Crispy, golden, and utterly irresistible—Chicken Milanese is one of those timeless dishes that never goes out of style. Originating from Italy, this dish is the perfect blend of crunchy breadcrumbs, juicy chicken, and vibrant, fresh toppings. Think of it as Italy’s answer to schnitzel, but with an elegant twist.
Traditionally served with a light salad, this dish is all about balance—crunchy meets fresh, rich meets zesty. And trust me, when you top it with a Caprese-style mix of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a drizzle of balsamic, it’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Milanese
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion.
Is this Chicken Milanese for you? Let’s see. Chicken Milanese is…
- Crispy & Juicy: A golden, crunchy exterior with the most tender, flavorful chicken inside.
- Light Yet Satisfying: It’s hearty enough to fill you up, yet light enough to keep things fresh.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: You’ll impress anyone who takes a bite—this is gourmet-level good!
- Easy to Customize: Whether you add extra herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a different cheese, this recipe adapts beautifully.
- Pairs Perfectly with Fresh Ingredients: The Caprese topping takes it over the top with vibrant flavors and a touch of elegance.
Ingredients in Chicken Milanese
Here’s what makes this dish so delicious:
Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are pounded thin for ultra-tender, quick-cooking cutlets.
Egg Wash: A mixture of eggs and milk helps the breading stick beautifully to the chicken.
Flour & Seasonings: A light dusting of flour with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder adds an extra layer of flavor before the breadcrumbs.
Breadcrumbs: The secret to that signature crispiness! Use fine breadcrumbs for the best texture.
Olive Oil & Butter: A combination of the two gives the chicken its gorgeous golden-brown crust while adding rich flavor.
Ingredients in Caprese Topping
Mini Tomatoes: A colorful mix of gold, yellow, and red tomatoes adds freshness and natural sweetness.
Mozzarella Cheese Balls: Soft, creamy, and the perfect match for the crispy chicken.
Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar: A drizzle of this duo ties all the flavors together with a touch of acidity.
Italian Herbs & Basil: These fragrant additions bring everything to life.
Arugula: A peppery bite that adds freshness and balances the richness of the dish.
How to Make Chicken Milanese
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness. This ensures quick and even cooking.
Set Up the Breading Station: In one bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In another, mix the flour with the seasonings. In a third, place the breadcrumbs.
Coat the Chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, dip it into the egg wash, then press it into the breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook each cutlet for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Prepare the Caprese Topping: In a bowl, toss the tomatoes, mozzarella, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Italian herbs.
Assemble the Dish: Place a handful of arugula on each plate, top with a crispy chicken cutlet, and spoon the Caprese mixture over the top.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh basil and a final drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Milanese
- Fresh Salads: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the dish beautifully.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up the balsamic and tomato juices.
- Creamy Accompaniments: A light yogurt-based dressing or a dollop of herbed ricotta pairs wonderfully.
- Vegetable Sides: Roasted asparagus, zucchini, or a medley of summer vegetables add a delicious contrast.
- As a Standalone Dish: It’s hearty enough to enjoy on its own—just add a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can bread the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for a few hours before cooking.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a subtle heat.
Dietary Adjustments: Swap the regular flour for gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a GF version.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the chicken crispy.
Double the Batch: Make extra and freeze uncooked breaded cutlets for an easy meal later. Just cook from frozen—no need to thaw!
Tips & Variations
- For Extra Crispy Chicken: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones for an even crunchier texture.
- Secret Ingredient: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan in the breadcrumb mix adds extra flavor.
- Balsamic Glaze Magic: Drizzle a bit more balsamic glaze on top just before serving for an added burst of flavor.
Chicken Milanese is proof that sometimes, simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Whether you’re making this for a special dinner or a casual weeknight meal, it’s bound to be a favorite. Happy cooking!
Chicken Milanese
Ingredients
- Chicken Milanese
- 2 lbs chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1½ cups breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter
- Caprese Topping
- 12 oz mini tomatoes gold, yellow, and red, sliced in half
- 12 oz mozzarella cheese balls
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
- ½ tsp Italian herbs
- 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped
- 3 cups arugula
Instructions
- Prepare the Caprese Topping: In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, mozzarella, and arugula. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, sprinkle with Italian herbs, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate.
- Prepare the Chicken: If chicken breasts are large, butterfly them by slicing horizontally or pound them thin for even cooking.
- Set Up Breading Stations: In three shallow bowls, set up:
- Bowl 1: Flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs and milk.
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip into the egg mixture (shaking off excess), then coat with breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere.
- Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, melt half the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Sauté two chicken pieces until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side (2-3 minutes for thinner pieces). Set aside and repeat with the remaining oil, butter, and chicken.
- Serve: Plate each chicken cutlet over a bed of arugula and top with the chilled Caprese salad. Serve with lemon slices.
Notes
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- For an even crispier texture, use a mix of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan.
- Serve with a side of pasta or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
