Chicken Milanese with Caesar Salad

This Chicken Milanese with Caesar Salad is a crispy, golden breaded chicken dish served with a fresh, tangy Caesar salad for the perfect balance of comfort and crunch. The thin, tender chicken cutlets are pan-fried until beautifully crisp and topped with salad for a satisfying, Italian-inspired meal that comes together in just 25 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crisp, flavorful, and simple to make, this Chicken Milanese is a weeknight dinner winner or a date-night-worthy dish. It uses pantry staples like panko, Parmesan, and common seasonings, yet delivers a restaurant-quality result. Paired with cool Caesar salad on top, it’s a full meal with minimal fuss and no need for side dishes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• large chicken breasts (halved and flattened)

• large eggs

• all-purpose flour

• panko bread crumbs

• grated Parmesan cheese

• salt (for seasoning chicken, flour, and breadcrumbs)

• black pepper (for seasoning chicken, flour, and breadcrumbs)

• oregano

• garlic powder

• smoked paprika

• cooking spray or olive oil

• Caesar salad (for topping)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Halve the chicken breasts horizontally and pound them to an even thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Set Up the Coating Stations:

   • In one shallow bowl, beat the eggs.

   • In another bowl, mix the flour with salt and pepper.

   • In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Bread the Chicken:
   Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg wash until fully coated. Press into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides thoroughly.

4. Pan-Fry the Chicken:
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Generously spray with cooking spray or add a small amount of olive oil. Add the breaded chicken to the hot pan and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

5. Serve:
   Remove the chicken from the skillet and let rest on a paper towel-lined plate. Top each cutlet with Caesar salad and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 2

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Air fryer version: Cook breaded chicken at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

• Add lemon zest: Mix a little lemon zest into the breadcrumbs for a fresh twist.

• Cheesy upgrade: Add shredded mozzarella to the top and broil briefly for a melty finish.

• Make it spicy: Add cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix for heat.

• Serve with pasta: Skip the salad and serve with a light pasta dish or marinara sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• To store: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store salad separately.

• To reheat: Reheat chicken in a skillet or oven at 350°F until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crisp.

• To freeze: Freeze breaded (uncooked) chicken on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

FAQs

What is Chicken Milanese?

It’s an Italian-style breaded and pan-fried chicken cutlet, similar to schnitzel or chicken cutlets, often served with salad or pasta.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, but make sure to flatten them and adjust the cook time as needed to ensure doneness.

What’s the best way to flatten chicken?

Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment and pound gently with a meat mallet or rolling pin.

Can I bake the chicken instead?

Yes. Bake at 425°F on a greased baking sheet for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

You can, but panko gives a crispier, lighter crust that works better for this dish.

What kind of Caesar salad should I use?

Use a classic Caesar with romaine, croutons, parmesan, and Caesar dressing—or make your own for a fresher touch.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken and let the coated chicken rest for a few minutes before frying.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, but you can substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free.

What oil is best for frying?

Olive oil or avocado oil work well for flavor and moderate heat. Avoid butter as it can burn easily.

Can I prep this ahead?

Yes, you can bread the chicken and refrigerate it for a few hours before cooking. Cook just before serving for best texture.

Conclusion

This Chicken Milanese with Caesar Salad is the perfect balance of crisp and fresh, hearty and light. With just 25 minutes of total time and everyday ingredients, it’s an easy yet elegant meal that works for both weeknights and special occasions. Topped with Caesar salad, it turns classic comfort into something truly special.