Fried Chicken Schnitzel

Fried Chicken Schnitzel is a wonderfully crispy and golden dish made with tender chicken strips coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and cooked until perfectly crunchy. Served with fresh lemon wedges, this comforting meal is ideal for family dinners, casual lunches, or sharing with friends. This recipe also includes an air fryer method for a lighter version that still delivers a deliciously crisp coating.

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 35

Servings People

Ingredients

4 large chicken breasts
100 g plain flour
2 large eggs
2 tbsp milk
150 g breadcrumbs
50 g Parmesan cheese grated optional
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried parsley
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Vegetable oil for frying
Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Preparing the Chicken:

Place each chicken breast between two sheets of baking paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently flatten the chicken until it is around 1cm thick. This helps the chicken cook evenly while creating more surface area for the crispy coating.
4 large chicken breasts
Cut the flattened chicken into strips or smaller schnitzel portions, depending on your preferred serving style. Pat the chicken dry with kitchen paper to help the coating stick properly.

Creating the Coating:

Prepare three shallow bowls. Add the flour to the first bowl and season it with a little salt and pepper.
100 g plain flour, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper
In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until combined.
2 large eggs, 2 tbsp milk
In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried parsley and Parmesan cheese if using. The seasoning in the breadcrumbs creates a delicious flavourful crust around the chicken.
150 g breadcrumbs, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried parsley, 50 g Parmesan cheese
Coat each piece of chicken first in the seasoned flour, making sure it is lightly covered. Next, dip it into the egg mixture before finally pressing it into the breadcrumbs. Ensure each piece has an even coating for the best crispy finish.

Traditional Frying Method:

Heat enough vegetable oil in a large frying pan to shallow fry the chicken. The oil should be hot but not smoking, around 170°C to 180°C if using a thermometer.
Vegetable oil
Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil and cook for around 3 to 4 minutes on each side. The schnitzel should become golden brown and crispy while the chicken remains tender inside.
Remove the cooked schnitzel and place it onto kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Lemon wedges

Air Fryer Method:

For a lighter alternative, Fried Chicken Schnitzel can be cooked successfully in an air fryer.
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C for approximately 3 minutes. Lightly spray both sides of the breaded chicken with cooking oil to help the coating become golden and crisp.
Place the schnitzel pieces into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding because the hot air needs space to circulate around each piece.
Cook for 10 to 14 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking time. The chicken should be golden, crispy, and cooked through before serving.
For extra crunch, spray the chicken lightly with oil again after turning. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces and the type of air fryer used.

Equipment

large frying pan or deep fryer
Air Fryer for air fryer method
3 Shallow bowls
Tongs
Rolling Pin
Kitchen paper

Notes

Recipe Tips:

For the crispiest coating, avoid skipping the flour stage because it helps the egg mixture stick to the chicken. Also, allow the coated chicken to rest for a few minutes before cooking, as this helps the breadcrumbs stay attached.

The schnitzel can be prepared slightly ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until needed. However, it is best served immediately after cooking when the coating is at its crunchiest.

Whether fried traditionally or cooked in the air fryer, Fried Chicken Schnitzel is a simple and satisfying meal that brings together crispy texture, tender chicken, and the refreshing flavour of lemon.

Nutrition