Get ready to experience classic Italian comfort with a crispy twist! This Chicken Milanese Recipe brings golden, crunchy chicken cutlets to your table in less than 30 minutes. It’s all about juicy chicken coated in a savory Parmesan breadcrumb crust, quickly pan-fried for irresistible crunch. Whether you’re craving a satisfying weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends, you’ll find this recipe effortless and full of flavor. Squeeze over some fresh lemon, scatter with parsley, and watch everyone dive in—this is one recipe you’ll come back to time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple pantry staples, you can create a Chicken Milanese Recipe that tastes like it came straight from an Italian trattoria. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from creating that signature crispiness to delivering big, bold flavor in every bite.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show—these give you a juicy, tender base and cook up quickly when pounded thin.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the egg and breadcrumb coating stick perfectly to the chicken breasts.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Acts as a glue so your breadcrumb mixture will adhere and create that delicious crust.
- 1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs: These seasoned crumbs add herby flavor and crunch to every single bite.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: The nutty, salty kick brings classic Italian flavors to the crust.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and seasons the chicken just right.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A hint of pepper adds warmth without overpowering the dish.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a gentle garlic aroma and depth throughout the coating.
- ¼ cup olive oil (for frying): Gives that signature golden finish and a light, Mediterranean richness.
- Lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish: The final flourish—adds brightness and freshness, making every plate pop.
How to Make Chicken Milanese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Pound the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Grab a meat mallet or rolling pin and gently pound each piece to about ½-inch thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly and results in those wonderfully tender, restaurant-style cutlets.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
Grab three shallow bowls: place the flour in one, the beaten eggs in the second, and in the third, mix together your breadcrumbs, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This setup makes the breading process a breeze and keeps things neat and tidy.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Now for the fun part! Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, coating both sides and gently shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s evenly coated. Finally, press each piece into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, ensuring a thick, even coating that will turn gorgeously crisp.
Step 4: Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry each side for 3–4 minutes until beautifully golden and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate so any excess oil is absorbed, keeping that crust perfectly crisp.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
When all the chicken is ready, plate it up and shower the cutlets with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side—you’ll want to squeeze a generous amount over each piece just before digging in for that signature zing.
How to Serve Chicken Milanese Recipe
Garnishes
A bright burst of fresh chopped parsley scattered over the top brings color and herbal freshness, while lemon wedges on the side let everyone add their own tangy finish. The citrus really wakes up the flavors and pairs beautifully with the crisp coating.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Milanese Recipe is ultra-versatile: serve it over a mountain of peppery arugula with a drizzle of olive oil for an Italian-style salad, or pair it with buttered pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or simple roasted veggies. The neutral, savory notes play well with so many favorites.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken and arranging it atop a colorful salad, or stack two cutlets with a scattering of arugula and shaved Parmesan. Serve on a large platter family-style for an effortless, impressive main that has “weekend dinner party” written all over it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store cooled chicken cutlets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To help preserve crunch, place a layer of parchment or paper towel between pieces to absorb extra moisture.
Freezing
The Chicken Milanese Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap cooled cutlets individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
For that just-cooked texture, reheat your Chicken Milanese in a 350°F (175°C) oven or toaster oven on a wire rack or baking sheet until warmed through and crispy, around 10–12 minutes. Skip the microwave, which can make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and are naturally juicy. Pound them thin just like the breasts and follow the same breading and frying method for delicious results.
What’s the difference between Chicken Milanese and schnitzel?
Though both are crispy, breaded cutlets, Chicken Milanese typically uses Italian-style breadcrumbs and Parmesan in the coating, infusing it with Mediterranean flavors, while schnitzel relies on plain breadcrumbs and often uses veal or pork.
Can I bake instead of fry this Chicken Milanese Recipe?
Yes! For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll get a crisp crust without all the oil.
How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
The three-step breading process is key: flour first, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Press the coating in firmly and avoid moving the chicken around once it hits the pan—this helps keep the crust intact and crunchy.
What sauces go well with Chicken Milanese Recipe?
A squeeze of lemon is classic, but you can also serve this dish with a simple tomato sauce, basil pesto, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a little Italian flair.
Final Thoughts
With its gorgeous golden crust and bold flavors, this Chicken Milanese Recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table. Give it a try and see for yourself just how easy and delicious homemade Italian comfort food can be—you might find yourself making it on repeat!
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Chicken Milanese Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a crispy and flavorful Chicken Milanese dish that’s perfect for a satisfying dinner. This recipe features tender, breaded chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and served with a garnish of lemon and parsley.
Ingredients
Chicken Milanese:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup olive oil (for frying)
- lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pound the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to about ½-inch thickness.
- Prepare Coating: In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip into the eggs, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve hot with lemon wedges and parsley.
Notes
- For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Delicious served over arugula or with a side of pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
