Chicken schnitzel is a classic dish that originated in Austria but has gained popularity all around the world. It is a delicious and crispy breaded chicken cutlet that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Whether you are cooking for yourself or for a group of people, chicken schnitzel is a great option that everyone will love.
To make chicken schnitzel, you will need just a few ingredients. The main ingredient is, of course, chicken breast. You will also need eggs, bread crumbs, flour, and a few spices to season the chicken. It is important to use fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture.
The first step in making chicken schnitzel is to prepare the chicken breasts. You will need to pound the chicken breasts until they are about a quarter inch thick. This helps to tenderize the meat and ensures that the chicken cooks evenly. Once the chicken breasts are pounded, you can season them with salt, pepper, and other spices of your choice.
Next, you will need to prepare the breading station. In one bowl, beat the eggs until they are well combined. In another bowl, mix together the bread crumbs and flour. The breading station is where you will coat the chicken breasts with the egg mixture and then with the bread crumb mixture. This double coating creates a crispy and golden crust on the chicken schnitzel.
Once the breading station is ready, you can start cooking the chicken schnitzel. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Working in batches, carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot oil and cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken schnitzel to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Chicken schnitzel can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. It is the perfect comfort food that is both satisfying and delicious.
In conclusion, chicken schnitzel is a versatile and tasty dish that is easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can enjoy a homemade chicken schnitzel that rivals any restaurant version. So why not give it a try and impress your family and friends with this delicious Austrian classic?
Preparing the chicken
Before you can start making chicken schnitzel, you need to prepare the chicken. Here’s how:
Gather the ingredients
To make chicken schnitzel, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
Pound the chicken breasts
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken until they are about 1/4 inch thick. This will help the chicken cook more quickly and evenly.
Season the chicken
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, and paprika. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing it into the meat.
Note: You can adjust the seasonings to your taste or add other spices if desired.
Coating the chicken
Coating the chicken is an important step in making delicious chicken schnitzel. The coating adds a crispy texture to the chicken and helps to seal in the flavors.
Here is a simple recipe for coating the chicken:
Ingredients:
Chicken breasts | 4 |
All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
Eggs | 2 |
Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
Salt | To taste |
Black pepper | To taste |
Vegetable oil | For frying |
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them with a meat mallet until they are about 1/4 inch thick.
- In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Season the flour with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken breast into the beaten eggs, making sure to coat both sides.
- Finally, coat the chicken breast with breadcrumbs, pressing them gently to adhere.
- Repeat the steps for each chicken breast, placing the coated chicken on a plate or baking sheet.
Your chicken schnitzel is now ready to be cooked! Make sure to fry the coated chicken in hot vegetable oil until it turns golden brown and crispy. Enjoy your homemade chicken schnitzel!
Heating the oil
Before you start frying the chicken schnitzel, you need to heat the oil. The oil should be hot enough to ensure that the schnitzel cooks evenly and gets crispy on the outside.
To heat the oil, follow these steps:
Step 1: | Choose a frying pan or skillet that is deep enough to hold enough oil to fully submerge the schnitzel. A cast iron or non-stick pan works best. |
Step 2: | Pour enough cooking oil into the pan to cover the bottom by about half an inch. You can use vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil for frying schnitzel. |
Step 3: | Place the pan over medium-high heat on the stove. Allow the oil to heat up for a few minutes until it reaches a temperature of about 350°F (175°C). |
Step 4: | You can test the oil’s temperature by dropping a small piece of bread or a pinch of breadcrumbs into the oil. If it sizzles and turns golden brown within a few seconds, the oil is hot enough. |
Step 5: | Once the oil is hot enough, you are ready to start frying the chicken schnitzel. Make sure to fry the schnitzel in batches, without overcrowding the pan, to ensure even cooking. |
Remember to be cautious while handling hot oil and never leave it unattended. Follow these steps to safely heat the oil and get ready to fry your delicious chicken schnitzel!
Frying the schnitzel
After pounding the chicken, it’s time to fry it to perfection. Follow these steps to achieve a delicious golden-brown schnitzel:
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom.
- While the oil is heating up, set up a breading station. Place the flour in a shallow dish, beat the eggs in another dish, and spread the breadcrumbs on a plate.
- Season the pounded chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Take one chicken breast and coat it in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, making sure to coat it thoroughly. Lastly, press the chicken into the breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating.
- Carefully place the breaded chicken breast into the hot oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken breasts.
- Once cooked, transfer the schnitzel to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the chicken schnitzel immediately with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.
Enjoy your homemade chicken schnitzel!
Draining and serving
Once the chicken schnitzel is cooked to perfection, remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. This will help absorb any excess oil and ensure a crispy texture.
Allow the schnitzel to rest for a few minutes to cool down slightly. This will also help the meat retain its juices and become even more tender.
To serve, you can cut the chicken schnitzel into slices or leave it whole. It pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Garnish the schnitzel with a slice of lemon and freshly chopped parsley for a refreshing and vibrant touch.
Enjoy your homemade chicken schnitzel!
Tips and variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you customize your chicken schnitzel recipe:
- Use different types of breadcrumbs, such as panko or whole wheat, to add a different texture and flavor to your schnitzel.
- Add herbs and spices to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra burst of flavor. Some popular options include paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, or grated Parmesan cheese.
- Marinate the chicken in buttermilk or yogurt before breading and frying to help tenderize the meat and add extra moisture.
- Experiment with different types of meat. While traditional schnitzel is made with chicken, you can also use veal, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- For a healthier version, bake the breaded chicken schnitzel in the oven instead of frying it. Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve the chicken schnitzel with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a side of tangy mustard for an extra zing of flavor.
Feel free to get creative and adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Whether you stick to the traditional method or try out some new variations, chicken schnitzel is a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to impress!
Q&A
What ingredients do I need to cook chicken schnitzel?
To cook chicken schnitzel, you will need the following ingredients: chicken breast, all-purpose flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and vegetable oil.
How do I make the chicken breast thin?
To make the chicken breast thin, you can place it on a cutting board and use a meat tenderizer or a rolling pin to pound it until it becomes thin and even.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?
Yes, you can use different types of meat, such as pork or veal, instead of chicken to make schnitzel. The cooking method will be the same.
What should I serve as a side dish with chicken schnitzel?
Chicken schnitzel goes well with various side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can choose the side dish based on your preferences.
Can I bake the chicken schnitzel instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken schnitzel instead of frying it to make it a healthier option. Preheat the oven to 200°C, place the breaded chicken schnitzel on a baking sheet, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.