Chicken Milanese with Arugula (Print)

Crispy chicken cutlets served with arugula, tomatoes, parmesan, and lemon for a classic Italian-inspired meal.

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 680 g total weight)
02 - Salt, to taste
03 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Flour Coating

04 - 67 g all-purpose flour
05 - 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 0.5 teaspoon paprika

→ Egg Wash

07 - 2 large eggs, beaten until frothy
08 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
09 - 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional)

→ Breading

10 - 90 g Panko breadcrumbs
11 - 45 g freshly grated parmesan cheese
12 - 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
13 - 0.5 teaspoon garlic salt

→ For Frying

14 - 5 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (plus more as needed)
15 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ For Serving

16 - Fresh arugula
17 - Cherry tomatoes, halved
18 - Shaved parmesan cheese
19 - Lemon wedges
20 - Fresh parsley, chopped

# Steps:

01 - Combine the flour, onion powder, and paprika in a shallow bowl. In a second bowl, whisk eggs until frothy and blend in Dijon mustard and heavy cream if using. In a third bowl, mix Panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, chopped parsley, and garlic salt.
02 - Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create two thin cutlets. Place between layers of plastic wrap and gently pound to a uniform 6 mm thickness using a meat tenderizer.
03 - Pat chicken dry. Season both sides of each cutlet with salt and pepper. Dredge completely in the flour mixture, pressing flour into all crevices. Tap off excess.
04 - Dip floured chicken in the egg mixture to coat. Slide off any excess egg using your fingers.
05 - Press each cutlet into the breadcrumb mixture, coating thoroughly on all sides.
06 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add breaded cutlets in batches without overcrowding. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, adjusting heat as necessary.
07 - Remove fried cutlets with a slotted spatula. Set on a wire rack over a baking tray to maintain crispness, or transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
08 - Arrange fried chicken with arugula, tomatoes, and shaved parmesan. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Pounding chicken thinly ensures fast, even cooking and a tender, restaurant-quality result.
02 - Use a combination of butter and oil for both flavour and optimal crispiness when frying.
03 - Fry the cutlets in batches, leaving space in the pan for crisp edges.
04 - If making ahead, bread the chicken and freeze uncooked for up to 3 months; thaw before frying.
05 - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze after flash freezing for longer storage.