How To Make Chicken Schnitzel

How To Make Chicken Schnitzel is a medium Austrian recipe that serves 4. 560 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Jean-Pierre on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 45 min

Cost: $20.29 total, $5.07 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pieces Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless, about 1 1/2 pounds total, each breast pounded thin)
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (seasoned with salt and pepper)
  • 2 large Eggs (beaten with a pinch of salt, pepper and lemon zest)
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest (fresh zest added to the egg mixture)
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (for a light, crunchy coating; can use regular breadcrumbs)
  • 1/2 cup Clarified Butter (for frying; higher smoke point than regular butter)
  • 2 pounds Potatoes (waxy potatoes, boiled with skin on, then peeled while warm)
  • 1 small Red Onion (cut into thin strips)
  • 2 tablespoons Chives (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard (for the vinaigrette)
  • 2 tablespoons White Wine Vinegar (or sherry vinegar)
  • 1/4 cup Chicken Stock (warm, used in the potato salad dressing)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (light coating for the vinaigrette)
  • 1 large Cucumber (peeled partially and sliced)
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream (for cucumber salad dressing)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Dill (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon White Balsamic Vinegar (adds sweetness to cucumber salad)
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar (balances acidity in cucumber salad)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Sanitize Work Surface

    Mix three tablespoons of white vinegar with water in a bowl, dip a rag, wring out and place on the cutting board to keep the surface moist and sanitized.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Butterfly and Pound Chicken

    Place each chicken breast skin‑side down, slice horizontally toward the straight side to create a butterfly, then cover with plastic wrap and gently pound to about 1/4‑inch thickness.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Set Up Dredging Station

    In three shallow dishes place seasoned flour (salt & pepper), beaten eggs mixed with lemon zest, and panko breadcrumbs.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Coat the Chicken

    Dredge each pounded breast first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally press into panko until fully coated.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Heat Clarified Butter

    Add clarified butter to the skillet and heat over medium‑high until it reaches 330°F (165°C).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 330°F

  6. Fry the Schnitzel

    Place the coated chicken in the hot butter, cooking 2‑3 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: 330°F

  7. Drain and Rest

    Transfer the fried schnitzels to paper towels to absorb excess butter. Keep warm in a low oven (200°F) if not serving immediately.

    Time: PT1M

  8. Boil Potatoes for Salad

    Place potatoes in a saucepan, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer 15 minutes until tender.

    Time: PT15M

  9. Shock and Peel Potatoes

    Drain potatoes, plunge into ice water for 1 minute, then peel while still warm and cut into bite‑size pieces.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Prepare Vinaigrette

    In a bowl whisk together Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, olive oil, warm chicken stock, salt and pepper.

    Time: PT3M

  11. Assemble Warm Potato Salad

    Toss the warm potato pieces with the vinaigrette, add thin red‑onion strips and chopped chives. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

    Time: PT3M

  12. Make Cucumber Salad

    Combine sliced cucumber with sour cream, chopped dill, white balsamic vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Mix until evenly coated.

    Time: PT5M

  13. Plate and Serve

    Place a schnitzel in the center of each plate, add a generous scoop of warm potato salad and a side of cucumber salad. Garnish with a lemon wedge if desired.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
560
Protein
35 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
28 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy

Allergens: Gluten, Eggs, Dairy

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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How To Make Chicken Schnitzel

Recipe by Chef Jean-Pierre

Crispy chicken schnitzel fried in clarified butter, served with a traditional Austrian warm potato salad and a refreshing cucumber salad. A comforting, restaurant‑style meal that combines crunchy, buttery chicken with tangy, creamy sides.

MediumAustrianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
37m
Prep
21m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 8m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$20.29
Total cost
$5.07
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Heat clarified butter to exactly 330°F; too hot will burn, too cool will soggy the coating.
  • Season each dredging layer lightly and shake off excess before moving to the next.
  • Do not overcrowd the skillet; fry in batches to keep oil temperature stable.

Safety Warnings

  • Clarified butter reaches high temperatures; handle with oven mitts and keep children away.
  • Use a thermometer to avoid overheating the butter and causing a fire.
  • Always wash hands and surfaces after handling raw chicken to prevent cross‑contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of chicken schnitzel in Austrian cuisine?

A

Chicken schnitzel, known as Wiener Schnitzel when made with veal, is a classic Austrian dish that dates back to the 19th century. It reflects the influence of Italian breaded cutlets and has become a staple comfort food served with simple sides like potato salad.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Austrian chicken schnitzel served with warm potato salad?

A

In Austria, schnitzel is often paired with a warm potato salad dressed with a light vinaigrette and sometimes a splash of broth. In southern regions, a sweeter apple‑vinegar dressing is used, while in the east, mustard may be added for extra tang.

cultural
Q

How is chicken schnitzel traditionally served in Austria?

A

Traditionally, the schnitzel is placed in the center of the plate, accompanied by a warm potato salad on the side and a simple cucumber salad. A lemon wedge is often offered for a fresh finish.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is chicken schnitzel traditionally associated with in Austrian culture?

A

Chicken schnitzel is a common dish for family meals, Sunday lunches, and festive gatherings such as Oktoberfest celebrations. Its comforting nature makes it popular for both everyday dining and special occasions.

cultural
Q

What makes chicken schnitzel fried in clarified butter special compared to using regular oil?

A

Clarified butter has a higher smoke point than regular butter and imparts a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the crispness of the coating. It also prevents the butter solids from burning, keeping the schnitzel golden and aromatic.

technical
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chicken schnitzel at home?

A

Common mistakes include not pounding the chicken thin enough, using too much flour or breadcrumbs, and frying at the wrong temperature. Overcrowding the pan drops the oil temperature, leading to soggy coating.

technical
Q

Can I make the warm potato salad ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can boil, peel, and cut the potatoes ahead of time. Store them in a covered container in the refrigerator and add the vinaigrette just before serving to keep the salad fresh and warm.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the chicken schnitzel is done?

A

The schnitzel should be golden‑brown, crisp to the touch, and the interior should reach 165°F. The coating should be evenly browned without dark spots, and the meat should be juicy but not pink.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chef Jean-Pierre specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Chef Jean-Pierre focuses on classic European comfort foods, detailed technique tutorials, and practical kitchen hygiene tips for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chef Jean-Pierre's approach to Austrian cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Chef Jean-Pierre emphasizes authentic flavor foundations, such as using clarified butter for schnitzel, and stresses professional kitchen habits like sanitizing surfaces with a wet rag—details often omitted by more casual cooking channels.

channel
Q

What other Austrian recipes is the YouTube channel Chef Jean-Pierre known for?

A

Chef Jean-Pierre is also known for his videos on Wiener Schnitzel with veal, Austrian apple strudel, and classic beef goulash, each presented with step‑by‑step guidance and cultural background.

channel
Q

Can I substitute the panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs without affecting the dish?

A

Yes, regular breadcrumbs can be used, but panko provides a lighter, airier crunch that is characteristic of traditional schnitzel. If using regular breadcrumbs, toast them lightly before coating for extra texture.

technical

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