Chicken Milanese Recipe

Introduction to Chicken Milanese

Chicken Milanese is a quintessential Italian dish that has gained popularity worldwide for its simplicity and flavor. This recipe involves thinly sliced chicken breasts that are lightly breaded and pan-fried to a crispy golden brown. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or used in sandwiches. The beauty of Chicken Milanese lies in its ease of preparation and its ability to be adapted to various tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Chicken Milanese

To make Chicken Milanese, you will need the following ingredients:

• Eggs: Used to keep the chicken moist and provide a base for the breading to adhere to.
• Seasonings: Salt and pepper are essential for basic seasoning, but you can also add other herbs like basil and thyme for extra flavor.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is used for the initial dusting of the chicken.
• Bread Crumbs: You can use store-bought or homemade bread crumbs. For a homemade version, you can crumble 3 dried pieces of bread and season with basil and thyme.
• Chicken: Two thinly sliced skinless, boneless chicken breast halves will yield four servings.
• Oil: Vegetable oil is recommended for frying the chicken cutlets.
• Lemon: Serve with lemon wedges for a burst of citrus flavor.

Preparing Chicken Milanese

Preparing Chicken Milanese involves a few steps that ensure the dish turns out crispy and flavorful. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Pounding the Chicken: Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This helps them cook evenly and prevents them from becoming too thick.
2. Seasoning: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice.
3. Breading Process:
   1. Dust with Flour: Lightly coat the chicken in flour to remove excess moisture.
   2. Egg Wash: Dip the floured chicken in beaten eggs to help the breadcrumbs adhere.
   3. Bread Crumb Coating: Coat the egg-washed chicken in bread crumbs mixed with grated Parmesan, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
4. Frying the Chicken: Heat about 1 cup of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken cutlets until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side.

Once fried, place the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Milanese is best served with a side that complements its crispy texture. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Risotto or Polenta: These creamy sides offer a nice contrast to the crunchy chicken.
• Salad: A simple green salad or an Italian-style salad with capers and olives adds freshness.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers can provide a colorful and healthy contrast.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional data for Chicken Milanese includes the full amount of breading ingredients. However, the actual consumption may vary based on how much breading sticks to the chicken during cooking. The oil used for frying is also calculated based on a retention value of 10% after cooking, which can vary depending on cooking time, temperature, and oil type.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long does it take to prepare Chicken Milanese?

A: Preparation time is minimal, and the dish can be ready in about 30 minutes.

Q: Can Chicken Milanese be made ahead of time?

A: Yes, breaded chicken cutlets can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 hours before frying.

Q: What type of oil is best for frying Chicken Milanese?

A: Vegetable oil is recommended due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point.

Author

Anjali Sayee

 

Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

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