The Crispiest Chicken Milanese Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crispy golden chicken milanese brings a burst of Italian-inspired delight to your dinner table.

Home cooks adore this simple yet elegant dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Pounded thin and coated with a delicate, crunchy breading, this recipe promises pure satisfaction.

Naples-style cooking meets weeknight convenience in this crowd-pleasing classic.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference when crafting the perfect cutlet.

Perfectly seasoned and pan-fried to a gorgeous amber color, you’ll want to add this recipe to your regular rotation.

Prepare to savor every incredible bite of this mouthwatering Italian favorite.

Chicken Milanese: Italian Crispness at its Finest

• Minimal Prep Magic: Whip up this restaurant-quality dish with just a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making gourmet cooking accessible for everyone.
• Quick Cooking Delight: Transform chicken into a crispy, golden masterpiece in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous meal preparations.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Satisfy different taste preferences with this adaptable recipe that works equally well for family meals, date nights, or casual gatherings with friends.
• Crispy Texture Triumph: Create perfectly breaded chicken with a crunchy exterior and juicy interior, delivering a satisfying sensory experience in every single bite.

Ingredients Behind Chicken Milanese

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein base for the dish, best when evenly sliced into thin cutlets, choose fresh and high-quality chicken.

• Flour: Light coating that helps eggs stick to chicken, use all-purpose for smooth texture.
• Eggs: Binding agent for breading, creates golden crispy exterior.
• Panko, Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Provides crunchy texture and extra flavor, Japanese-style panko gives best crispiness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds richness and depth to breading, freshly grated recommended.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and bright component of salad, select ripe and firm tomatoes.
• Red Onion: Sharp flavor that complements salad, thinly sliced for best texture.
• Garlic: Aromatic enhancement for salad dressing.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Tangy dressing base, provides acidic balance.
• Olive Oil: Helps bind salad and adds smooth flavor.
• Fresh Basil: Herbaceous freshness, adds vibrant green color.
• Lemon: Bright citrus note for finishing, use fresh lemon for zest and wedges.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers, use freshly ground black pepper.
• Lemon Zest: Adds citrusy brightness to breading.

Cooking Process for Chicken Milanese

Step 1: Whip Up A Zesty Tomato Salad

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in halved cherry tomatoes, finely sliced red onion, and minced garlic.

Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

Sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste.

Gently fold in freshly chopped basil leaves.

Let the salad marinate while preparing the chicken.

Step 2: Slice And Prep Chicken Cutlets

Warm the oven to 250°F.

Position a cooling rack over a rimmed baking sheet.

Take chicken breasts and slice them into even, thin cutlets.

• First dish: Flour mixed with salt and black pepper
• Second dish: Whisked eggs seasoned with salt and black pepper
• Third dish: Panko breadcrumbs blended with seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, and salt

Step 3: Craft The Perfect Crispy Coating

Dredge each chicken cutlet through the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.

Dip into beaten eggs, allowing drips to fall away.

Press cutlets into breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a thorough, even coating.

Step 4: Sizzle The Chicken To Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

Fry two cutlets simultaneously, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Transfer cooked cutlets to the baking sheet in the warm oven.

Repeat with remaining cutlets.

Step 5: Create A Delectable Plate

Spread a bed of fresh arugula on each plate.

Place a crispy chicken cutlet on top.

Generously spoon the vibrant tomato salad over the chicken.

Serve with lemon wedges for an extra zesty touch.

Tricks For Golden Chicken Milanese

• Use a sharp knife to cut chicken breasts horizontally, ensuring uniform thickness for consistent cooking and crispy breading.
• Maintain medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown coating without burning, using a thermometer or testing with a breadcrumb.
• Pat chicken dry before breading and avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain crispy texture and prevent steaming.
• Add lemon zest to breadcrumbs for bright citrus notes and sprinkle Parmesan for extra depth and richness.
• Replace wheat flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free panko for celiac-friendly version.

Storing Chicken Milanese Without Losing Its Crunch

• Store leftover chicken Milanese in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate chicken and salad to maintain crispiness.
• Wrap individual cutlets in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Restore crunchiness by baking at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Place on a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms and maintain crisp breading.
• Quickly crisp chicken in a hot skillet with a touch of olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid high heat to prevent burning the breading.

Bright Pairings For Milanese

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Crisp Italian Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the light, crispy chicken Milanese by cutting through the richness of the fried cutlet and matching the bright, fresh tomato salad.
• Zesty Citrus Companion: Sparkling lemonade or fresh lemon-infused water enhances the dish's lemony notes, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the golden, crunchy chicken and adding a vibrant acidic touch.
• Mediterranean Sidekick: Crisp arugula salad with extra virgin olive oil and lemon dressing creates a perfect balance, echoing the herbs and bright flavors already present in the tomato salad and amplifying the dish's fresh, summery character.
• Herbaceous Beverage Boost: Basil-infused iced tea offers a unique herbal dimension that mirrors the fresh basil in the salad, creating a harmonious flavor profile that elevates the entire chicken Milanese experience.

Chicken Milanese Coating Alternatives

• Gluten-Free Chicken Milanese: Replace wheat flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour and gluten-free panko. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to maintain the recipe's crispy texture.
• Low-Carb Chicken Option: Swap traditional breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds. Use a minimal amount of flour or skip the flour coating entirely for a lower-carbohydrate version.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with eggplant or portobello mushroom slices. Follow the same breading and cooking techniques for a plant-based alternative that mimics the classic chicken Milanese.
• Baked Lighter Version: Instead of pan-frying, arrange breaded cutlets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray with olive oil cooking spray and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

FAQs

• How do I get the chicken crispy without burning it?

Keep the oil at medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan. Use a nonstick skillet and fry only two cutlets at a time. Watch the heat carefully and adjust as needed to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can bread the chicken cutlets in advance and refrigerate them for up to 2 hours before cooking. Keep them covered on a plate between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Cook just before serving for the crispiest result.

• What's the best way to pound chicken for even cutlets?

Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound chicken breasts between plastic wrap or in a sealed zip-top bag. Aim for an even ¼-inch thickness to ensure uniform cooking and a crispy breading.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and white and opaque throughout when cut open.

Chicken Milanese Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy chicken milanese brings Italian culinary magic to your dinner table with golden-brown perfection. Tender chicken cutlets deliver a satisfying crunch that will make you crave this classic comfort dish again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Breading Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup Italian-style seasoned dry breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Zest of 1 large lemon
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Salad Components:

• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes (about 2 cups), halved
• 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup olive oil (for frying)
• 4 handfuls arugula
• 1 sprig fresh basil, thinly sliced
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant salsa-like medley by tossing cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, then fold in fresh basil leaves. Allow flavors to meld while preparing the chicken.
2. Transform whole chicken breasts into thin, uniform cutlets using a sharp knife. Create a three-stage breading station: first, season flour with salt and pepper; second, whisk eggs with additional seasoning; third, blend panko, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, and salt for a crispy coating.
3. Methodically coat each chicken cutlet by first dredging in seasoned flour, ensuring excess falls away. Dunk into whisked eggs, allowing surplus to drip off, then thoroughly press into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture for maximum adherence.
4. Warm olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully fry chicken cutlets in batches, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Maintain consistent temperature to prevent burning. Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Transfer finished cutlets to a preheated oven set at 250°F to maintain warmth and crispiness. Plate by creating a bed of peppery arugula, placing the golden cutlet on top, and generously crowning with the prepared tomato mixture. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish.

Notes

• Slice chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and crispy coating.
• Pat chicken dry before breading to help breadcrumbs adhere better and create a crunchier texture.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness, mixing panko with seasoned breadcrumbs adds extra flavor and crunch.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350°F to prevent greasy chicken and achieve golden-brown exterior.
• Gluten-free option: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Low-carb variation: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version.
• Prep salad ingredients ahead of time to let flavors meld while cooking chicken.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying to ensure each cutlet gets crispy and browns evenly.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 32 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg