What is Chicken Schnitzel? An Iconic Fried Chicken Cutlet Dish

Chicken schnitzel is a popular fried chicken dish that originated in Austria but has become beloved around the world. With a crispy breaded coating enveloping tender, juicy chicken, schnitzel is the ultimate comfort food that is simple to make yet satisfying to eat.

In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about schnitzel, including its history, key ingredients, and different regional variations. By the end, you’ll have a thorough understanding of this iconic dish that has stood the test of time.

A Brief History of Chicken Schnitzel

Schnitzel has its roots in Austrian and German cuisine, where wiener schnitzel made with veal cutlets is a traditional favorite. Over time, the dish spread across Europe and chicken became a more affordable and accessible alternative to veal. During periods of European migration to countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia, immigrants brought their schnitzel recipes along, popularizing chicken schnitzel globally.

The dish as we know it today arrived in the mid-1900s. With its mild flavor, chicken was perfectly suited to be breaded and fried into crispy schnitzel. Its simplicity and versatility made it a staple in diners and home kitchens. Today it remains an enduring classic, beloved for its sheer enjoyment and taste.

The Meaning and Origins of the Name

The German word “schnitzel” comes from the word for “slice” or “cutlet.” This refers to the thin, flat cut of meat that is fundamental to schnitzel. While wiener schnitzel is made exclusively with veal per tradition, “schnitzel” has come to refer to cutlets of chicken, pork, or turkey that are prepared in the same breaded and fried manner.

The name also indicates the Austrian and German origins of the dish. Vienna Austria is famed for its veal wiener schnitzel, and many American immigrants came from Germany, bringing their culinary traditions along with them. So while chicken schnitzel is now popular internationally its name will always hint at the dish’s European roots.

Key Ingredients in Chicken Schnitzel

The beauty of schnitzel lies in how few ingredients are required to create such a tasty, satisfying meal. At its core, just four components make up chicken schnitzel:

• Chicken cutlets – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are thinly sliced to create cutlets or pounded flat to optimal thinness. Thigh meat can also be used.

• Flour – Provides a base coating for the chicken.

• Eggs – The egg wash or batter helps the breadcrumbs adhere.

• Breadcrumbs – Panko breadcrumbs are ideal for achieving a light, crispy texture.

Along with salt, pepper, and neutral frying oil, that’s all you need for the essential schnitzel experience. Part of what makes it so accessible as a homecooked meal.

Preparation: How to Make Chicken Schnitzel

While only a few ingredients are involved, proper technique is key when breading and frying schnitzel. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked chicken schnitzel:

• Pound or slice chicken breasts – Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound chicken breasts to about 1⁄4-inch thickness. This tenderizes the meat and enables even cooking. For thin breasts, simply slicing horizontally may suffice.

• Season – Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. This adds flavor and enhances the chicken’s natural taste.

• Bread chicken – Flour, egg wash, then breadcrumbs. Ensure the chicken is fully coated at each stage for a crispy crust. Let excess coating drip off between steps.

• Fry schnitzel – Heat 1⁄4 inch of neutral oil, like vegetable or canola oil, over medium-high heat. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Proper breading and frying at the right temperature ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken moist inside.

Serving Suggestions and Common Side Dishes

Chicken schnitzel is usually served as part of a classic meal combination:

• Lemon wedges – Fresh lemon brightens the flavors and cuts through the fried coating.

• Potatoes – Fries, mashed potatoes, or potato pancakes are hearty accompaniments.

• Cabbage slaw – Tangy coleslaw or cabbage salad balance the richness.

• Gravy or sauce – Mushroom gravy, peppercorn sauce, or tomato sauce can provide moisture.

These traditional pairings complement the schnitzel beautifully. But the dish is also quite versatile, pairing well with fresh greens, roasted vegetables, creamy pasta, or rice pilaf.

Regional Variations Across the Globe

Here are some of the most popular global variations of chicken schnitzel:

• United States – Often served in diners with fried eggs or topped with creamy gravy.

• Germany – Jägerschnitzel is topped with mushroom sauce, while Rahmschnitzel comes with a creamy sauce.

• Japan – Chicken katsu is their version, coated in panko crumbs and served with tonkatsu sauce.

• Australia – Usually served with slices of beetroot along with the classic lemon and potato sides.

• Israel – Schnitzel is highly popular here, often served in pita sandwiches with pickles and sauce.

• Italy – Chicken parmigiana tops crispy schnitzel with tomato sauce and mozzarella.

• Mexico – Milanesa de pollo adds typical taco garnishes like avocado, cheese, and chili peppers.

This diversity of flavors shows how schnitzel can be adapted anywhere, while retaining its essence.

Why Australians Love Chicken Schnitzel

Chicken schnitzel holds a special place in Australian food culture. Beloved for its crunchy coating and tender meat, it’s considered an iconic national dish. Australians enjoy schnitzel at home, at their local pub, or at cafes as a chicken parmigiana. Here are some of the reasons Australians can’t get enough of their “schneezy:”

• Familiar flavours – The crispy, juicy flavors are comforting and familiar.

• Kid-friendly – It’s a foolproof crowd pleaser with children.

• Casual food – Schnitzel features on most pub menus, ideal for casual dining.

• Memorable meals – Coated chicken evokes nostalgic childhood food memories.

• Aussie adaptability – Locals enjoy putting an Australian spin on it, like with beetroot.

For Australians, schnitzel ticks all the boxes—tasty, no-fuss, and brings back fond memories. It’s the ultimate hearty comfort food.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Schnitzel

Follow these tips for chicken schnitzel that’s perfectly cooked with a crispy crust and moist interior:

• Pound evenly – Use an even hand when pounding the chicken so it cooks through at the same rate.

• Flavor the coating – Incorporate herbs, spices, grated parmesan, or citrus zest into the breadcrumb coating for extra flavor.

• Refrigerate after breading – Chilling helps the coating set before frying for optimal crispness.

• Don’t crowd the pan – Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature; avoid overcrowding.

• Use a thermometer – Fry at the ideal 175°C/350°F oil temperature for even cooking.

• Rest before serving – Letting it rest briefly after frying allows moisture to redistribute evenly.

With these pointers in mind, you’ll achieve the satisfying crunch and juiciness that define great schnitzel.

How to Bake Chicken Schnitzel

You can absolutely bake chicken schnitzel for a healthier version without sacrificing crunch. Follow the same breading steps, then:

• Brush with oil – Lightly coat the breaded schnitzel with oil to help it brown.

• Bake at 220°C/425°F – Bake for 10-15 minutes per side until deeply golden brown.

• Broil to finish – Optional – Broil for 1-2 minutes to help the crust become extra crispy.

Baked chicken schnitzel gives you that satisfying “fried” flavor without the excess oil. Serve it just like the fried version with all the classic accompaniments.

Cooking Tips for Chicken Schnitzel Perfection

• For ultra-crispy schnitzel, double-breading is the trick. After the initial breading, dip the schnitzel back in the egg wash and breadcrumbs once more before frying for a thicker, crunchier crust.

• Using panko breadcrumbs creates an airier texture that fries up lighter than regular breadcrumbs. For gluten-free schnitzel, use gluten-free panko.

• Let coated schnitzel chill for 10-20 minutes in the fridge before frying. This helps the coating adhere better.

• Gently fry the schnitzel, flipping once halfway through, for even browning. Avoid moving it around the pan too much.

• Chicken thighs can also substitute for breasts. Their richer flavor balances the crispness.

• For a zesty twist, add 1 teaspoon each of lemon zest and parsley to the breadcrumb coating.

With these tips in your arsenal, you’re sure to impress with your schnitzel skills. Time to fry up this iconic favorite!

History and Significance of Chicken Schnitzel

Chicken schnitzel has humble roots as a budget-friendly adaptation of a luxury meat dish. But over the decades it has gained widespread popularity and developed cultural importance globally:

• As an immigrant dish in America, Canada, and Australia, it evokes nostalgia and connections to cultural heritage.

• Its simplicity and versatility make it accessible for home cooks and professionals alike.

• It’s a comfort food with a delicate crunchy exterior and tender, juicy meat that appeals across ages.

• Regional variations highlight how schnitzel can be customized according to local tastes.

• The sheer enjoyability of schnitzel makes it a go-to choice for relaxed gatherings and fun meals out.

Though once considered an everyday budget meal, chicken schnitzel is now appreciated as a cherished classic—the ultimate crunchy, creamy comfort food.

Is Chicken Schnitzel Healthy?

Like many breaded and fried foods, chicken schnitzel is high in calories and fat when cooked traditionally. However, it can be made healthier by:

• Using lean chicken breast without skin as the base

• Baking instead of frying to reduce oil and fat

• Avoiding excess breading and using light panko crumbs

• Opting for whole grain flour in the coating

• Serving with fresh salad or roasted veggies instead of starchy sides

• Limiting salty, high-fat sauces and condiments

While not an everyday health food, schnitzel can be modified to reduce calories and increase nutrients. The key is balance, portion control, and reasonable indulgence.

Freezing and Reheating Chicken Schnitzel

Chicken schnitzel freezes exceptionally well for quick meals later on:

• Cool cooked schnitzel completely before freezing in airtight bags or containers.

• Freeze breaded uncooked schnitzel on a sheet pan until firm, then store the pieces in bags.

• Frozen uncooked schnitzel can go straight into hot oil from frozen. Add 1-2 extra minutes to the frying time.

• To reheat cooked frozen schnitzel, bake at 180°C/350°F or pan-fry until heated through, about 8-10 minutes.

With some easy advance prep, you can enjoy crunchy, juicy schnitzel without all the last-minute breading and frying.

Chicken Schnitzel FAQs

Let’s wrap up with answers to some frequently asked questions about this beloved dish:

What cut of chicken is best? Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but boneless thighs also work well. Breasts stay tender when pounded thin.

What oil should I use? Opt for a high smoke point neutral oil like canola, vegetable, grapeseed, or peanut oil. This allows the crisp coating to form without burning.

Can I use breadcrumbs instead of panko? Yes, fresh breadcrumbs substitute well, though they may create a denser, chewier crust compared to light panko.

What’s the difference between schnitzel and chicken parm? Chicken parm consists of breaded chicken cutlets topped with tomato sauce and cheese, while schnitzel is typically served plain.

How thick should I pound the chicken? About 1⁄4-inch thickness ensures the chicken cooks through fully and evenly for tenderness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, chicken schnitzel is a beloved fried dish with a crunchy exterior coating and juicy, tender chicken. Originating in Austria as wiener schnitzel, the affordable chicken version became popular worldwide as an immigrant and comfort food. Its appealing texture and taste make it a staple in households and restaurants globally. While traditionally fried, it can be lightened up by baking and pairing with fresh sides. Simple to make and satisfying to eat, chicken schnitzel remains an enduring classic.