Baked Chicken Schnitzel

4.5
(304)

Chicken schnitzel is a breeze to make in the oven. Plus, this method uses less oil and has easier cleanup. The breaded chicken breasts are baked until golden and crispy on the outside, yet they're still tender and juicy on the inside. Serve schnitzels with lemon wedges and a German-style potato salad.

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a breaded chicken breast on a dinner plate garnished with a twisted lemon slice and chopped parsley
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Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
6

Think you can't make chicken schnitzel without frying? Think again! This baked recipe imitates that deep-fried feel without using a ton of oil. All you need is to employ a couple simple hacks — heat the pan beforehand and drizzle the chicken with olive oil twice.

a breaded chicken breast on a dinner plate garnished with a twisted lemon slice and chopped parsley

Kim's Cooking Now

What Is Schnitzel?

Schnitzel, which originated in Eastern Europe, is a thin slice of meat that is breaded and fried. You can make it with chicken, pork, veal (wiener-schnitzel), and other types of meat. The word "schnitzel" comes from the German word "schnitt," which means "cut."

Baked Chicken Schnitzel Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make crispy chicken schnitzel in the oven:

Oil
Unlike traditional schnitzel, this recipe isn't deep-fried in oil. However, you'll still need to grease the pan with a little olive oil — it'll add flavor and keep the chicken from sticking.

Chicken
Chicken breasts are cut in half lengthwise and flattened with a meat mallet until they're about ¼-inch thick.

Flour
All-purpose flour works with the eggs and seasoned bread crumbs to make a crunchy, crispy breading.

Paprika
Paprika lends a smoky flavor to this chicken schnitzel recipe.

Eggs
Two whole eggs hold the breading together and helps it stick to the chicken.

Seasoned Bread Crumbs
You can use store-bought bread crumbs panko, or you can make your own seasoned bread crumbs at home.

Lemon Zest
The zest of one lemon adds brightness and citrusy flavor to the crunchy breading.

How to Make Chicken Schnitzel

You'll find the full recipe below, but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this chicken schnitzel:

Prepare the Pan

Line a baking sheet with foil drizzled with olive oil. Place the pan in the preheated oven to ensure the pan is hot before the meat even touches it — this will ensure that the breading gets extra crispy during cooking.

Prepare the Chicken

Pound the chicken breast halves with a meat mallet until they're about ¼-inch thick. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

Prepare the Breading and Dredge

Make the breading with flour, paprika, eggs, bread crumbs, and lemon zest. Dredge the chicken in the bread crumb mixture.

Cook and Serve

Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Arrange the chicken in a single layer on the pan, then drizzle with more oil. Bake the chicken for five or six minutes. Flip and continue to cook until the chicken is no longer pink. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F.

What to Serve With Chicken Schnitzel

Chicken schnitzel pairs well with just about anything, from French fries to steamed broccoli. If you need a little inspiration, though, try one of these delicious German-inspired sides:

Authentic German Potato Salad
German Beet Salad with Caraway Seeds
Lengenberg's Boiled Potatoes
Braised Red Cabbage
German Fried Apples

Explore our entire collection of Side Dish Recipes.

How to Store Chicken Schnitzel

Store leftover cooked chicken schnitzel in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven.

Can You Freeze Chicken Schnitzel?

Yes, you can freeze baked chicken schnitzel. Let cooked chicken schnitzel cool completely, then wrap each piece individually in storage wrap. Wrap again in aluminum foil for added protection. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"I made this and it had to be the most tender and juicy chicken I've ever had," raves Hannah O. "I never had a chicken schnitzel before but this was absolutely amazing! I would definitely make it again."

"Made this tonight for dinner, and it was delicious," says kitsuneluvuh. "Only changes were a dash of garlic powder in the flour mixture, and some minced garlic in the egg mixture."

"I know that when I make chicken like this, I will hear no complaints from the husband or the kids," according to Allrecipes Allstar Kim's Cooking Now. "I only had unseasoned bread crumbs on hand, so I just threw in some seasoning of my own (garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano and dried basil). I loved the method of putting the olive oil on the baking sheet and then drizzling more on top and then baking rather than frying."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, or as desired

  • 6 chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise (butterflied)

  • salt and ground black pepper to taste

  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon ground paprika

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

  • 2 cups seasoned bread crumbs

  • 1 large lemon, zested

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    All ingredients gathered to make baked chicken schnitzel.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and drizzle olive oil over foil. Place the baking sheet in the oven as it preheats.

  3. Meanwhile, place chicken breasts between 2 sheets of plastic wrap on a solid, level surface. Firmly pound with the smooth side of a meat mallet to 1/4-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

  4. Mix flour and paprika together in a shallow bowl. Whisk eggs, salt, and pepper together in a second shallow bowl. Mix bread crumbs and lemon zest together in a third shallow bowl.

    Mix all crumbs and dredges in separate bowls.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Dredge one piece of chicken in flour; shake off excess. Dip into beaten egg. Lift up so excess egg drips back in the bowl. Press into bread crumbs to coat both sides. Place the breaded chicken, unstacked, onto a plate. Repeat with remaining chicken.

  6. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Arrange chicken in a single layer on the hot sheet. Drizzle more olive oil over each piece.

    Chicken added to hot baking sheet.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 5 to 6 minutes. Flip chicken and continue baking until no longer pink in the center and the breading is lightly browned, 5 to 6 minutes more. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

    Chicken cooked until lightly browned and center is no longer pink.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

From the Editor

Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of breading ingredients. The actual amount consumed will vary.

595 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

383 Calories
9g Fat
40g Carbs
33g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 383
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9g 12%
Saturated Fat 2g 11%
Cholesterol 127mg 42%
Sodium 810mg 35%
Total Carbohydrate 40g 15%
Dietary Fiber 3g 10%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 33g 66%
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Calcium 98mg 8%
Iron 4mg 23%
Potassium 354mg 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.