Pan-Fried Chicken Schnitzel with Lemon and Parsley
Classic Australian chicken schnitzel, thinly pounded and pan-fried to golden perfection, served with fresh lemon wedges and parsley. This australian-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, large, beaten eggs, plain or panko breadcrumbs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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, boneless, skinless, about 6 oz each chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large, beaten eggs
- 1 1/2 cups, plain or panko breadcrumbs
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 4 lemon wedges
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 4 chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper and pound each to about 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Step 2: Season 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a shallow dish. Place 2 beaten eggs in a second dish. In a third dish, combine 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Dredge each chicken breast first in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture pressing lightly.
- Step 4: Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering (about 350°F). Fry chicken schnitzels 2 at a time for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 5: Transfer cooked schnitzels to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with 4 lemon wedges for squeezing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Chicken Schnitzel with Lemon and Parsley take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Pan-Fried Chicken Schnitzel with Lemon and Parsley?
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 all-purpose flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Chicken Schnitzel with Lemon and Parsley?
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 Pan-Fried Chicken Schnitzel with Lemon and Parsley 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 Pan-Fried Chicken Schnitzel with Lemon and Parsley?
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.