Chicken Milanese is a crispy, golden-brown dish that brings together tender chicken breasts and a deliciously seasoned breadcrumb coating. Lightly pan-fried to perfection, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch with a juicy interior. It can be paired with a simple salad or served over pasta.
What Is Chicken Milanese?
At its core, Chicken Milanese is a breaded and fried chicken cutlet, originally from Italy, where it’s known as “Cotoletta alla Milanese.” It’s a part of Milanese cuisine, which includes a variety of meat and poultry dishes. The chicken is typically pounded thin, breaded in a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan, and herbs, and then fried until crispy and golden. It’s often served with a simple salad or a squeeze of lemon, making it a light but satisfying meal.
Ingredients for Chicken Milanese
To make a classic Chicken Milanese, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. You can also use chicken thighs for a slightly juicier alternative.
- Breadcrumbs – Fresh breadcrumbs are ideal, but you can also use store-bought breadcrumbs or panko for extra crunch.
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated parmesan adds flavor to the breading.
- Eggs – Used to dip the chicken before breading, giving the breadcrumbs something to stick to.
- All-Purpose Flour – For dredging the chicken before dipping in the egg wash.
- Fresh Herbs – Parsley and thyme are commonly used for a burst of freshness in the breading.
- Lemon – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors of the crispy chicken.
- Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil – For frying the cutlets to golden perfection.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Milanese
Pounding the Chicken: To get that perfect thin cutlet, don’t skip the pounding step. This helps tenderize the meat and ensures it cooks evenly.
Use Fresh Breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs (or homemade ones) are far superior to the store-bought varieties, as they provide a better texture and flavor.
Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the chicken in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure crispy, non-greasy cutlets.
Test the Oil: To ensure your oil is the right temperature, drop a small piece of breadcrumb into the pan. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
Rest Before Serving: Let the fried chicken rest for a few minutes after frying to keep it crispy and juicy.
Variations of Chicken Milanese
While the classic Chicken Milanese is delicious on its own, there are several variations you can try:
Chicken Parmesan (Parmigiana): After frying the chicken, top it with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, then bake it until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Milanese with Arugula: Serve your Chicken Milanese on a bed of fresh arugula, tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, and parmesan for a light and refreshing contrast.
Crispy Chicken Milanese Sandwich: Make a sandwich by placing the fried chicken cutlet in a soft bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayo or mustard.
How to Serve Chicken Milanese
Chicken Milanese is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- With a Simple Salad: A fresh salad with arugula, mixed greens, or even a classic Caesar salad makes for a great side dish.
- With Pasta: Serve the chicken alongside a light pasta dish, such as spaghetti aglio e olio or a simple lemon pasta.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes complement the crispy chicken.
- With Mashed Potatoes: For a heartier meal, serve Chicken Milanese with creamy mashed potatoes.
How to Store Chicken Milanese
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), Chicken Milanese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the coating crispy, it’s best to reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer instead of the microwave. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through.
Freezing Chicken Milanese
You can also freeze Chicken Milanese for up to 2 months. To do this, allow the fried chicken to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Chicken Milanese ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the chicken in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to fry. Just make sure to let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before frying.
Can I use chicken thighs for Chicken Milanese?
Yes! Chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for breasts, and they add a bit more flavor and moisture to the dish.
Can I make Chicken Milanese without frying it?
For a lighter option, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While it won’t have the same crispy texture as frying, it will still be delicious.
What is the best oil for frying Chicken Milanese?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or even light olive oil work well for frying Chicken Milanese. Just make sure the oil has a high smoke point to avoid burning the coating.
Chicken Milanese
Chicken Milanese is a crispy, golden-brown dish that brings together tender chicken breasts and a deliciously seasoned breadcrumb coating. Lightly pan-fried to perfection, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch with a juicy interior. It can be paired with a simple salad or served over pasta, this Italian classic is easy to prepare and perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 ½ cups homemade or panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, finely minced
- ¼ tsp kosher salt + more for seasoning
- ¼ tsp freshly ground pepper + more for seasoning
- 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese, divided
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- Olive oil or neutral oil for frying
For the Salad:
- 2-3 cups heirloom tomatoes (or halved cherry tomatoes)
- 1 clove garlic, smashed
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 8 oz fresh arugula, cleaned and dried
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- 4 oz Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano, shaved
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, ½ cup parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- In another shallow bowl, whisk together 3 eggs, remaining parmesan, salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp water.
- In a third shallow bowl, add flour and season with salt and pepper.
- On a cutting board, place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to about ½ inch thick. Season each piece of chicken with salt and pepper.
- Set up your breading station: flour, egg mixture, breadcrumbs.
- Coat each chicken piece in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Press breadcrumbs gently to adhere.
- Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown on both sides. Transfer to a wire rack.
- In a bowl, mix tomatoes, smashed garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Remove garlic clove if preferred.
- Just before serving, tear basil leaves and mix them into the salad.
- Toss arugula with some tomato juices, then mound it on plates. Top with chicken cutlets and spoon over the tomato mixture.
- Sprinkle with shaved parmesan, drizzle with olive oil, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1402Total Fat: 65gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 42gCholesterol: 378mgSodium: 2054mgCarbohydrates: 95gFiber: 9gSugar: 13gProtein: 107g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Milanese is a wonderfully versatile dish that works for casual family dinners, special occasions, or even as a delicious meal prep option. With its crispy exterior and tender, juicy chicken, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re serving it with a fresh salad, a side of pasta, or on its own, Chicken Milanese is always a winner. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and serving ideas to make this dish your own.
Try these other chicken recipes:
