, while fried chicken often has a thicker batter and is deep-fried.
Is this an authentic schnitzel?
This is a classic-style chicken schnitzel, inspired by Austrian and German schnitzels, which traditionally use veal.
Conclusion
Crispy Chicken Schnitzel is a golden, crunchy, and incredibly satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The perfectly seasoned chicken pairs wonderfully with fresh salad, garlic bread, and a squeeze of lemon. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, this schnitzel is a delicious, family-friendly meal that’s sure to be a favorite.
Try this recipe today and enjoy the crispiest, most flavorful schnitzel at home!
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Crispy Chicken Schnitzel
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Golden, crispy, and tender chicken schnitzel, seasoned to perfection and served with a fresh salad, lemon wedges, and garlic bread. A classic comfort meal with a crunchy bite!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Schnitzel:
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, halved and pounded thin
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp black pepper powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh cucumber, tomato, and red pepper slices
- Garlic bread
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound thin with a mallet.
- Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon juice.
- Let marinate for 15 minutes.
Set Up the Breading Station:
- In one bowl, whisk the eggs.
- In another, place the flour.
- In a third, mix panko breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning.
Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally coat with seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Fry the Schnitzel:
- Heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry chicken 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve:
- Plate the crispy schnitzel with fresh salad, lemon wedges, and garlic bread. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-coat the chicken by repeating the egg and breadcrumb step.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Pair with mashed potatoes or a creamy dill sauce for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food, Quick Meals
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: German, Austrian
