Tender and juicy, these Easy Chicken Schnitzel cutlets are perfect for the weeknight dinner rush Add a simple salad or a heartier side, like mashed potatoes.
Start by trimming chicken pieces of any large pieces of extra skin or fat.
Place a chicken thigh or breast between two pieces of plastic wrap, or in a storage bag and pound each piece of chicken until about 1/4 to 1/8 inch thick. This is important because you need the chicken to cook quickly and thoroughly.
When all the chicken has been pounded, pat dry if needed and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
Dredging station
You will need 3 shallow bowls for the breading “assembly” line
First bowl add 1 cup of all purpose flour.
Second bowl is the egg wash : 2 eggs + 2 tbsp of water, beat together
Third bowl is the panko/breadcrumb mixture: 1 cup of panko, 1 cup of plain breadcrumbs, 1 tsp of sweet paprika, 1 tsp thyme, pinch of salt and pinch of pepper. Mix together with a fork.
Have a paper towel lined plate ready for the fried pieces of chicken to absorb extra oil after you have fried the pieces.
Cooking Easy Chicken Schnitzel
In a large heavy bottom skillet, cast iron or dutch oven, heat 3/4 cup of oil over medium to medium high heat. The oil will be ready when it shimmers or glistens but is not smoking.
Take a chicken piece, dredge in flour. Make sure it’s coated well and shake off excess. Dip into egg mixture ensuring that both sides of the chicken have egg. Place in panko/breadcrumb mixture ensuring both sides are full coated.
Carefully place chicken piece in hot oil.
Cook 4-6 minutes and then with tongs, carefully turn chicken and allow to cook 3-4 minutes. Chicken will be completely golden brown and fully crisp. Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Place on paper towel lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Continue same process for each piece until all pieces are cooked.
Serve with lemon wedges to squeeze onto the chicken and a simple salad or mashed potatoes.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving: 1pcCalories: 549kcal
Nutritional information is calculated online and should be used as a guide.