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Crisp Chicken Schnitzel
Andre Lewis

Crisp Chicken Schnitzel

Schnitzel needs a loose breadcrumb coat, not crumbs mashed into the meat like grout. The coating should puff away from the cutlet in spots as it fries. Swirl the skillet gently so hot oil washes over the top edges and creates that rippled shell.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets pounded to 1/4 inch
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground white pepper
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 1/2 cups plain fine breadcrumbs
  • 2 1/2 cups canola oil
  • 1 lemon cut into 4 wedges

Method
 

  1. Season the thin cutlets with salt and white pepper on both sides.
  2. Place the flour in one shallow pan, whisk the eggs with water in another and add the breadcrumbs to a third.
  3. Coat each cutlet in flour and egg, then lay it in the crumbs and turn without pressing hard.
  4. Heat 1/2 inch canola oil in a wide skillet to 350°F.
  5. Fry one or two cutlets at a time for about 2 minutes per side, gently swirling the pan, until puffed, golden and 165°F.
  6. Drain the schnitzel on a rack and bring the oil back to 350°F before the next batch.
  7. Serve after a 2-minute rest with lemon wedges kept off the crust until the last moment.