Chicken Milanese is a quick and easy dish that turns chicken breasts into crispy, golden pieces in just minutes. It uses simple ingredients you probably already have. This recipe is perfect when you want a tasty dinner without spending a lot of time or effort.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Milanese Recipe
This Chicken Milanese is all about crispy perfection meeting juicy chicken. The crunchy coating made from a mix of breadcrumbs, panko, and parmesan cheese delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite, while the chicken inside stays moist and flavorful. It’s a simple recipe that doesn’t require hours of preparation or hard-to-find ingredients, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, the combination of butter and oil in the pan ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets that beautiful golden crust. You can serve it as a main dish, pair it with a fresh salad, or even use it in sandwiches. The versatility and ease of this dish make it a staple to keep in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients for Chicken Milanese
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
How to Make Chicken Milanese
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This step helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly, giving you a tender texture without drying it out. Once flattened, season both sides with salt and pepper to bring out the flavors.
Prepare your breading stations next. In one bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, combine the bread crumbs, panko bread crumbs, and parmesan cheese. The mixture of these three ingredients creates a crunchy, flavorful coating.
Take each chicken breast and dip it into the flour first, making sure to shake off any excess. Next, dip it into the whisked eggs, again shaking off the excess. Finally, coat the chicken thoroughly in the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture. Press the crumbs firmly onto the chicken to ensure they stick well. Repeat this process for each piece.
Heat the oil and butter together in a pan or skillet over medium heat. The combination of butter and oil is important—it prevents the butter from burning while adding rich flavor. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 7 to 10 minutes total, flipping halfway through, until both sides are golden and crispy.
When cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This helps absorb any extra oil and keeps the crust crisp.
How to Serve Chicken Milanese
Chicken Milanese shines when served hot and crispy. You can enjoy it as the centerpiece of a meal alongside a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner. For a more filling option, serve it over cooked pasta or creamy mashed potatoes.
Another popular way to enjoy Chicken Milanese is by topping it with fresh arugula and cherry tomatoes, drizzled lightly with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice. This adds brightness and freshness that pairs perfectly with the crunchy chicken.
You can also serve it with a simple squeeze of lemon on the side, which helps cut through the richness of the breading and butter, giving the dish a refreshing finish. No matter how you choose to serve it, this dish is sure to please.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Milanese
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is key. This prevents the thinner parts from drying out before the thicker parts are cooked through. Use a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan to gently flatten each breast.
When coating the chicken, make sure to press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the surface. This helps the breading stick during cooking and results in a crispier crust.
Use a combination of oil and butter in the pan. Butter adds flavor, while oil raises the smoke point, reducing the risk of burning. This combo helps you achieve that perfect golden color.
Cook the chicken on medium heat rather than high. This ensures the crust gets crispy without burning and allows the chicken to cook through evenly.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary, leaving enough space between pieces so the heat circulates properly. Overcrowding causes steaming and softens the breading.
How to Store Chicken Milanese
If you have leftovers, wrap the cooled chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
To reheat while maintaining crispiness, place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at around 177°C (350°F) for 10 to 12 minutes until warmed through. Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible, as this will make the breading soggy.
For longer storage, wrap the chicken breasts securely and freeze them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 6 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations of Chicken Milanese
You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. For a lighter option, swap out the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or almond flour. This adds a bit of extra nutrition without sacrificing texture.
Experiment with different herbs and spices in the breadcrumb mixture. Adding dried oregano, basil, or garlic powder can boost the flavor profile and give the dish an Italian twist.
Try swapping parmesan for pecorino cheese for a sharper taste. Or mix in finely chopped fresh parsley or basil for added freshness and color.
If you want to make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour alternatives like rice flour or chickpea flour.
For a richer crust, double-dip the chicken by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps once more. This creates a thicker, crunchier coating that’s extra satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Milanese
What cut of chicken is best for Chicken Milanese?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook quickly and can be easily pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They have more fat, which makes them juicier, but they may require slightly longer cooking time.
How do I keep the breading from falling off?
Make sure to press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken and shake off excess flour and egg before coating. Also, avoid moving the chicken too much while cooking to allow the crust to set.
Can I prepare Chicken Milanese ahead of time?
You can bread the chicken in advance and keep it in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. However, it’s best to cook it fresh for optimal crispiness.
Is Chicken Milanese healthy?
While it is breaded and fried, using lean chicken breasts and moderate amounts of oil and butter keeps it relatively healthy. Pairing with vegetables balances the meal.
How should I reheat leftovers to keep them crispy?
Reheat in the oven on a baking sheet rather than using a microwave. This keeps the breading crunchy and prevents fogginess.
Chicken Milanese
Equipment
- Meat Mallet
- Large Skillet
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Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (whisked)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with a mixture of bread crumbs, panko, and parmesan cheese.
- Dip each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess, then in the eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
- Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts.
- Cook for about 7 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Remove the chicken and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.