Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (2024)

Home Chicken Dinners Chicken Schnitzel

Becky Hardin

4.56 from 34 votes

Jump To Recipe Pin For Later

When you want a crispy, flavorful meat to serve with side dishes, try this Chicken Schnitzel. The thinly-sliced chicken tastes great with its seasoned panko breading crust.

Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (1)

Crispy Fried Chicken Schnitzel Recipe

Are you always looking for new entrees to serve with different side dishes? If you typically bake or broil chicken, try this flavorful Chicken Schnitzel recipe.

Instead of preparing chicken breast the usual way, you will coat it in flour, bread it in panko breadcrumbs, and then fry it in oil before serving.

Why You’ll Love this Easy Chicken Schnitzel:

  • Super crispy: It is the perfect meat to eat for those who love crispy foods. The crisp texture takes this chicken to the next level.
  • Easy recipe: It is not hard to make. You will only need a few ingredients to use when breading your chicken before frying it.
  • Side friendly: You can serve it with lots of sides. It goes great with mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, rice, and more.
Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (2)

Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (3)

Email This Recipe

Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Easy Chicken Recipes.

Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (4)

How to make Chicken Schnitzel

Be sure to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!

  1. Heat your oil in a large pot or skillet until it is hot and ready for you to use.
  2. Combine your flour and seasonings in one bowl, eggs and water in a second bowl, and the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
  3. Grab plastic wrap, place your chicken breast between it, and use a meat tenderizer to smash the chicken down until it is thinner.
  4. Dip a piece of chicken into the flour, followed by the egg wash and then the breadcrumbs. Repeat this process with each piece of chicken.
  5. Add your chicken to the pot or skillet and fry for about two to three minutes per side until your chicken becomes crispy and golden.
Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (5)
Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (6)

What is schnitzel?

Schnitzel is a breaded, fried meat. Some people use chicken, but you can also use pork and other meats. The meat gets pounded down until it becomes thinner before it gets breaded and fried in oil.

What type of chicken do I need for schnitzel?

It is best to use chicken breast to prepare this recipe for Chicken Schnitzel. Some people like to make pork schnitzel using boneless pork loin chops.

What can I use instead of panko?

If you do not have panko breadcrumbs, you can crush crackers into small pieces before using them as the breading for your chicken.

Other alternative breading options include crushed cornflakes or crushed potato chips.

Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (7)
Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (8)

Recipe Tips and Notes

  • Place your chicken in a warm oven if you do not plan to serve it right away. If you are going to serve it within an hour or so, the warm oven will keep the chicken at the right temperature while keeping it crispy.
  • Squeeze a bit of lemon juice from a lemon wedge over your chicken for added flavor that goes great with Chicken Schnitzel.
  • Serve with a side of broccoli and seasoned red potatoes to prepare a wholesome, tasty meal.
Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (9)

Chicken Schnitzels is a crispy, tasty entree that you may enjoy eating for dinner. You can always save leftovers and eat them on bread or with various sides for lunch or dinner.

More fried chicken recipes we love

  • Air Fryer Fried Chicken
  • Fried Chicken Sandwich
  • Chicken Flautas
  • Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

If you’ve made this recipe, please be sure to let us know by leaving a star rating or a comment below. Enjoy!

Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (10)

4.56 from 34 votes

Crispy Chicken Schnitzel Recipe

When you want a crispy, flavorful main dish to serve with side dishes, try this Chicken Schnitzel. The thinly-sliced chicken tastes great with its seasoned panko breading crust.

Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (11)

Email This Recipe

Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Easy Chicken Recipes.

PrintRate Save

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 3 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For Serving (optional):

  • lemon wedges
  • fresh parsley

Instructions

  • Pour 1 ½ inches of oil into a large heavy-bottomed pot or high-sided skillet. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 360℉.

  • Whisk the flour, paprika, salt, garlic powder, and pepper together in one shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and water. Place breadcrumbs in a third bowl.

    1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 2 large eggs, 3 cups panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons water

  • Place each piece of chicken between 2 large pieces of plastic wrap and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to pound the chicken to ½- to ¼-inch thickness.

    4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • Coat the chicken first in the flour, then dredge in the egg wash, and finally in the breadcrumbs.

  • Fry in batches, flipping once, until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, season both sides with salt and pepper to taste. Repeat with remaining chicken.

  • Hold in a warm oven if not serving immediately. Serve garnished with parsley, with lemon wedges on the side.

    fresh parsley, lemon wedges

Notes

Storage: Store chicken schnitzel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Crispy Chicken Schnitzel Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 460Calories from Fat 90

% Daily Value*

Fat 10g15%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 189mg63%

Sodium 753mg33%

Potassium 446mg13%

Carbohydrates 57g19%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 34g68%

Vitamin A 393IU8%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 112mg11%

Iron 5mg28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Author: Becky Hardin

Course:Main Course

Cuisine:German

Did You Make This?We love seeing what you’ve made! Tag us on social media at@easychickenrecipesfor a chance to be featured.

Previous PostInstant Pot Balsamic Chicken
Next Post Easy Chicken Chimichangas

More delish recipes

  • Air Fryer Fried Chicken

  • Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

  • Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

  • Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (18)

Meet Becky Hardin

Becky Hardin founded Easy Chicken Recipes in 2018. She has been creating trusted, easy, and delicious recipes on the web since 2012. Becky is known for simple dinner ideas, delicious crockpot recipes, creative chicken meals, and so much more. We have built a team of recipe developers, testers, and writers that love to create trust chicken recipes for every family.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Review

  1. Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (19)Pat Lawson says

    I really don’t like white meat. Would this work with chicken thigh meat?

    Reply

    • Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (20)Becky Hardin says

      You can give it a try!

      Reply

  2. Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (21)Kay Gregory says

    Can this be baked in oven or air fried instead of frying in oil?

    Reply

    • Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (22)Becky Hardin says

      Just how the breading is made is not the best for air frying or baking but you can sure try!

      Reply

  3. Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (23)Mel says

    Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (24)
    Fantastic recipe ! Just for a change my “Boss” sometimes adds white sesame seeds to the breadcrumbs for a different texture. Either way this is a scrummy meal..

    Reply

    • Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (25)Becky Hardin says

      Thank ya for stopping by, Mel!

      Reply

  4. Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (26)Ann Rickert says

    Can these be frozen for later use?

    Reply

    • Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (27)Becky Hardin says

      I don’t see anything wrong with it!

      Reply

  5. Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (28)Ed says

    Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (29)
    The chicken was nice and crispy but the flavoring was incredibly bland.

    Reply

    • Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (30)Becky Hardin says

      I am sorry this wasn’t for you, Ed. Modify to your liking!

      Reply

  6. Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (31)Catie says

    Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (32)
    So easy! We loved it, my husband said it was just like grandmas:)

    Reply

    • Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (33)Becky Hardin says

      What a compliment!

      Reply

  7. Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (34)Kathy says

    Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (35)
    I made this last night. I had huge chicken breasts so I cut them in half and didn’t need to flatten it. We loved it this will make our weeknight dinner rotation so easy and tasty. Thx

    Reply

    • Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (36)Becky Hardin says

      I’m so happy to hear you loved this recipe, Kathy!

      Reply

  8. Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (37)Joanne.milne17@gmail.com says

    Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (38)
    Excellent!! Seasoned the chicken with garlic & onion powder and seasoning salt before adding to flour etc. this is similar to how I make veal Parmesan. Served with tomato and Boursin pasta and tossed salad. Yummy!

    Reply

    • Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (39)Becky Hardin says

      That sounds delish, Joanne! So glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

Chicken Schnitzel Recipe - Easy Chicken Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Is schnitzel just breaded chicken? ›

For the uninitiated, chicken schnitzel is merely a chicken breast pounded thin, breaded, and fried. It's one of those foods that you can't help but love, which is probably why it's so prolific—versions of the recipe can be found in cultures around the world.

Is it better to cook schnitzel in butter or oil? ›

The best way to cook chicken schnitzel is to fry it. I like to use a combination of oil and butter for the best flavor/crispiness combination. When cooking chicken schnitzel, you need to heat the oil and butter in a frying pan until it is bubbling hot, then add the schnitzel. It should sizzle as it hits the pan.

What is the secret to moist chicken? ›

A 15-minute marinade with one cup of yogurt and one teaspoon of salt makes for the most tender chicken breasts imaginable. It adds its own flavor, but it also allows for even more flavor to easily adhere to the chicken.

Is breast or thigh better for schnitzel? ›

Chicken breasts are the traditional cut of meat for this dish but I find thighs are juicier and add more flavour. I've been making schnitzel for years, tweaking and perfecting my recipe, never entirely happy with the result. This is my latest version and I think it's delicious.

Why does the breading fall off my schnitzel? ›

Place the breaded chicken on a cooling rack (or a platter) and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This cooling time will help the layers of breading ingredients solidify and adhere better after the chicken cooks. Once you start cooking the chicken, be patient and don't flip it over too early.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs for schnitzel? ›

The Best 10 Breadcrumb Substitutes
  • Rolled oats. Rolled oats are the perfect gluten-free binding ingredient, replacing breadcrumbs in meatballs or meatloaf and many more recipes when you need to bind meat and eggs. ...
  • Potato chips. ...
  • Cornflakes. ...
  • Almonds. ...
  • Croutons. ...
  • Crackers. ...
  • Seeds.
Oct 18, 2022

What is a chicken schnitzel called in America? ›

schnitzel, a thin meat cutlet, pounded until tender and then breaded and fried, that is a culinary staple in German-speaking countries and communities. The Americanized version of the dish is chicken-fried steak.

What is the secret of schnitzel? ›

Up to this point the process of making schnitzel has been pretty foolproof. But the art of the dish is in the frying. And it really comes down to just one factor: having the oil at the right temperature. You want the oil to be hot enough that the breading will crisp and brown before the meat in the middle dries out.

Why is my chicken schnitzel soggy? ›

If your chicken is greasy, soggy and dry, you are probably cooking it at too low of a temperature for too long. If your oil isn't hot enough, the breading will absorb oil rather than become crispy, that's why it is greasy and soggy.

What to serve with chicken schnitzel? ›

The best sides for schnitzel are mashed potatoes, cucumber salads, parsley potatoes, potato salad, arugula salads, and braised cabbage.

Why do people put mayo on chicken before cooking? ›

Mayonnaise makes chicken moist and flavorful

Containing eggs and oil, which are fatty ingredients, mayonnaise helps add a bit of extra fat to the meat, which is mostly cooked off during the process. Moreover, mayonnaise forms a protective barrier that keeps all those tasty juices inside the chicken.

Why does mayonnaise keep chicken moist? ›

Most recipes use butter or oil for cooking chicken, but mayo is the better fat option when it comes to producing juicy chicken. While it cooks, the chicken will absorb fat from the egg and oil in the mayo, keeping it moist while adding flavor.

What ingredients tenderize chicken? ›

Make a plain yogurt or buttermilk marinade.

Yogurt and buttermilk contain enzymes and acids that work together to break down the proteins in chicken, causing it to be more tender.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ms. Lucile Johns

Last Updated:

Views: 5794

Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ms. Lucile Johns

Birthday: 1999-11-16

Address: Suite 237 56046 Walsh Coves, West Enid, VT 46557

Phone: +59115435987187

Job: Education Supervisor

Hobby: Genealogy, Stone skipping, Skydiving, Nordic skating, Couponing, Coloring, Gardening

Introduction: My name is Ms. Lucile Johns, I am a successful, friendly, friendly, homely, adventurous, handsome, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.