Chicken schnitzel is a popular and tasty dish that has its roots in European cuisine. Whether you’re a fan of classic comfort food or looking to try something new, chicken schnitzel is a recipe worth exploring. In this blog, we’ll dive into the origin and history of chicken schnitzel, everything you need to know about this dish, what to serve with it, and the health benefits and nutritional values of chicken schnitzel.
Origin and History of Chicken Schnitzels
Schnitzel is a dish that originated in Austria and Germany and traditionally consists of a thin cutlet of meat that is breaded and fried. While veal is the most commonly used meat in schnitzel, chicken schnitzel has become a popular alternative in recent years.
The exact origins of schnitzel are not known, but it is believed to have been inspired by similar dishes from Italian and Viennese cuisine. Schnitzel became popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and quickly spread throughout Europe and beyond. Today, schnitzel is enjoyed in many different forms and variations, including chicken schnitzel.
Everything about Chicken Schnitzel
Chicken schnitzel is a delicious and simple dish that can be made with just a few ingredients. To make chicken schnitzel, you’ll need:
- Chicken breast pounded thin
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Bread crumbs
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying
To prepare chicken schnitzel, you’ll first need to pound the chicken breast to an even thickness, about 1/4 inch thick. Next, you’ll need to set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with bread crumbs seasoned with salt and pepper.
Dredge the chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat the chicken breast in the seasoned bread crumbs, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to make sure they adhere.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and fry the chicken schnitzel until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Serve with lemon wedges and your choice of sides.
Chicken Schnitzels Meal
They can be served as a main dish on their own or paired with a variety of sides for a complete meal. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple mixed green salad are all great accompaniments to chicken schnitzels. For a complete meal, consider serving this dish alongside a hearty grain like quinoa or farro.
Chicken Schnitzels Menu
Chicken schnitzel can be found on the menus of many German and Austrian restaurants, as well as some Italian restaurants. It is also a popular dish in Jewish cuisine, where it is known as schnitzel Wiener art or Wiener schnitzel.
Chicken Schnitzel Air Fryer
If you have an air fryer, you can also make this dish using this handy kitchen appliance. To make an air fryer chicken schnitzel, prepare the dish as directed, but instead of frying it in oil, place it in the air fryer basket.
Set the air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook the chicken schnitzel for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown and cooked through. This method of cooking will result in a healthier version of this dish that is still crispy and delicious.
German Chicken Schnitzels Recipe
If you’re looking for an authentic German chicken schnitzels recipe, try this one:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/4 inch thickness
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying
Directions:
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with seasoned bread crumbs.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge them in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the chicken breasts in the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
- Coat the chicken breasts in the seasoned bread crumbs, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to make sure they adhere.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and fry the chicken schnitzels until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve with lemon wedges and your choice of sides.
What to Serve with Chicken Schnitzels
This is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some suggestions to consider:
- Mashed Potatoes – The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs well with the crispy texture of chicken schnitzels.
- Salad – A fresh and crispy salad is a perfect side dish to balance out the heaviness of this dish. Consider a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Roasted Vegetables – Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their flavor. Roasted asparagus or carrots make a great side dish for chicken schnitzels.
- Spaetzle – A traditional German side dish, spaetzle is a type of egg noodle that pairs well with it.
Chicken Schnitzels Sauce
The right sauce can elevate your chicken schnitzels to the next level. Here are some sauces to consider:
- Lemon Butter Sauce – This classic sauce is made by melting butter and adding lemon juice and zest. It adds a bright and tangy flavor to the dish.
- Mushroom Sauce – This rich and savory sauce is made by sautéing mushrooms and onions in butter and adding chicken broth, cream, and spices.
- Gravy – If you prefer a more traditional sauce, a simple chicken gravy made with flour, butter, and chicken broth can be a delicious addition to your chicken schnitzels.
Chicken Schnitzel in Oven
If you don’t want to fry your chicken schnitzels, you can also bake them in the oven. Here’s how to make chicken schnitzels in the oven:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Prepare your chicken breasts by pounding them until they are even in thickness.
- Set up your breading station by placing the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls.
- Add the salt, paprika, and black pepper to the breadcrumbs and mix well.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the breaded chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Chicken Schnitzel Meal
This is a hearty and satisfying meal that can be served for lunch or dinner. It is typically served with a side dish and a sauce. The dish is easy to prepare and can be made in large batches, making it a great option for feeding a crowd.
Chicken Schnitzel Menu
If you’re planning a dinner party or special occasion, consider adding chicken schnitzels to your menu. Here’s an example menu that incorporates chicken schnitzels:
Appetizer: German pretzels with beer cheese dip Main Course: Chicken schnitzels with spaetzle and roasted vegetables Dessert: Apple strudel with vanilla ice cream
Health Benefits
While this is considered a portion of comfort food, it does have some health benefits when prepared healthily. Chicken is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. It is also low in fat and calories when prepared without breading or frying. When chicken is breaded and fried, however, it can be high in calories and fat.
To make healthier it, consider using whole-wheat breadcrumbs and baking the chicken instead of frying it. You can also use a lean cut of chicken, such as chicken breast, to reduce the fat content. Pairing your chicken schnitzels with healthy sides, such as roasted vegetables or a salad, can also help balance out your meal and provide additional nutrients.
Nutritional Values
The nutritional values of chicken schnitzels can vary depending on how it is prepared. Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for a 4-ounce serving of breaded and fried chicken schnitzels:
- Calories: 330
- Total fat: 16g
- Saturated fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
- Sodium: 570mg
- Total carbohydrates: 14g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 33g
Keep in mind that these values are for breaded and fried chicken schnitzels. Baking the chicken or using a leaner cut of meat can help reduce the calorie and fat content of your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the origin of chicken schnitzels? It is believed to have originated in Austria and is a popular dish throughout Central Europe.
- What is the difference between chicken schnitzels and Wiener schnitzels? Wiener schnitzel is made with veal while chicken schnitzels is made with chicken. Both dishes are breaded and fried.
- Can I make chicken schnitzels in an air fryer? Yes, you can make it in an air fryer. Simply coat your chicken in breadcrumbs and spray with cooking oil before cooking in the air fryer.
- What sauce goes with chicken schnitzels? They can be with a variety of sauces, including lemon butter sauce, mushroom sauce, or gravy.
Conclusion
The Preparation this is a delicious and comforting dish that can be in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer it breaded and fried or baked and served with healthy sides, it can be a satisfying meal that is sure to please the whole family. With its origins in Austria, this dish has become a staple throughout Central Europe and beyond. While it may not be the healthiest choice when prepared with breading and frying, there are ways to make it healthier and more nutritious. Consider using whole-wheat breadcrumbs and baking the chicken instead of frying it to reduce the calorie and fat content of your meal. And remember to pair your chicken schnitzels with healthy sides, such as roasted vegetables or a salad, to balance out your meal and provide additional nutrients.