Chicken Milanese

This Chicken Milanese is chicken cutlets coated with breadcrumbs, then pan fried until crispy and golden brown.  An easy dinner option that can be paired with a variety of sauces and side dishes to make a complete meal.

When I’m looking for a way to turn ordinary chicken breasts into something special, I turn to Chicken Florentine, cornflake chicken or this simple yet satisfying Chicken Milanese.

Chicken is on my dinner table at least once a week, and I try to keep things interesting by experimenting with a variety of recipes that use this versatile protein. Chicken Milanese has quickly become a family favorite, and it also happens to be quick to make.

What is Chicken Milanese?

Chicken Milanese is an Italian dish that originated in Milan. This dish was originally made with veal, but can also be made with other types of protein, including chicken. The characteristic of Milanese style dishes is that they feature thin slices of meat that are breaded and pan fried. This particular recipe uses chicken cutlets, which are coated in two types of breadcrumbs then shallow fried in olive oil. Chicken Milanese can be served on its own, but often is accompanied by a simple green salad.

How do you make Chicken Milanese?

Start by cutting chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create two thinner pieces. You can also purchase thin cut chicken breasts to avoid having to cut larger breasts in half. Place each piece of chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap. Pound the chicken into thin slices. Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, then eggs, then breadcrumbs. Cook the chicken in olive oil until it’s crispy, browned and cooked through. Toss together arugula, tomatoes, red onion, lemon juice, olive oil and parmesan. Serve the salad either on top of the chicken, or on the side.

Tips for the perfect chicken

• Use the flat end of a meat mallet or a heavy pan to pound your chicken into thin slices.
• No Italian style breadcrumbs on hand? You can use regular breadcrumbs with 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning mixed in.
• This dish is best served immediately, as the coating on the chicken will soften as it sits. Store any leftover chicken in the fridge, and reheat in a 400 degrees F oven until the chicken regains its crispy texture.
• I think the salad on top really adds a lot of flavor and texture. That being said, you can also just serve your chicken cutlets with a squeeze of lemon for a simpler presentation.
• Pair your chicken with a variety of side dishes such as pasta, mashed potatoes, broccoli, asparagus or green beans.
• I use two types of breadcrumbs because the Italian style crumbs add flavor, and the panko crumbs add texture. That being said, you can just use one type if needed, either one will produce great results.

Flavor Variations

This recipe is perfectly delicious to eat as-is, the crispy chicken pairs perfectly with the fresh salad on top. That being said, you can use these breaded chicken cutlets as the basis of so many different dishes.

• Chicken Parmesan: Top your crispy chicken with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, then bake until the cheese is melted.
• Bruschetta Chicken: Mix together 1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 cup thinly sliced basil leaves, salt and pepper. Spoon the tomato mixture over the chicken and serve.
• Garlic Chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan. Add 1 tablespoon minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the pan and cook for one minute. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream, bring to a simmer. Simmer for 3-4 minutes or until sauce is thickened. Stir in 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Simmer for one more minute, then spoon the sauce over the chicken cutlets.

This dish is easy enough to make on a busy weeknight, yet elegant enough to serve to company. No matter how you serve it, this chicken will definitely get rave reviews!

More chicken recipes to try

• Greek Chicken and Potatoes
• Chicken Stroganoff
• Chicken Fried Rice
• Baked Chicken Spaghetti
• Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

Chicken Milanese Video