Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich
Crispy, golden-brown chicken schnitzel tucked into a toasted bun with a creamy dijon sauce, fresh lettuce, and tangy pickles. A satisfying and delicious sandwich that's perfect for lunch or a casual dinner.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Chicken
- b.Place a chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, pound it to an even thickness of about 1/4-inch (0.6 cm).
- c.Season both sides of the pounded chicken generously with salt and pepper. Repeat for all chicken breasts.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Set Up Breading Station
- b.Arrange three shallow dishes. In the first, combine the flour, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- c.In the second dish, whisk the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth.
- d.In the third dish, spread out the panko breadcrumbs.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Bread the Chicken
- b.Working with one piece at a time, dredge a chicken cutlet in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess.
- c.Dip it into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off.
- d.Press the chicken firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring a complete and even coating on both sides. Place on a clean plate or wire rack.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Make the Dijon Sauce
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- c.Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Fry the Schnitzel
- b.Pour oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet to a depth of about 1/2-inch. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C) or a breadcrumb sizzles instantly.
- c.Carefully place 1-2 chicken cutlets in the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- d.Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).
- e.Remove the cooked schnitzel and let it drain on a wire rack. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Assemble the Sandwiches
- b.Split the ciabatta rolls and toast them lightly if desired.
- c.Spread a generous layer of the Dijon sauce on the inside of both the top and bottom buns.
- d.On the bottom bun, place a few leaves of romaine lettuce and a slice of tomato.
- e.Top with a hot chicken schnitzel, followed by a layer of dill pickle slices.
- f.Place the top bun on and serve immediately for the best crispy texture.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest crust, let the breaded chicken rest for 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator before frying. This helps the coating adhere better.
- 2Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is crucial for it to cook quickly and evenly without drying out.
- 3Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature. If the oil is too cool, the schnitzel will be greasy; if it's too hot, the crust will burn before the chicken is cooked.
- 4Rest the fried schnitzel on a wire rack, not paper towels. This allows air to circulate and keeps the bottom from becoming soggy.
- 5Don't overcrowd the pan. Frying in batches ensures the oil temperature stays high, resulting in a crispier finish.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
For a more traditional schnitzel, use thinly pounded pork loin or veal cutlets instead of chicken.
Add CheeseAdd Cheese
Melt a slice of provolone, Swiss, or Muenster cheese on top of the hot schnitzel just after frying.
Spicy VersionSpicy Version
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture and a few dashes of hot sauce to the mayonnaise for a spicy kick.
Herbaceous CrustHerbaceous Crust
Mix 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley or dill into the panko breadcrumbs for added flavor and color.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken breast is a lean source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining a healthy immune system.
Provides B Vitamins
Chicken is rich in B vitamins, particularly niacin (B3) and B6. These vitamins are crucial for energy metabolism, brain function, and the formation of red blood cells.
Frequently asked questions
A single Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich contains approximately 750-850 calories, depending on the size of the chicken breast, the amount of oil absorbed, and the type of bun used.