Description
Chicken Milanese is a crispy, golden-breaded chicken cutlet that’s versatile and full of flavor. Can be pan-fried on the stovetop or made lighter in the air fryer. Served with a fresh arugula salad and a squeeze of lemon, it balances richness and crispiness with a refreshing finish.
Ingredients
Chicken breasts or thin-sliced cutlets
All-purpose flour
Large eggs
Cool water
Panko breadcrumbs
Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
Kosher salt and black pepper
Olive oil, vegetable oil, or clarified butter (or spray for air fryer)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Arugula salad (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally and pound to ¼-inch thickness.
- Bread the cutlets: Set up three bowls—one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs and water, and one with panko mixed with Parmesan. Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumb mixture.
- Stovetop method: Heat oil or clarified butter in a skillet over medium-high. Fry cutlets 2–3 at a time for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Sprinkle with salt.
- Air fryer method: Preheat air fryer to 390–400°F. Spray both sides of breaded chicken with oil spray. Cook for 10–15 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Plate with arugula salad and lemon wedges.
Notes
Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for sharper flavor.
Use chicken tenders instead of cutlets for kid-friendly portions.
Add Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the breadcrumb mix.
Serve with marinara, lemon-butter sauce, or aioli for dipping.
Try a gluten-free version with almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in oven or air fryer at 350°F until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving.
For freezing, bread the chicken but do not cook. Freeze cutlets flat on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Cook from frozen, adding extra time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cutlet with salad
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
