Crispy Golden Chicken Milanese Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crispy golden chicken milanese beckons with its irresistible crunch and Mediterranean charm.

Naples-inspired techniques elevate this classic dish beyond ordinary dinner fare.

The delicate breaded cutlets promise a delightful culinary adventure for hungry souls.

Tender chicken nestles beneath a perfectly seasoned, crisp exterior that whispers of home-cooked comfort.

Each bite delivers a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients merge into something extraordinary with just a few masterful techniques.

Grab your skillet and let’s craft a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips For Perfectly Breaded Chicken Milanese

• Slice Smartly: Cut chicken breasts horizontally to create thin, even cutlets for faster and more consistent cooking, ensuring each piece receives equal breading and heat.
• Breading Technique Matters: Press breadcrumb mixture gently onto chicken to create a crispy, well-adhered coating that won't fall off during cooking, maximizing crunch and flavor.
• Oil Temperature Control: Maintain medium heat when frying to achieve a golden-brown exterior without burning the breading, preventing soggy or overcooked chicken.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Quick Drain Trick: Let fried chicken rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil, keeping the crispy coating light and preventing a greasy texture.

How To Store Leftover Chicken Milanese

• Refrigerate leftover Chicken Milanese in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the cutlets separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crispiness.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore the crispy exterior.
• Avoid microwaving, which can make the breading soggy and tough.
• Freeze breaded, uncooked cutlets by placing parchment paper between each piece in a freezer-safe container for maximum 1 month.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
• For best texture and flavor, consume within the recommended storage timeframe to enjoy the chicken's optimal crunch and taste.

What Goes Great With Chicken Milanese

• Select Zesty White Wine Pairing: Crisp sauvignon blanc cuts through the richness of the golden-fried chicken, offering a bright and refreshing contrast that elevates each bite with its citrusy undertones.
• Create Fresh Salad Companion: Serve the Milanese alongside a light arugula and cherry tomato salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, which provides a peppery and tangy balance to the crispy chicken's hearty texture.
• Match Rustic Side Dish: Roasted herb-seasoned potatoes or grilled Mediterranean vegetables complement the chicken's crispy breading, adding earthy flavors and creating a satisfying complete meal experience.
• Embrace Acidic Beverage Option: A sparkling Italian spritz or fresh lemonade helps cleanse the palate between bites, cutting through the fried chicken's richness while maintaining a light and enjoyable dining moment.

Simple Twists For Chicken Milanese Lovers

• Spicy Southwestern Chicken: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Add crushed tortilla chips to the breadcrumb mixture for extra crunch. Serve with a zesty cilantro-lime salsa.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Incorporate dried oregano, mint, and za'atar into the breadcrumb coating. Top with crumbled feta cheese and serve alongside a quick cucumber-tomato salad dressed with olive oil and lemon.
• Parmesan Herb Crusted Chicken: Increase Parmesan cheese in the breading and mix in fresh chopped basil and thyme. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan and serve with roasted garlic aioli.
• Asian-Inspired Crispy Chicken: Swap breadcrumbs with panko, add sesame seeds and ginger powder to the coating. Drizzle with a sweet-spicy soy glaze and sprinkle with green onions.

Chicken Milanese FAQs Answered

• What makes Chicken Milanese different from other fried chicken recipes?

Chicken Milanese is an Italian-style breaded chicken cutlet that’s thinner and more delicate than traditional fried chicken. It uses a lighter breading technique and focuses on creating a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the chicken tender and flavorful.

• Can I use different types of breadcrumbs for this recipe?

Yes! You can use plain, Italian-style, or panko breadcrumbs. Each type will give a slightly different texture, but panko tends to create the crispiest coating. Just make sure to mix in the Parmesan and seasonings for extra flavor.

• How do I know if my chicken is cooked properly?

Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. The cutlets should also look golden brown and crispy on the outside when properly cooked.

• Is Chicken Milanese a healthy meal option?

While it’s breaded and fried, you can make it healthier by using lean chicken breast, baking instead of frying, and serving it with a fresh salad. The key is moderation and balancing it with nutritious sides like the arugula salad in this recipe.

Why Chicken Milanese Is Crispy, Juicy, And Crowd-Pleasing

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner: Whip up this delicious Chicken Milanese in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: The crispy, golden-brown chicken cutlets appeal to both kids and adults, making it an ideal dish for family gatherings or casual dinner parties.
• Customizable Culinary Adventure: Experiment with different seasonings in the breadcrumb mixture or pair with various sides to keep the meal exciting and fresh every time you cook.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Transform simple chicken breasts into a gourmet dish using pantry staples and a few key techniques that elevate the entire meal.

What You’ll Need For Chicken Milanese

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that forms the core of the dish, perfect for a light and crispy cutlet. Choose fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.

• Flour, Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy, golden exterior that seals in moisture. Panko breadcrumbs work best for extra crunch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, savory flavor to the breading mixture. Freshly grated cheese provides the most intense taste.
• Eggs: Helps the breading stick to the chicken. Fresh eggs ensure better coating adhesion.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Provides depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the chicken. Use a balanced mix for optimal seasoning.

• Cooking Oil: Allows for even frying and crispy exterior. Neutral oils like vegetable or canola work well for high-heat cooking.

• Arugula, Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh, peppery greens and sweet tomatoes complement the crispy chicken. Choose ripe, seasonal produce for the best flavor.
• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy dressing that adds freshness to the dish. Use extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.

• Lemon Wedge: Provides a zesty citrus accent that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken.

How To Make Chicken Milanese With A Crunchy Coating

Step 1: Slice and Tenderize Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and slice each one horizontally, creating four delicate cutlets. Place these between plastic wrap and gently pound them until they’re whisper-thin and even. Your goal is a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’ll make everyone at the table swoon.

Step 2: Create Breading Magical Stations

Set up three bowls for your chicken transformation:

• All-purpose flour

• Whisked eggs
• Water

• Breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian herbs

Step 3: Coat the Chicken with Crispy Armor

• First, dust with flour, shaking off any excess
• Next, bathe in egg mixture, letting drips fall away
• Finally, roll in seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to create a perfect crunchy coat

Step 4: Sizzle to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium flame. Carefully place chicken cutlets into the hot oil, cooking each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Watch for that perfect crispiness – about 3-4 minutes per side. Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. Transfer to a paper towel to absorb extra oil.

Step 5: Craft a Zesty Side Salad

• Fresh arugula
• Halved cherry tomatoes
• Olive oil
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Pinch of salt
• Cracked pepper

Step 6: Plate and Serve with Flair

Arrange your crispy chicken on plates, garnish with a lemon wedge. Nestle the bright salad alongside. Watch as your guests’ eyes light up with anticipation!

Cooking Tip: For extra crunch, let breaded chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying to help breading stick better.

Chicken Milanese Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy, golden Chicken Milanese delivers a classic Italian favorite that melts in your mouth with perfectly seasoned breaded chicken. Served alongside a fresh lemon wedge, this dish invites you to savor each delectable bite of authentic Mediterranean flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) water
• 1 cup (240 ml) Italian-style breadcrumbs
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)

Cooking and Serving Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 ml) olive oil (or a mix of olive oil and vegetable oil)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Optional Arugula Salad Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh arugula
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
• Pinch of salt and pepper

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Instructions

1. Transform chicken breasts into delicate, paper-thin cutlets by carefully slicing each piece horizontally, then gently pounding between plastic wrap to achieve uniform thickness.
2. Establish a strategic breading setup using three separate containers: one filled with flour for initial coating, another with whisked eggs to help create adhesion, and a final station combining breadcrumbs with complementary seasonings like Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian herbs.
3. Meticulously coat each cutlet by first dusting with flour, ensuring excess is shaken off, then delicately dipping into egg wash, allowing minimal dripping, and finally encasing in seasoned breadcrumb mixture with a gentle pressing motion to secure the crisp exterior.
4. Warm a skillet with neutral cooking oil over medium heat, creating an ideal environment for golden-brown transformation. Carefully introduce breaded cutlets, allowing each side to develop a rich, crispy texture through 3-4 minutes of consistent cooking until internal temperature reaches safe consumption levels.
5. While chicken crisps, prepare a vibrant accompaniment by combining peppery arugula and sweet cherry tomatoes, dressing them with a zesty blend of olive oil and fresh lemon juice, seasoned with salt and pepper.
6. Present the golden chicken alongside a bright lemon wedge, offering a tangy counterpoint to the rich, crispy cutlet. Complement the dish with the fresh, herbaceous salad or your preferred side selection.

Notes

• Choose thin, uniform chicken cutlets to ensure even cooking and crispy breading that covers the entire surface.
• Pound the chicken gently to prevent tearing, creating a tender and consistent thickness for perfect breading adherence.
• Use a combination of breadcrumbs and Parmesan for extra crunch and rich, savory flavor that elevates the traditional Milanese coating.
• Pat chicken completely dry before breading to help the flour and breadcrumb mixture stick better and create a crispier exterior.
• Allow each breaded cutlet to rest for 5 minutes before frying to help the coating set and prevent it from falling off during cooking.
• Opt for neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable or canola for consistent, golden-brown frying without burning.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Control oil temperature around 350-375°F to achieve a perfectly crisp exterior without absorbing excess oil or becoming greasy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg