Chicken Milanesa (Crispy Pan-Fried Chicken Cutlets)
Chicken Milanesa is a classic, quick-cooking dish made with thinly pounded chicken breast that’s breaded and pan-fried until golden and crispy. Loved across many cultures under different names, this version focuses on simplicity and technique to deliver a perfectly crunchy exterior with juicy, tender chicken inside. It’s the kind of dependable, satisfying meal that works any night of the week and comes together fast.
The flavor comes from a smart breadcrumb blend—crispy Japanese-style breadcrumbs for texture and Italian breadcrumbs for seasoning—finished with kosher salt, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Pan-fried in neutral oil and seasoned at just the right moment, this chicken Milanesa is light, crisp, and full of comforting flavor, with endless serving possibilities.
Chicken Milanesa (Crispy Pan-Fried Chicken Cutlets)
Course: MainCuisine: Italian-AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes8
minutes450
kcalIngredients
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 eggs
⅔ cup Japanese-style breadcrumbs (panko)
½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
1½ cups peanut oil or canola oil (for frying)
Kosher salt, to taste
Fresh lemon juice, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
- Pound the Chicken Evenly
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into a zip-top bag and pound them evenly, focusing on flattening the thicker “hump” area. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy without overcooking the thinner parts. - Prepare the Breading Station
Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine the Japanese-style breadcrumbs and Italian breadcrumbs, stirring until evenly mixed. This two-breadcrumb blend creates both crispiness and flavor without using flour. - Bread the Chicken
Dip each chicken cutlet into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the breadcrumbs adhere well. Bread any tenderloins included with the chicken as well. The breaded chicken can be prepared a couple of hours ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator. - Heat the Oil
Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat and add the peanut or canola oil. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers and looks like it’s gently moving across the surface—this indicates it’s hot enough for frying and will prevent soggy chicken. - Pan-Fry the Chicken
Carefully place the breaded chicken into the hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Do not touch or move the chicken initially. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side, flipping once the edges turn golden brown, then cook the second side until crisp and cooked through. - Season and Finish
Remove the chicken from the oil and immediately season generously with kosher salt while it’s hot. Finish with freshly squeezed lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Serve right away while hot and crispy.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Seasoning the chicken after frying is key—it allows the salt to absorb through the crispy coating and into the meat for perfectly balanced flavor.