Crispy Homemade Chicken Schnitzel 🏡🍗
A golden, crispy, and flavorful chicken schnitzel that’s easy to make at home! With a perfectly seasoned breading and a juicy interior, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Serve with fresh lemon wedges, chopped herbs, and a side of your choice.
⏱ Total Time: 30 minutes
👥 Servings: 4
😊 Ingredients
For the Schnitzel:
- 4 chicken cutlets (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded thin)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs (for extra crispiness)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For Serving & Garnish:
- Lemon wedges (for spritzing)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh dill, chopped
😊 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Breading Station
- Place flour in a shallow plate or bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and Dijon mustard until well combined.
- In a third shallow plate, mix Panko bread crumbs, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2️⃣ Prepare the Chicken
- If using whole chicken breasts, slice them in half lengthwise to create cutlets.
- Place the cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to ¼-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
- Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure even coating.
3️⃣ Coat the Chicken
- Dredge each cutlet in flour, ensuring a light, even coating.
- Dip into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off.
- Press into the breadcrumb mixture, coating completely.
4️⃣ Heat the Oil
- In a large skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to reach about ½ inch depth.
- Heat over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F/175°C).
5️⃣ Fry the Schnitzel
- Carefully place the breaded chicken into the hot oil.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Flip and cook the other side until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/74°C).
- Remove and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Plate the schnitzel and garnish with fresh parsley and dill.
- Serve with lemon wedges for extra freshness.
😊 Serving Suggestions
- Classic: Serve with mashed potatoes, potato salad, or coleslaw.
- Light & Fresh: Pair with a cucumber salad or steamed vegetables.
- German-Style: Enjoy with spaetzle and a side of cabbage slaw.
😊 Helpful Tips
✅ Use Panko Breadcrumbs: These create the crispiest coating!
✅ Thin Cutlets = Crispy Texture: If your cutlets are too thick, they may not cook evenly.
✅ Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan so the schnitzel stays crispy.
✅ Oil Temperature Matters: If the oil is too cold, the schnitzel will absorb oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked.
😊 Storage & Reheating
🧊 Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheating:
- To maintain crispiness, reheat in an oven (375°F/190°C for 10 minutes) or air fryer.
- Avoid microwaving, as it can make the breading soggy.
