Chicken Milanese is a crispy, golden-brown Italian dish that’s simple to make yet full of flavor. With perfectly breaded chicken cutlets, served with a fresh arugula salad, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 16 ounces chicken breast cutlets
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- 1 cup olive oil (for frying)
For serving:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 1/8 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 4 ounces baby arugula (about 4 cups)
- 2 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese, shaved with a vegetable peeler (about ¼ cup)
- Lemon wedges (from 2 lemons)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 200°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, and top with a wire rack coated with nonstick spray or olive oil.
- Cover a cutting board with plastic wrap, then arrange chicken cutlets in a single layer on the board. Cover with another piece of plastic wrap and pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. Season with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first, add flour. In the second, beat eggs lightly. In the third, combine panko, grated Parmesan, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each cutlet in flour, then dip in egg, and coat with the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere. Transfer the coated cutlets to a plate and refrigerate for up to 2 hours if needed.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the cutlets, two at a time, and fry until deep golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Drain the cutlets on paper towels, then transfer to the wire rack in the oven to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining cutlets.
- For the salad, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Toss the arugula with the vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan.
- Serve the chicken cutlets with the salad, and garnish with lemon wedges.
Nutrients (per serving)
- Calories: 531 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 133mg
- Sodium: 570mg
- Potassium: 606mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 1103 IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 326mg
- Iron: 2mg
Why Chicken Milanese Is a Favorite Dish
Chicken Milanese has become a beloved dish because of its versatility and ease of preparation. The crispy, breaded chicken cutlets are an irresistible treat, and the fresh salad provides a light and refreshing contrast, making the dish well-rounded. The preparation process is straightforward, requiring just a few ingredients and basic cooking techniques, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels. The dish’s simplicity doesn’t detract from its flavor; in fact, it’s the minimalism that makes it so flavorful. The combination of savory breaded chicken, zesty lemon, and fresh Parmesan cheese offers a satisfying meal that works for a variety of occasions.
One of the reasons Chicken Milanese is so popular is that it can easily be adapted to fit different dietary preferences. It can be served as a standalone dish or paired with pasta, vegetables, or even a side of mashed potatoes for a more filling meal. For those seeking a lighter meal, the arugula salad adds a refreshing crunch and balance to the richness of the chicken, making it suitable for all types of diners. The dish is also perfect for entertaining because it looks sophisticated yet doesn’t require advanced cooking skills.
The Crispy, Golden-Brown Chicken Cutlets
The star of Chicken Milanese is the crispy, golden-brown chicken cutlets. These cutlets are coated in a delicious mixture of flour, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and lemon zest, which creates a perfectly crispy exterior when fried. The use of panko breadcrumbs gives the chicken an extra light and airy crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs, making the cutlets especially crispy and satisfying.
The key to getting perfectly crispy cutlets lies in the breading technique. The chicken breasts are pounded thin to ensure they cook evenly and quickly, preventing the meat from becoming dry while the outside crisps up. Dipping the chicken in flour, then egg, and finally the panko mixture ensures the breadcrumbs adhere well and form a beautiful golden crust when fried. By pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick to the chicken, you achieve that perfect texture that makes Chicken Milanese so irresistible.
The use of fresh, high-quality ingredients—like freshly grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest—adds flavor depth to the breading. The Parmesan melts slightly during the frying process, creating pockets of savory goodness throughout the crust. The lemon zest infuses the chicken with a burst of citrus, which brightens up the flavors and complements the richness of the fried coating.
The Arugula Salad: A Fresh, Peppery Contrast
While the breaded chicken is the main attraction of Chicken Milanese, the fresh arugula salad plays an important supporting role. The peppery, slightly bitter flavor of the arugula provides a delightful contrast to the rich and crispy chicken. The salad is dressed in a light vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and seasonings, which adds just the right amount of tang and acidity to balance the richness of the chicken.
The fresh arugula not only adds flavor but also enhances the presentation of the dish. The vibrant green leaves provide a colorful contrast to the golden-brown chicken cutlets, making the plate look visually appealing. The addition of shaved Parmesan on top of the salad ties the dish together, adding another layer of savory flavor that complements both the salad and the chicken.
What makes this arugula salad so effective in this dish is its simplicity. The ingredients allow the natural flavors of the arugula and the dressing to shine, while the Parmesan adds just the right amount of richness. The salad is light enough to balance out the heavier, fried chicken without overwhelming the dish.
The Importance of Seasoning in Chicken Milanese
Seasoning plays a crucial role in elevating the flavors of Chicken Milanese. The chicken itself is seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper before being breaded, which helps bring out the natural flavors of the chicken. The breading mixture also contains salt and pepper, ensuring that the chicken is well-seasoned throughout.
Lemon zest is another important element in the seasoning of the chicken. The zest adds a fragrant, citrusy note that brightens the overall flavor of the dish, balancing the richness of the fried chicken. The lemon in both the salad dressing and as a garnish on the side further enhances the freshness of the dish and adds a touch of acidity to cut through the fat.
The Dijon mustard in the salad dressing also contributes a subtle sharpness that complements the creaminess of the Parmesan cheese and the freshness of the arugula. Together, these seasonings create a balanced flavor profile that makes Chicken Milanese both flavorful and refreshing.
Why Chicken Milanese is Ideal for Weeknight Dinners
One of the main reasons Chicken Milanese is such a great choice for a weeknight dinner is that it comes together quickly. The chicken cutlets can be prepared in just a few minutes, and the frying process takes only a few minutes per side. While the chicken is frying, you can quickly toss together the arugula salad, which takes almost no time at all. The entire dish can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy evenings when you want to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Additionally, the ingredients for Chicken Milanese are straightforward and easy to find, so it’s a dish you can make even if you don’t have a lot of time to plan ahead. It’s also a meal that requires minimal cleanup, especially if you line your baking sheet with foil and use a wire rack for draining the chicken. This makes it a hassle-free option for busy families or anyone looking for a quick, delicious dinner.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Milanese
While Chicken Milanese is delicious on its own, it can also be served with a variety of side dishes to round out the meal. For a light and healthy meal, serve the chicken with roasted vegetables or a side of quinoa. If you’re craving something more indulgent, mashed potatoes or a creamy risotto would be excellent choices. The crispy chicken pairs well with almost any side dish, making it easy to customize depending on your preferences or what you have on hand.
For those looking to add more vegetables to the meal, roasted or sautéed greens like spinach or Swiss chard make a great accompaniment. A side of pasta with a light tomato sauce could also complement the chicken and arugula salad, offering a heartier meal while keeping the flavors balanced.
Conclusion: A Simple, Elegant Dish for Any Occasion
In conclusion, Chicken Milanese is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. The crispy, golden-brown chicken cutlets, combined with the fresh arugula salad and tangy lemon vinaigrette, create a well-rounded, flavorful meal that is both satisfying and refreshing. The ease of preparation and minimal cooking time make it an ideal dish for busy nights, while its sophisticated flavors ensure it will impress any guest. Whether you serve it as a standalone meal or with your favorite sides, Chicken Milanese is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.