Crispy Chicken Schnitzel – Golden & Crunchy

Crispy Chicken Schnitzel is a classic German-inspired dish featuring thin, tender chicken cutlets breaded and pan-fried to golden perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or casual entertaining, it’s crunchy on the outside and juicy inside.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crunchy breaded exterior with tender, juicy chicken
• Quick and easy to prepare at home
• Perfect with mashed potatoes or salad
• Family-friendly and satisfying
• Can be made ahead and reheated

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1½ cups plain breadcrumbs
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to ½-inch thickness.
2. Set up a breading station: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs + water in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with salt, pepper, and paprika in a third.
3. Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs. Press gently to adhere.
4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Tips & Variations

• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
• Add Parmesan to breadcrumbs for flavor
• Bake instead of frying for a lighter version
• Serve with German potato salad or mashed potatoes
• Keep warm in oven if cooking in batches

Storage & Freezing

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight container up to 2 days
• Freezer: Freeze cooked schnitzel up to 1 month; reheat in oven for best texture
• Reheating: Oven or air fryer recommended; avoid microwave to keep crispiness
• Cook chicken evenly to avoid dryness
• Best served immediately for optimal crunch

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish
• Mashed potatoes or spaetzle on the side
• Light salad or sautéed vegetables
• Serve with mushroom or cream sauce for extra flavor
• Perfect for casual family dinners or dinner parties

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work but may require slightly longer cooking.

How do I keep the coating crispy?

Cook over medium heat and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, you can bread chicken ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to fry.

Can I bake instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Ready to Make It?

Crispy Chicken Schnitzel is golden, crunchy, and juicy, a classic dish that’s simple to make yet impressive. Perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining, this schnitzel brings comfort and flavor to the table.

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