How to Make a Crisp and Golden Chicken Schnitzel for Dinner
Are you looking for a delicious dinner recipe that’s both satisfying and straightforward? Look no further! Chicken Schnitzel is a fantastic dish that ticks all the boxes. It’s crispy, golden, and utterly divine. Originating from Austria, this dish has become a global favorite, thanks to its simple yet mouth-watering flavors. If you’ve never made Chicken Schnitzel before, you’re in for a treat. Let’s get into how to create this crispy delight for your dinner table.
Ingredients
Before you start cooking, ensure you have the following ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons of milk
- 2 cups of breadcrumbs (Panko breadcrumbs work great for extra crunch!)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Tools You’ll Need
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Three shallow dishes (for flour, egg mixture, and breadcrumbs)
- Large frying pan
- Paper towels
- Kitchen tongs
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by getting your chicken breasts ready. If they’re thick, you’ll first want to slice them in half horizontally to make them thinner, which helps them cook evenly. Then, place a piece of chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound it with a meat mallet or rolling pin. You’re aiming for an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. Repeat this step with all your chicken pieces. This process not only ensures even cooking but also tenderizes the meat.
2. Set Up Your Dredging Station
Next, you’ll need to set up a dredging station. This involves three shallow dishes. In the first dish, pour the all-purpose flour. Crack the eggs into the second dish, add the milk, and beat them together. In the third dish, place the breadcrumbs. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to each dish and mix them into their respective contents. This step is crucial for building layers of flavor.
3. Coat the Chicken
Now comes the fun part—coating the chicken! Take a piece of your tenderized chicken and first dip it into the flour, making sure it’s fully covered. Shake off any excess flour. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, lay it in the breadcrumbs, pressing it gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick to both sides. Set the coated chicken aside on a plate and repeat with the remaining pieces. Ensuring each chicken piece is well-coated is key to achieving that satisfying crunch.
4. Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. You’ll need enough oil to come up halfway up the sides of the chicken pieces. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a small piece of breadcrumb into it; if it sizzles, it’s ready), carefully add the chicken pieces. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
Fry each piece for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The goal is to achieve a deep golden crust that’s crunchy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside.
5. Serving Your Chicken Schnitzel
Once cooked, place the chicken schnitzel on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve hot, with lemon wedges on the side. The acidity of the lemon beautifully cuts through the richness of the fried chicken. For a complete meal, you can pair it with a simple salad, mashed potatoes, or your favorite steamed vegetables.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your oil is at the right temperature before frying to prevent the chicken from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy.
- Use Panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
- Don’t skip pounding the chicken; it’s essential for tender and evenly cooked schnitzel.
Making Chicken Schnitzel for dinner is a delightfully simple way to bring a taste of Austria to your table. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress with its golden, crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal that’ll satisfy everyone. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
