Chicken Milanese is a classic Italian dish known for its crispy, breaded chicken cutlets. This dish is simple yet elegant, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The key to a perfect Chicken Milanese lies in the breading technique and the quality of the ingredients. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make tender chicken cutlets coated in a crispy, golden breadcrumb crust. Serve it with a fresh salad and lemon wedges for a delicious and satisfying meal that will transport you to Italy.
Ingredients for Chicken Milanese
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Olive oil, for frying
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh salad, for serving
How to Make Chicken Milanese
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Set Up Breading Station: In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour in one, beat the eggs with Dijon mustard in another, and combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley in the third.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the chicken into the egg mixture, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Fry the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken Milanese to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with lemon wedges and a fresh salad on the side.
About the Main Ingredients
Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is a lean and versatile cut of meat. Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook evenly and ensures a tender result.
Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the flavor of the chicken and the breading. Season the chicken breasts generously before breading them.
Flour: The flour helps the egg mixture adhere to the chicken, creating a sticky surface for the breadcrumbs to stick to.
Eggs and Dijon Mustard: The egg mixture acts as a binder for the breadcrumbs and adds flavor to the chicken. The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tangy flavor that complements the richness of the chicken.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are preferred for their larger, flakier texture, which creates a crispier crust. Mixing the breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and parsley adds flavor and texture to the breading.
Parmesan Cheese: The grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory flavor to the breading and helps create a crispy crust when fried.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for frying the chicken. It adds flavor and helps achieve a golden brown crust. Be sure to use enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet for even frying.
Lemon Wedges: Serving the chicken Milanese with lemon wedges adds a bright, citrusy flavor that cuts through the richness of the dish. Squeeze the lemon over the chicken just before serving for the best flavor.
Fresh Salad: A simple salad of mixed greens dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper is the perfect accompaniment to chicken Milanese. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the fried chicken.
