Chicken schnitzel is one of those recipes that never goes out of style. It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and always a family favorite. Whether I’m serving it with a fresh salad, roasted potatoes, or tucked into a sandwich the next day, this recipe is simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Italian-style breadcrumbs (homemade or store-bought)
- Eggs
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Oil, for frying
Directions
- Slice the chicken breasts to your desired thickness. Place each piece inside a Ziploc bag or between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using the textured side of a meat mallet, pound the chicken until it’s thin and evenly tenderized.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread the Italian-style breadcrumbs onto a tray or small baking sheet to make coating the chicken easier.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Press both sides firmly into the breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
- Heat a generous layer of oil in a large frying pan over medium-high to high heat. To test if the oil is ready, sprinkle in a few breadcrumbs. If they sizzle immediately, you’re ready to fry.
- Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for several minutes per side until golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked through.
- Transfer the schnitzel to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil before serving.
My Favorite Tips
🤍 Using a tray instead of a bowl for the breadcrumbs makes it much easier to coat each piece evenly.
🤍 Fry in batches if needed to keep the oil hot and ensure every piece gets perfectly crispy.
🤍 One of my favorite kitchen tricks is adding a small piece of carrot to the oil when frying multiple batches. It helps keep the oil from darkening too quickly—a tip that’s been passed down in my family for generations.
🤍 Finish each schnitzel with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving. It adds the perfect bright, fresh flavor.
Serving Ideas
I love serving schnitzel with roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, a simple Israeli salad, or steamed vegetables. It also makes an incredible sandwich the next day with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite spread.
This is one of those classic recipes that’s always requested in our house, and once you make it, you’ll see why. Crispy, flavorful, and so easy to prepare—it’s comfort food at its best.
Enjoy!
xo,
Kimmy
