Chicken schnitzel is more than a meal. It’s a favourite dish for use in many Aussie homes and pubs, giving more happiness in the crispy exterior and the juicy interior. Whether you’re frying, baking, or deep-frying, knowing exactly how long to cook chicken schnitzel is crucial to achieving the perfect balance of crunch and succulence.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything from preparation to cooking methods, ensuring that your chicken schnitzel turns out perfectly every time.
Introduction to chicken schnitzel
Chicken schnitzel is an Austrian dish that easily fits into Australian cuisine. The chicken breasts are pounded to a uniform thinness, coated with breadcrumbs, and fried until golden. Chicken schnitzel often comes with chips, salad, or mashed potatoes and can be cooked for any occasion.
Selecting ingredients
The first step is choosing the right ingredients for Chicken schnitzel.
- Chicken: Selecting for high-quality chicken breasts. Organic or free-range chicken is often very tasty.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are preferred for their lighter, crunchy texture but traditional breadcrumbs will also completely work.
- Eggs and Flour: For the coating process, it is necessary to make sure that the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken properly.
Preparation tips
Preparing your chicken is crucial for achieving the ideal schnitzel:
- Tenderizing the Meat: Employ a meat mallet to flatten the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness of approximately 1 cm, which ensures consistent cooking and softens the meat.
- Seasoning: Season each layer—flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Salt, pepper, and a hint of paprika in the breadcrumb mix can increase the taste significantly.
Cooking methods and times
Pan-frying (traditional method)
Ingredients:
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
- Prepared chicken schnitzels
Method:
- Warm a generous amount of oil in a skillet set to medium heat. Ensure the oil reaches up to the mid-point of the schnitzels’ sides.
- When the oil is heated, the chicken is kept in one position in the pan for safety from overcrowding.
- Cook each side for three to four minutes until it turns a golden brown colour and is fully cooked, ensuring the internal temperature hits 75°C.
- For removing extra oil, you can use paper towels.
Baking (healthier alternative)
Ingredients:
- Light olive oil or cooking spray
- Prepared chicken schnitzels
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan-forced).
- Arrange the schnitzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly coat the tops with a thin layer of oil and give them a quick spray with cooking spray.
- Cooked in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, turning over midway, until it achieves a golden brown colour and is thoroughly cooked.
Air-frying (crispy and convenient)
Ingredients:
- A little olive oil
- Prepared chicken schnitzels
Method:
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C.
- Lightly oil the schnitzel pieces and place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Fry for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once midway, until it achieves a golden brown colour and the internal temperature hits 75°C.
Ensuring the perfect schnitzel
- Internal Temperature: Always use the meat thermometer to ensure the chicken schnitzel has safely reached an internal temperature of 75°C.
- Visual Cues: The schnitzel should be golden brown with a crispy exterior. The interior of the meat should appear uniformly white, and the juices should run clear.
Advanced tips for the ultimate schnitzel
- Double Coating: For an extra crunchy exterior, double dip the schnitzel in egg and breadcrumbs before frying.
- Resting the Breaded Chicken: Allow the breaded schnitzel to rest for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This improves the coating’s adhesion during the frying process.
Serving suggestions
While chicken schnitzel is delightful on its own, it pairs wonderfully with:
- Lemon wedges, for a zesty kick.
- Enjoy a hearty meal with creamy mashed potatoes or steak fries.
- Crisp green salad, for a lighter touch.
Conclusion
Cooking chicken schnitzel to perfection depends on the right technique and cooking time. Whether you pan-fry (4-5 minutes per side), bake (20 minutes at 200°C), or deep-fry (3-4 minutes per side), following these guidelines ensures your schnitzel turns out crispy, golden, and delicious.
With these expert tips, you’re now ready to whip up the perfect chicken schnitzel at home. Enjoy your meal, and happy cooking!
