Chicken Milanese
Updated Oct. 11, 2023

- Total Time
- 40 minutes
- Prep Time
- 10 minutes
- Cook Time
- 30 minutes
- Rating
- Comments
- Read comments
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Ingredients
- 1teaspoon onion powder
- 1teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) and black pepper
- 2boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 10 ounces each)
- ½cup all-purpose flour
- 2large eggs, beaten
- 1¼cups panko bread crumbs
- ½cup finely grated Parmesan plus ½ cup shaved Parmesan
- About 1 cup olive oil (or neutral oil), for pan-frying, plus 3 tablespoons for the salad
- 1tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus lemon wedges for serving
- 5ounces arugula (about 5 packed cups)
- 1cup cherry tomatoes (optional), halved
Preparation
- Step 1
Prepare the chicken: In a small bowl, stir together the onion powder, garlic powder, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 ½ teaspoons pepper.
- Step 2
Set each chicken breast on a cutting board. Set one palm on top of one breast to hold it still then use a chef’s knife with the other hand to slice the breast in half horizontally. Repeat with the second chicken breast, then, using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet, pound each piece until no more than ⅓-inch thick. Season generously on both sides with half the seasoned salt.
- Step 3
Set the flour and eggs into two separate shallow bowls. To a third, add the panko, finely grated Parmesan and the remaining seasoned salt and stir to combine. Dip one piece of chicken into the flour to coat all over, then transfer to the eggs and turn to coat. Add to the panko mixture and turn, pressing panko into it until fully coated. Transfer to a baking sheet and repeat with the remaining chicken. (The breaded chicken will hold in the refrigerator for a few hours.)
- Step 4
In a medium nonstick skillet, heat a ½-inch layer of oil over medium-high. Working in two batches, add the breaded chicken and cook, undisturbed, until golden on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. (You could also cook them all at once in a large skillet, though you’ll need twice the amount of oil to do so.) Transfer to a wire rack and lightly sprinkle with additional salt, if desired.
- Step 5
While the chicken cooks, prepare the salad: In a large bowl, whisk to combine the olive oil and lemon juice; season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the arugula, cherry tomatoes (if using) and shaved Parmesan; toss to coat then season to taste again with salt and pepper.
- Step 6
Divide the chicken among plates and pile the salad on the side. Serve immediately, with lemon wedges for squeezing on top.
Private Notes
Comments
At least 15 minutes in the refrigerator before frying really firms up the breading so you don’t loose any in the pan. My mother’s hint.
Brushing the cut chicken breasts with vodka before dipping will make for a crispier cutlet when frying. The vodka will dissipate and not leave any taste.
I don't find it necessary to pound the split and butterflied breasts in recipes that use cutlets. The thicker meat stays juicer and is more forgiving. Thin cutlets cook too quickly often resulting in over cooked meat and/or undercooked breading. I also skip the flour step which leads to a thicker, gluey texture breading. The meat goes into the beaten eggs and straight into the breadcrumb. Who doesn't like to save a step and a dish and produce a better result!
I make a similar recipe regularly, and wanted to suggest a summery version I’ve made recently. I put the cooked cutlets on a brioche roll and top with homemade coleslaw (though good deli coleslaw would work too). Really delicious and a nice change from my usual salad accompaniment.
This is a go-to recipe in our kitchen. Thank you! I recently swapped out the pan for the air fryer and it comes out delicious and crispy without all of the mess on the stove. Be sure to give the chicken a spray of oil on both sides (I use avocado or olive oil) before air frying for 18 minutes. Perfect!
My family told me this is the best chicken I’ve ever cooked. I used thighs and pounded them out without slicing. I also had no arugula in the house, so I just paired it with a squeeze of lemon and a tomato salad this time. A definite hit!
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