This classic Italian Milanese Fry Chicken Recipe is perfect for entertaining guests or as a simple weeknight meal.
Chicken cutlets are coated in panko and pan-fried until golden brown, making this restaurant-quality meal at home easy.
Like this chicken florentine recipe, chicken Francese recipe, and chicken piccata, this Milanese recipe comes together effortlessly in a few simple steps, making for a fuss-free weeknight dinner recipe.
What Is The Milanese Fry Chicken Recipe?
Milanese fried chicken, or “pollo alla Milanese,” is an Italian dish that consists of chicken cutlets that are breaded and fried until crispy and golden brown.
It’s typically served with lemon wedges and fresh greens. Simple, quick, and flavorful, this chicken recipe is perfect for any occasion.
How Long Will It Take To Prepare?
- Marinate Time: No marinating is typically required for Milanese fried chicken so this step can be skipped.
- Preparation Time: The preparation time includes pounding the chicken, setting up the breading station, and breading the chicken cutlets. This can take approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Bread Time: Coating the chicken in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs is the breading process. Depending on your pace, it might take about 10-15 minutes.
- Frying Time: The frying time depends on the chicken cutlets’ thickness and the oil’s temperature. Typically, it takes about 3-4 minutes per side, so a total of 6-8 minutes per cutlet.
- Total Time: If you add up the preparation, breading, and frying times for a single chicken cutlet, it would be around 31-43 minutes.
- Serving: This recipe typically serves four people, so you can adjust the quantities accordingly to serve more or fewer people.
How Do You Make Milanese Fry Chicken Recipe?
Essential Ingredients For Milanese Fry Chicken Recipe:
For the chicken
- Four boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Two large eggs
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably fresh)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Vegetable oil for frying
For serving
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh arugula or mixed greens
Essential Instructions For The Milanese Fry Chicken Recipe:
Step 1
Prepare the Chicken
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
Step 2
This helps the chicken cook evenly. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 3
Set Up the Breading Station
In three separate shallow dishes, prepare your breading station:
Step 4
Bread the Chicken
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s well-coated.
Step 5
Press the chicken into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. You can gently press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to help them adhere.
Step 6
Heat the Oil
Add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about 1/4 inch in a large skillet or frying pan. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-375°F (180-190°C).
Step 7
You can test the oil’s readiness by dropping a tiny breadcrumb into it; it should sizzle and bubble immediately.
Step 8
Fry the Chicken
Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to fry them in batches.
Step 9
Fry on each side for about 3-4 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 10
Use a slotted spatula to transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 11
Serve
Serve the Milanese fried chicken hot, garnished with lemon wedges. Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken just before eating. You can also serve it on a bed of fresh arugula or mixed greens for a refreshing contrast.
Additional Tips For Milanese Fry Chicken Recipe:
- Use Thin Chicken Cutlets: Thin cutlets ensure even cooking and a crispy crust. If your chicken breasts are thick, you can butterfly them or cut them in half horizontally before pounding them to an even thickness.
- Fresh Breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs work best for achieving a crispy and light coating. You can make your own by processing day-old bread in a food processor or blender.
- Season the Breadcrumbs: Add some extra flavor to your breadcrumb mixture by seasoning it with herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano. You can add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.
- Resting Time: After breading the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes on a wire rack. This makes the breading adhere better and produces a crispier texture when fried.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t overcrowd the frying pan or skillet. Fry the chicken in batches if needed, ensuring enough space between each piece for even cooking and proper browning.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature throughout frying. Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor it and adjust the heat to keep it in the recommended range (350-375°F or 180-190°C).
- Draining Excess Oil: Place the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. To ensure proper drainage, you can also briefly place it on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
Precautions For Milanese Fry Chicken Recipe:
- Hot Oil Safety: Be extremely cautious when working with hot oil. Use a deep, heavy-bottomed pan to minimize the risk of splattering. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby; never leave hot oil unattended on the stove.
- Avoid Overcooking: Overcooking the chicken can produce a dry and tough texture. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and remove the chicken from the oil when it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Allergy Considerations: Be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions your guests may have, especially regarding breadcrumbs and cheese. You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and dairy-free cheese alternatives if needed.
- Proper Disposal of Oil: After frying, allow the used oil to cool completely, then pour it into a sealable container and dispose of it properly, according to your local regulations. Do not pour it down the drain, as it can cause clogs.
Nutrition Facts Of Milanese Fry Chicken Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 40 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 30 grams |
| Fat | 20 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 5 grams of saturated fat per serving, depending on the frying method and oil used. |
| Fiber | This dish has minimal to no fiber, as it mainly consists of protein, fat, and carbohydrates from the breading. |
| Vitamins and Minerals | Milanese fried chicken is not particularly rich in vitamins and minerals. It may contain some calcium from the Parmesan cheese used in the breading. |
Remember that these values are approximate and can vary based on the ingredients and portion sizes. Suppose you’re looking for more specific nutritional information.
In that case, it’s a good idea to calculate it based on the exact brands and quantities of ingredients you use or consult a nutrition calculator or database for a more accurate estimate.
Additionally, suppose you’re concerned about the nutritional content. In that case, you can adjust the recipe to align it with your dietary preferences and requirements, such as using whole-grain breadcrumbs or reducing the amount of oil used for frying.
5 Best Variations Of Milanese Fry Chicken Recipe
1. Veal Milanese (Cotoletta alla Milanese)
This classic Italian dish uses veal cutlets instead of chicken. Follow the same breading and frying process, but use veal scallopini. Serve it traditionally with lemon wedges and arugula.
2. Pesto Milanese Chicken
Add flavor by spreading a thin layer of basil pesto on the chicken cutlets before breading them. The combination of the crispy breading and the aromatic pesto is delightful.
3. Caprese Milanese Chicken
After frying, top your Milanese fried chicken with slices of fresh tomato, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Drizzle it with a balsamic glaze for a Caprese-inspired twist.
4. Mushroom and Cheese Milanese Chicken
Before breading, stuff the chicken cutlets with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and your choice of cheese (such as provolone or Swiss). Secure the edges with toothpicks, then bread and fry as usual. Serve with a mushroom gravy or sauce.
5. Spicy Milanese Chicken
Add a kick of spice by mixing some cayenne pepper or chili powder into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. You can also serve it with a spicy tomato sauce or a hot honey drizzle for extra heat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Milanese fried chicken is a delicious Italian dish featuring breaded and fried chicken cutlets.
Following a simple recipe and considering various tips and precautions can create a crispy and flavorful meal.
Whether you opt for the classic version or explore exciting variations, Milanese fried chicken offers a delightful dining experience that can satisfy a wide range of tastes.
People Frequently Ask Questions
What kind of meat can I use for Milanese fried chicken?
While chicken is the most common choice, you can also use veal to make a classic “Cotoletta alla Milanese.” Pork and turkey can be used as well for variations.
How thin should I pound the chicken cutlets?
Aim for an even thickness of about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) when pounding the chicken cutlets. This ensures even cooking and a crispy texture.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
Fresh breadcrumbs work best for a lighter and crispier coating. You can make them by processing day-old bread in a food processor. Alternatively, you can use store-bought breadcrumbs but opt for the plain variety rather than seasoned breadcrumbs.
What oil is best for frying Milanese chicken?
Vegetables, canola, or peanut oil are suitable for frying Milanese chicken. Use an oil with a high smoke point to prevent it from burning during frying.
How can I make Milanese chicken gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour substitute, such as rice flour or cornstarch, for breading.
Can I prepare Milanese chicken in advance?
While it’s best served fresh for optimal crispiness, you can prepare the breaded chicken in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours before frying. This can be convenient for dinner parties.
What can I serve with Milanese fried chicken?
Milanese fried chicken pairs well with lemon wedges and a simple salad of fresh arugula or mixed greens. You can also serve it with pasta, risotto, or roasted vegetables.