This super easy Chicken Schnitzel Recipe is a traditional German recipe of thinly pounded chicken breast that’s crispy, flavorful and perfect for any night of the week.

We love to serve chicken schnitzel with Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts and 10 minute Pan Roasted Lemon Potatoes with Dill for a complete meal.

Cooked Chicken Schnitzel on a black plate with lemon wedge.

If you’re a fan of simple chicken recipes, you’re in the right place! You can’t go wrong with this crispy breaded chicken.

Chicken Schnitzel Recipe

Chicken schnitzel is a variation of a traditional Pork Schnitzel. It’s crispy breaded chicken fried to golden perfection with a mix of savory spices using eggs, flour, and milk. The crispy coating and the pop of lemon are to die for!

What Is Chicken Schnitzel?

Schnitzel is a term used when a cut of meat, in this case, a breaded chicken breast, that has been pounded thin and then breaded and pan-fried in a type of fat.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s the basic list of ingredients you’ll need in order to make this easy Chicken Schnitzel recipe. As always, you can find the full list of ingredients located in the printable recipe card below.

Chicken Breasts – boneless, skinless
All-purpose flour
Salt & Pepper
Garlic Powder
Paprika
Eggs
Milk – any percent fat will work
Panko Breadcrumbs
Ground nutmeg – trust me on this!
Lemon – cut into wedges

Ingredients for Chicken Schnitzel.

How To Make Chicken Schnitzel

This pan-fried chicken comes together quickly; it’s so easy! Just assemble the ingredients into 3 bowls and dip the chicken assembly line style.

PREPARE CHICKEN

Start by trimming the chicken breasts of any fat and then place them between two sheets of parchment paper. Use a heavy rolling pin or meat tenderizer to pound chicken breast to about 1/4 inch thickness.

If needed, cut chicken into smaller pieces, so they fit into the skillet.

Hand using meat tenderizer on raw chicken breast in parchment paper.

MAKE BREADING

In a small shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, garlic powder, paprika and black pepper and mix until combined. To a second bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs with a splash of milk or half and half. Mix together the Panko breadcrumbs and nutmeg in a third bowl.

Raw chicken on fork dipping into white bowl of flour.

BREAD THE CHICKEN

Dip the chicken breast in the flour, coating on all sides, then shake off any excess. Then dip the chicken into the eggs, flipping over to coat both sides. Finally, transfer the chicken to the breadcrumbs and coat evenly on both sides.

PAN FRY CHICKEN

Place the coated chicken breasts in the pan with hot oil and cook about 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165 F). Sprinkle with a little salt as soon as it comes of the skillet.

Serve right away with fresh lemon wedges, and enjoy!

Raw breaded chicken in black frying pan.

What Cut Of Meat Is Used For Chicken Schnitzel?

When cooking chicken schnitzel, you’ll want to use either boneless skinless chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thighs.

Schnitzel is traditionally a meat that is pounded very thin, so make sure you don’t skip this step. Pounding the chicken helps to tenderize it, while also letting it cook very fast.

PRO TIP: Be sure to trim any fat off of the chicken you use before breading and cooking.

Cooked Chicken Schnitzel in black frying pan.

What To Serve With Chicken Schnitzel?

Traditional schnitzel is served with lemon wedges. You could also garnish with fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor!

Here are some ideas for side dishes to serve with chicken schnitzel. There are many options since the flavor is pretty neutral!

Bite of cooked chicken schnitzel on fork.

More Quick Chicken Recipes

Need more ideas for easy chicken dinner recipes? Here are a few delicious ones for you to try!

I know you’re going to love this Easy Chicken Schnitzel Recipe as much as we do! Let me know what you think!

Cooked Chicken Schnitzel on a black plate with lemon wedge.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe

5 from 1 vote