Indulge in the crispy, golden goodness of chicken milanese, a classic Italian dish that is both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying. This delectable meal features thinly pounded chicken breasts coated in breadcrumbs and fried to perfection. Paired with a fresh salad or your choice of sides, chicken milanese is sure to impress at any dinner table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through creating a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Ingredients
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for frying
– Fresh parsley for garnish
– Lemon wedges for serving
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 2 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 piece of chicken) contains approximately 450 calories, 25g of protein, 30g of fat, and 35g of carbohydrates. This is based on standard ingredient quantities and may vary slightly.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
2. Season the flour with salt and pepper in a shallow dish.
3. Beat the eggs in a separate shallow bowl.
4. Combine breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan in another shallow dish.
5. Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, ensuring it’s fully coated.
6. Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
7. Coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
8. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
9. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
10. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Alternative Ingredients
For a gluten-free option, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier alternative or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Serving and Pairings
Chicken milanese pairs beautifully with a fresh arugula salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes. A light white wine or sparkling water with lemon enhances the meal perfectly.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chicken milanese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, ensuring the breading remains crispy. It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as it may lose its texture.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t skip pounding the chicken; it ensures even cooking.
- Ensure oil is hot enough before frying to avoid soggy breading.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; fry in batches if necessary.
- Allow excess egg to drip off before coating with breadcrumbs.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for the best texture and flavor.
- Season each layer (flour, egg, and breadcrumbs) for maximum flavor.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to maintain juiciness.
Helpful Tips
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Consider adding spices to the breadcrumb mixture for a unique twist.
- Experiment with different cheeses in the breadcrumbs to enhance flavor.
FAQs
What is chicken milanese?
Chicken milanese is a traditional Italian dish featuring breaded and fried chicken cutlets, typically served with a squeeze of lemon and fresh herbs. It’s known for its crispy exterior and tender meat.
Can I bake chicken milanese instead of frying it?
Yes! For a healthier version, you can bake the breaded chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
What sides go well with chicken milanese?
Chicken milanese pairs well with a variety of sides such as a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy risotto, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Can I use other meats for milanese?
Absolutely! While chicken is traditional, you can also use thin cuts of pork, veal, or even eggplant for a vegetarian version of milanese.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown on the outside. A meat thermometer is the best way to check.
Is chicken milanese gluten-free?
Traditional chicken milanese is not gluten-free due to the use of breadcrumbs. However, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make a suitable alternative.
Conclusion
Chicken milanese is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. With its crispy crust and tender meat, it’s a fantastic option for any meal. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating this classic at home!
Chicken Milanese
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- Season flour with salt and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Beat the eggs in a separate shallow bowl.
- Combine breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan in another shallow dish.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, then dip in the eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels.
- Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Nutrition
