Whether you’re a fan of Italian cuisine or just in the mood for something scrumptiously satisfying, you just might fall in love with our Chicken Milanese Recipe with Caesar Salad. This Italian classic is all about that perfect crunch, with juicy chicken fillets wrapped in a golden, breadcrumb coat that’s absolutely irresistible.
What is Chicken Milanese?
The name “Milanese” hints at this dish’s Italian roots in Milan, where it originally referred to a similar preparation involving veal, famously known as “Cotoletta alla Milanese.” Over time, the dish’s popularity spread, and it was adapted to use different proteins, with chicken becoming a popular choice thanks to its mild flavor and versatility.
Chicken Milanese is a delectable dish that’s most recognizable by its golden-brown perfection! Tender chicken breasts are breaded in a mixture of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, then fried to a crispy finish. The result is an irresistible crunchy exterior that gives way to juicy, flavorful chicken inside. It’s often served with a squeeze of lemon or a fresh salad, adding a zesty or refreshing flavor to every bite! For this version, we top ours with our incredibly easy Caesar salad.
Ingredients You Need
- Large Chicken Breasts, Halved And Flattened – These provide the perfect canvas for the deliciously crispy coating in our chicken Milanese.
- Eggs – Eggs work their magic by making sure every crumb sticks to the chicken so that each piece is beautifully coated and crunchy.
- All-Purpose Flour – Flour is the first step to a golden, crispy crust, helping everything stick just right as you bread the chicken.
- Panko Bread Crumbs – These give that irresistible crunch, creating a light and airy crust that’s the hallmark of a great chicken Milanese.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – Parmesan packs a savory punch that makes the coating extra tasty!
- Salt – Salt is essential for bringing out all the yummy flavors in the chicken and in the flour and bread crumb mixtures.
- Pepper – A bit of pepper adds just the right amount of zing, balancing the flavors perfectly. You’ll need it for the chicken, flour, and breadcrumbs.
- Oregano – Oregano adds an herby flair that makes the coating even more fragrant and flavorful.
- Garlic Powder – Using powder makes it easy to disperse garlicky flavor in the breadcrumb mixture evenly.
- Smoked Paprika – This seasoning adds a smoky depth, giving the crust a bit of complexity that elevates the dish.
- Cooking Spray – A little spray helps everything brown beautifully without extra grease, keeping things crispy and light.
How to Make Milanese Chicken
- Prep the Chicken. Slice each of the chicken breasts in half and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten them. Sprinkle salt and pepper on each side.
- Prep the Coatings. Add the eggs to a shallow bowl and beat until combined. In a separate shallow bowl, combine flour with a portion of the salt and pepper. In another bowl, add the panko bread crumbs, parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and another portion of the salt and pepper.
- Dredge the Chicken. First, coat the chicken with the seasoned flour then dip it into the eggs. Then, coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Cook. Place the coated chicken breasts in a preheated skillet that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Pan-fry the chicken on each side until it is crispy, golden brown, and has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Serve. First place the cooked chicken on a plate lined with paper towels, then transfer to a serving plate and top with Caesar salad.
Variations
- Lemon Basil – Add zest from fresh lemon and mix chopped basil into the breadcrumb mixture for a fresh, herbal twist.
- Crispy Almond-Crusted Chicken – Substitute the panko breadcrumbs with finely chopped almonds for a nutty flavor and extra crunch.
- Spicy Chicken Milanese – Incorporate red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture for a bit of heat that livens up the dish!
- Parmesan Herb – Mix additional herbs like thyme or rosemary into the parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs to infuse the chicken with aromatic flavors.
- Garlic Parmesan – Mix extra garlic powder into the breadcrumbs and Parmesan for a bold, savory crust.
- Balsamic Reduction – Drizzle the cooked chicken with a balsamic reduction for a sweet and tangy finish that complements the crispy crust.
Can I Store Leftovers?
You can definitely store leftovers of this chicken, but keep in mind that the breading may get a little soggy in the fridge. To crisp it back up, opt for reheating it in the oven or an
To store the chicken in the fridge, simply place it in an airtight container and place it in the fridge for 3-4 days.
If you choose to freeze the chicken, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap — it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. However, the consistency of the breading may change after thawing.
More Chicken-Based Recipes
We tend to be partial to poultry when it comes to packing some protein into our meals! If you’re like us, check out more of our recipes for chicken dishes that are chock-full of flavor!
One Pot Greek Chicken and Rice
Air Fryer Chicken Burrito Bowl
Chicken Milanese Recipe with Caesar Salad
Equipment
- 3 Shallow Bowls
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts halved and flattened
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt for seasoning chicken
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper for seasoning chicken
- 1/4 teaspoon salt for seasoning flour
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper for seasoning flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt for seasoning breadcrumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper for seasoning breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Cooking spray
- Caesar salad for topping
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Halve and flatten the chicken breasts. Season both sides with salt and pepper.2 large chicken breasts, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Set Up Your Coating Stations:
- In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs.3 large eggs
- In another shallow bowl, mix the flour with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.1 cup panko bread crumbs, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Coat the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken breast first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Pan-Fry the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and spray generously with cooking spray. Alternatively, you can use a small amount of olive oil for a richer flavor.Cooking spray
- Once the skillet is hot, add the coated chicken breasts. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Top with Cesar Salad
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