Classic Chicken Schnitzel with Lemon Myrtle Crust
Juicy chicken breasts coated in a fragrant lemon myrtle and breadcrumb crust, pan-fried to golden crispness for a beloved Australian pub favorite. This australian-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs lemon myrtle powder, all-purpose flour, large eggs, beaten for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) chicken breasts, butterflied
- 1 tbsp lemon myrtle powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- for serving lemon wedges
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1/2 cup all-purpose flour in a shallow dish and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: In a second shallow dish, whisk 2 large beaten eggs until smooth.
- Step 3: In a third shallow dish, combine 1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp lemon myrtle powder, and 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese.
- Step 4: Dredge each of the 4 butterflied chicken breasts first in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
- Step 5: Dip floured chicken into beaten eggs, then press firmly into breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly on all sides.
- Step 6: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken schnitzels for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 7: Transfer cooked schnitzels to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Step 8: Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over the crusty schnitzels.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Chicken Schnitzel with Lemon Myrtle Crust take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Classic Chicken Schnitzel with Lemon Myrtle Crust?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lemon myrtle powder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Chicken Schnitzel with Lemon Myrtle Crust?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Classic Chicken Schnitzel with Lemon Myrtle Crust for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Classic Chicken Schnitzel with Lemon Myrtle Crust?
Australian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.