Crispy Chicken Schnitzel
This is a quick and easy recipe for perfectly crispy and golden schnitzel. Learn the secret to a crunchy coating and tender chicken every time. Perfect for a family dinner or a weekend treat!
With a few simple ingredients and some time, you can enjoy schnitzel at home, just like at a restaurant. It’s great for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. If you love chicken, try pairing it with other delicious chicken recipes from my collection. These easy dishes are perfect for any meal!
You can also try this chicken and pepper stew or a super easy-to-make chickpea and roasted peppers dish, both recipes go beautifully with some freshly baked bread or some homemade rice. Give them a try, I am certain you will love them!
Even more easy recipes to test Lemon Chicken, Easy 15-minute Udon Noodles, Turkey Mince Noodles, or Gnocchi made easy with Pesto and Zucchini for a quick delicious lunch or dinner.
I love whipping up quick, restaurant-quality dishes that are easy to make and taste amazing. With simple ingredients, I can create delicious meals for my family. Sharing homemade meals creates special memories that last.
This crispy schnitzel is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Pair it with a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or classic baked wedges for a complete meal.
Looking for more? Check out these Dinner Recipes!
What is Schnitzel?
Schnitzel is a popular dish consisting of a thin slice of meat—commonly pork or veal—that is breaded and fried until crispy. Originating in Austria, schnitzel has become a favorite in many countries. It can be made with other meats, like chicken or turkey, and comes in various styles, such as Wiener Schnitzel (the classic veal version) and Jägerschnitzel (served with a mushroom sauce).
Expert Tips
- Pound Evenly: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking and juicy results.
- Breading Technique: Dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs. Press firmly for a thick, even coating.
- Fry at 350°F: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) for optimal crispiness and golden finish.
Ingredients
- Chicken Fillets – Boneless, skinless pieces perfect for a crispy coating;
- Eggs and Milk – Combined to create a dip that helps breadcrumbs stick to the meat for a crispy crust;
- Flour – The initial coating that helps the egg mixture adhere to the meat;
- Breadcrumbs – Coating that gives the schnitzel its crispy texture;
- Vegetable Oil – Used for frying, ensuring a golden and crispy exterior.
Substitutions
- Meat: Use pork or veal instead of chicken for a traditional schnitzel.
- Breadcrumbs: Swap regular breadcrumbs with panko for extra crunch or crushed cornflakes for a different texture.
- Egg Mixture: Replace eggs with buttermilk for a tangy twist, or use a flaxseed mixture for a vegan option.
- Flour: Use gluten-free flour or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
- Seasonings: Experiment with herbs like parsley or paprika.
Step-by-step instructions
Making chicken schnitzel is so easy, you’ll feel like a pro in no time! Simply coat the meat, season it, and fry it up. Let the skillet do the work while you enjoy the process.
It might seem like a fancy dish, but it’s actually a breeze. It’s the kind of simple meal that makes you look like a skilled cook, without any of the stress!
- Prepare the Chicken: Place a layer of cling film on your work surface. Put the meat fillets on top and cover with another piece of cling film. Use a meat tenderiser to bash the fillets until they are 2-3mm thick.
- Make the Batter: Whisk together the eggs and milk in a mixing bowl—season with salt and pepper. Stir in the flour until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
- Bread the Chicken: Pour the breadcrumbs into a shallow bowl. Dip each fillet in some flour, followed by the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, coat each fillet in breadcrumbs, ensuring they are completely covered.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the meat fillets two at a time. Cook each fillet for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the chicken fillets from the pan and place them on kitchen paper to drain any excess oil. Repeat until all fillets are cooked. Serve hot with your favourite sides, such as vegetables, salad, or potato chips.
A full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
Variations
Schnitzel started in Austria but is now popular worldwide. It’s typically a thin slice of meat (like pork or veal) that’s breaded and fried until crispy. Many variations are using different meats, coatings, and cooking methods. Here are a few examples:
- Wiener Schnitzel: This is the classic Austrian schnitzel made with veal and traditionally served with lingonberry jam and potato salad.
- Jägerschnitzel: A German dish that is made with pork schnitzel and served with a creamy mushroom sauce.
- Schnitzel Cordon Bleu: A Swiss dish that is made with a thin slice of veal or pork that is stuffed with ham and cheese before being breaded and fried.
- Chicken Schnitzel: A lighter version of schnitzel that uses chicken instead of pork or veal.
- Schnitzel Parmigiana: An Italian-inspired schnitzel dish that is topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese before being baked in the oven.
- Schnitzel Holstein: A German dish that is made with a pork or veal schnitzel topped with a fried egg, anchovies, and capers.
- Pork Schnitzel with Apple Sauce: A sweet and savoury version of schnitzel that is served with a side of applesauce.
- Schnitzel with Creamy Dill Sauce: A Scandinavian-inspired version of schnitzel that is served with a creamy dill sauce and boiled potatoes.
- Wiener Schnitzel Burger: A modern twist on schnitzel that uses a schnitzel patty instead of a traditional burger patty.
Serving suggestions
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try it with a fresh salad or coleslaw for a light option, or go for roasted vegetables like carrots and potatoes. You can use this recipe to make Caesar salad.
Classic potato wedges or fries are always a hit, while mashed potatoes add a comforting touch. For something a bit different, serve it with spaetzle or steamed vegetables. Don’t forget a rich gravy or a squeeze of lemon to enhance the taste!
Storage
- Cool Completely: Let the schnitzel cool before storing.
- Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheat: Use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to stay crispy.
Looking for more? Check out +20 Best Mains Easy Recipes!
More Chicken Recipes
If you enjoy this recipe, you’ll also love these other tasty and easy-to-make dishes.
- Lemon Chicken
- Perfect Roast Chicken Recipe
- Easy Baked Cornflake Chicken Nuggets
- Creamy Boursin Cheese Chicken
- Baked Sticky Chicken Wings
- Turkish Borek
- Creamy Chicken with Spinach and Peppers
FAQS
Related recipes
- Baked Sticky Chicken Wings
- Chicken and Bacon Caesar Salad
- Tomato Chicken
- Asian-Style Crispy Sesame Chicken
- Baked Chicken Nuggets
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Crunchy Chicken Schnitzel
Equipment
- Sharp knife – for cutting the meat and other ingredients.
- Bowls – for holding the beaten eggs and breadcrumbs.
- Frying pan – for cooking the schnitzel.
- Tongs – for flipping the schnitzel and removing it from the pan.
- Paper towels – for draining excess oil from the schnitzel.
- Plate – for serving the schnitzel.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken fillets
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by placing a layer of cling film on your work surface. Place the chicken fillets on top and cover with another piece of cling film. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.4 chicken fillets
- Use a meat tenderiser to bash the chicken fillets until they are 2-3mm thick. This will help them cook evenly and quickly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. Season with salt and pepper.2 eggs, 2 tbsp milk, Salt and pepper
- Incorporate the flour into the egg mixture, stirring until it is smooth with no lumps. This will create a batter that will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.½ cup all-purpose flour
- Pour the breadcrumbs into a shallow bowl.1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
- Dip each chicken fillet in the egg mixture, making sure it is coated completely.
- Then coat each chicken fillet in breadcrumbs, making sure it is completely covered.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over a medium-high heat.½ cup vegetable oil
- When the oil is hot, add the chicken fillets two at a time.
- Cook each chicken fillet for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until completely golden brown.
- Remove the chicken fillets from the pan and place them on kitchen paper to drain any excess oil.
- Repeat the process until all the chicken fillets are cooked.
- Serve hot with your favourite sides such as vegetables, salad or potato chips.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken schnitzel!
This chicken-schnitzel is a delicious and crispy outer thing and the inside is juicy.
LOVED this and how easy it was to make! Even on my first time it was perfect. We’ve had it for dinner several times now!
I loved this chicken recipe. The video was super helpful. too!
This chicken schnitzel recipe is a game changer for quick and delicious dinners! The crispy, golden coating makes it a family favorite every time.
We’d only eaten shnitzel at German restaurants until I found your recipe. It’s delicious and it was wonderful to enjoy it at home.
Really good recipe and worked out well. We had extra so we made a sandwiches the next day and was perfect.
This chicken is just like the Pollo a la Milanesa (chicken milanese) that I grew up eating. It’s so delicious and brought so many great memories of my childhood. Thank you for the great recipe! And the memories. ❤️ 😊
I’ve always wanted to make this dish at home. SO good!
This is such a tasty recipe. The chicken came out so juicy, and the coating was so nice and crispy!
This chicken schnitzel is so crispy and so crunchy, love how it is so quick and easy to follow! Definitely perfect for any meal!
I often make pork or veal schnitzel and have eaten it many times in both Austria and Germany. This chicken schnitzel was a new version for me. Really very good and great in a sandwich!
Wow! Another great-looking chicken dish for everyone to love and enjoy! The crispy texture will make this enticing and very tempting! Perfect treat for an given occasion! Loved it.
I love such easy recipes. I made these crispy chicken and devoured along with some potato wedges. My kids loved it to the core.
Delicious!! My kids would love to have this every night if they could!
Chicken for dinner any night of the week is a winner in our house. Love how cripsy this turns out. Great to put on a bun too.
I was pleasantly surprised at how good this recipe turned out! Easy and quick to make!
My favourite recipe! Goes perfect with mashed potatoes and some nice pickles… Thank you for this!