Crispy Chicken Milanese Recipe

Golden Crispy Chicken Milanese Recipe: A Family Favorite!

Succulent chicken takes center stage in this irresistible crispy chicken milanese recipe that will transport you straight to an Italian kitchen.

Golden-brown perfection awaits with each carefully crafted bite of tender meat.

The delicate coating promises a crunch that speaks volumes about culinary skill and passion.

You’ll adore how simple ingredients combine to create something truly extraordinary.

Salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs dance together, creating a harmonious melody of flavor and texture.

The magic happens when the chicken meets hot oil, transforming into a crispy, golden delight that beckons everyone to the table.

Prepare to savor every delectable moment of this classic Italian-inspired dish that promises to become a new favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need For Chicken Milanese

For Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: Lean protein that provides the base for this crispy, golden dish, choose fresh, high-quality chicken with minimal fat for best results.
For Breading and Coating:
  • Flour: Creates a dry surface for egg mixture to cling to, ensuring perfect breading coverage.
  • Eggs, Water: Helps breadcrumb mixture adhere to chicken, adding moisture and binding.
  • Breadcrumbs: Provides crispy, crunchy exterior with delightful texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty flavor and extra crunch to the coating.
  • Garlic Powder: Infuses subtle, aromatic flavor throughout the breading.
  • Italian Seasoning: Brings herbaceous Mediterranean notes to the chicken.
  • Salt, Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning and brings out natural chicken flavors.
For Cooking and Serving:
  • Cooking Oil: Creates golden, crispy exterior when heated to proper temperature.
  • Arugula: Adds peppery, fresh green element to balance the rich chicken.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Provides bright, juicy contrast to crispy chicken.
  • Olive Oil: Dresses salad with smooth, rich flavor.
  • Lemon: Adds bright, citrusy acidity to cut through the richness of fried chicken.

Cooking Tools For Chicken Milanese

  • Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: Essential for pounding chicken to an even thickness.
  • Plastic Wrap: Helps protect chicken while tenderizing.
  • Shallow Bowls (3): Needed for creating breading station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumb mixture.
  • Large Skillet: Perfect for frying chicken cutlets to golden perfection.
  • Whisk: Used to mix eggs and water smoothly.
  • Paper Towel-Lined Plate: Helps drain excess oil from fried chicken.
  • Cutting Board: For slicing chicken breasts.
  • Sharp Knife: To horizontally slice chicken breasts.
  • Tongs: Helpful for flipping and transferring chicken in the skillet.
  • Measuring Spoons: For precise seasoning amounts.

Steps To Fry Chicken Milanese

  • Slice and Flatten Chicken

Carefully cut chicken breasts horizontally to create thin cutlets. Place between plastic wrap and gently pound until they’re uniformly thin, about a quarter-inch thick.

  • Create Crispy Coating Station

Set up three separate dishes: one with flour, another with whisked eggs, and the last with a flavorful blend of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and seasonings.

  • Coat Chicken with Crunchy Layer

Dredge each cutlet in flour, shake off excess. Dip into egg mixture, letting extra drip away. Press cutlets into seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a complete, even coating.

  • Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place chicken cutlets in the pan, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and reach the safe internal temperature.

  • Fresh Finishing Touch

Optional: Toss together a quick salad with peppery greens and juicy tomatoes, dressed with a light citrus vinaigrette.

  • Plate and Enjoy

Serve hot, garnished with a fresh lemon wedge. Pair with your favorite side and savor the crispy, tender chicken.

Ways To Add Flavor To Chicken Milanese

  • Crispy Coating Perfection: Ensure a super-crispy exterior by patting chicken completely dry before breading and using a mix of panko and traditional breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
  • Quick Meat Tenderizing Trick: When pounding chicken, use a plastic bag instead of wrap for more even, controlled thickness and less mess during preparation.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe celiac-friendly without sacrificing flavor or texture.
  • Healthier Cooking Option: Swap deep-frying for oven-baking by placing breaded cutlets on a wire rack over a baking sheet, spraying with cooking spray, and baking at 425F for 15-20 minutes until golden and crisp.
  • Flavor Boost Variations: Experiment with different herb and cheese combinations in the breading mixture like smoked paprika, dried oregano, pecorino romano, or adding finely chopped fresh herbs for a personalized touch.

Serving Chicken Milanese Simply

  • Fresh Citrus Zest: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the crispy chicken to brighten the flavors and add a tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the breaded cutlet.
  • Elegant Plating Twist: Arrange the golden chicken Milanese on a white plate with the arugula salad nestled alongside, creating a visually appealing restaurant-style presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
  • Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the crispy chicken with a chilled glass of pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc, which perfectly balance the dish's savory breading and light, fresh salad components.
  • Family-Style Feast: Transform the recipe into a fun family meal by setting out additional sides like roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a simple pasta, allowing everyone to customize their plate and enjoy together.

Chicken Milanese Storage Guide

  • Smart Meal Prep Magic: Slice and bread chicken cutlets ahead of time, storing them between parchment paper in sealed containers for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
  • Leftover Love Strategy: Refrigerate cooked Chicken Milanese in airtight containers for 3-4 days, reheating gently in a preheated oven at 350°F to maintain crispy texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap unbaked breaded cutlets individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for convenient storage up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before cooking.
  • Quick Serving Hack: Create portion-sized meal prep containers with chicken, salad, and lemon wedge for easy grab-and-go lunches during busy workweeks.
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Crispy Chicken Milanese Recipe

Crispy Chicken Milanese Recipe


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4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Mouthwatering Chicken Milanese shines as a classic Italian comfort dish packed with crispy golden perfection. Crunchy panko-coated chicken cutlets promise a delightful meal that connects you to traditional Italian culinary heritage.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup (50 g / 1.75 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) olive oil (or mix of olive oil and vegetable oil)
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) water
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 2 cups fresh arugula
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) olive oil
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Transform chicken breasts into delicate, paper-thin cutlets by slicing horizontally and gently pounding between plastic wrap to achieve uniform thickness.
  2. Breading Station: Create a three-part coating system with flour, whisked eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs blended with Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian herbs.
  3. Coating Process: Methodically dredge each cutlet through flour, shake off excess, dip in egg wash, then thoroughly coat with seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage.
  4. Cooking Technique: Heat neutral oil in a skillet over medium temperature, carefully placing breaded cutlets to achieve a golden-brown exterior. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until chicken reaches optimal internal temperature and develops a crisp, enticing crust.
  5. Accompaniment Creation: Craft a vibrant side salad by tossing arugula and cherry tomatoes with a zesty dressing of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
  6. Plating: Arrange crispy chicken cutlets on serving plates, garnish with a bright lemon wedge, and artfully position the herbaceous salad alongside for a complete, appetizing presentation.

Notes

  • Slice with Precision: Cut chicken breasts horizontally and pound evenly to ensure uniform cooking and consistent crispy texture throughout the cutlet.
  • Breading Station Strategy: Set up three separate containers to create a seamless coating process, preventing messy hands and ensuring perfect coverage with minimal clumping.
  • Oil Temperature Control: Maintain medium heat to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning the breading or leaving raw interior, using a thermometer for consistent results.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining the dish’s crispy signature crunch.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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