Looking for a crispy, golden-brown dinner that’s simple to make and full of flavor? Chicken Milanese is the perfect choice! This Italian classic features tender chicken breasts coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust, making it a perfect meal for any night of the week. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of parsley for a light and satisfying dish.
Advertisements
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Crispy, golden crust with a juicy, tender chicken center
-
Quick weeknight dinner ready in just 25 minutes
-
Simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen
-
Serve with lemon wedges and fresh parsley for added flavor and a pop of color
Ingredients Breakdown
-
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (4): The main protein, tenderized for even cooking and a perfect texture.
-
All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Used to coat the chicken before the egg wash, ensuring the breadcrumbs stick well.
-
Eggs (2, beaten with milk): Binds the breadcrumbs to the chicken, providing a smooth, moist layer.
-
Milk (2 tablespoons): Mixed with eggs to create a rich dipping mixture.
-
Breadcrumbs (2 cups, Italian seasoned if available): The crispy, crunchy coating that forms the golden crust.
-
Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the breadcrumb coating.
-
Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Seasoning to taste, enhancing the flavor of the chicken and breadcrumbs.
-
Vegetable Oil (for frying): Used for frying the chicken, ensuring a crispy exterior.
-
Lemon Wedges: Served on the side for a tangy, fresh kick.
-
Freshly Chopped Parsley (optional): Garnishes the dish with a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Tips and Tricks
-
Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying—cook the chicken in batches to ensure an even, crispy crust.
-
For an extra crispy crust, consider adding cornstarch to the breadcrumb mixture.
-
Lemon zest can be mixed into the breadcrumb mixture for a fresh, citrusy twist.
-
Pair with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Variations and Customizations
-
Chicken Parmesan: Top the cooked chicken with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for a classic twist on the Milanese.
-
Herbed Milanese: Add finely chopped fresh herbs (such as basil, thyme, or oregano) to the breadcrumb mixture for more flavor.
-
Spicy Kick: Mix red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy variation.
Serving & Storage
-
Serve this dish with a side of pasta, salad, or vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
-
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
-
To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until crispy.
Popular Questions
Can I use boneless thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work just as well and add extra juiciness.
Advertisements
Can I bake Chicken Milanese instead of frying?
For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While Chicken Milanese is best served immediately after frying, you can prep the chicken and coat it a few hours ahead of time, then fry just before serving.
Print
Chicken Milanese
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Chicken Milanese is a crispy, golden fried chicken dish with a delicate Parmesan breadcrumb coating. Tenderized chicken breasts are perfectly breaded and fried, then served with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This classic Italian dish makes for a quick, flavorful meal that’s sure to impress.
Advertisements
Ingredients
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
1 cup all-purpose flour
-
2 large eggs
-
2 tablespoons milk
-
2 cups breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned, if possible)
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
-
Vegetable oil, for frying
-
Lemon wedges, for serving
-
Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken:
-
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even ¼-inch thickness. This ensures the chicken cooks quickly and evenly, while also tenderizing it.
2. Set Up Dipping Stations:
-
Prepare three shallow dishes:
-
Flour in the first
-
A mixture of beaten eggs and milk in the second
-
A combination of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in the third
-
-
This will make it easy to coat the chicken evenly.
3. Coat the Chicken:
-
Season the pounded chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper.
-
One at a time, dredge each piece in the flour, shaking off any excess.
-
Dip into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure a crunchy crust.
4. Fry the Chicken:
-
Heat about ½-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
-
Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), add the chicken.
-
Fry for about 4 minutes per side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
-
Use a meat thermometer if unsure—the internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).
5. Drain and Serve:
-
Place the cooked chicken on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
-
For extra flavor, sprinkle a light pinch of salt on the chicken while it’s still hot.
-
Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley
Notes
Pair with pasta or a side salad for a complete meal that will keep your guests coming back for more!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Advertisements
Advertisements