Giada De Laurentiis’ Chicken Milanese is one of those recipes that I’m up for any night of the week!
This recipe is all about the crispiness and flavor that come from coating the chicken in a mix of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
Be prepared for a kitchen filled with the delicious aroma as you fry your breaded cutlets to a light golden brown.
Remember to add your favorite sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors even more!
How to Make Giada Chicken Milanese
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Cutlets
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 Eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Basil (chopped)
- 1 tsp Thyme (dried)
- Olive Oil (for frying)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Lay the chicken cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap.
Pound them gently using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan until thin.
Season both sides with salt.
Step 2:
Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, basil, and thyme.
Step 3:
Coat each cutlet first in flour, then in egg, and lastly in the breadcrumb mixture.
Press gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere.
Step 4:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Fry the cutlets in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Step 5:
Transfer cooked cutlets to a wire rack on a baking sheet and keep warm in an oven preheated to 150 degrees F.
Add additional salt if needed.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Pounding Properly
Ensure you pound the chicken evenly to about half an inch thickness to guarantee even cooking throughout.
Using the Right Oil
I recommend using a good amount of olive oil to achieve the perfect crispy texture without the chicken becoming dry.
Bread Crumb Variation
Try using panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy finish if you prefer a different texture with your Milanese.
Oven Temperature Control
Keep the oven at a low temperature to maintain crispiness without overcooking the chicken while you prepare the rest.
Cooking in Batches
Fry the chicken in small batches to avoid the oil temperature dropping, which would result in a soggy texture.
What to Serve with Giada Chicken Milanese
Lemon Arugula Salad
A simple lemon arugula salad pairs beautifully with Chicken Milanese.
The peppery arugula and tangy lemon dressing add a refreshing touch to the crispy chicken.
Add some shaved Parmesan for a bit of creaminess and extra flavor.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a comforting and classic side dish option.
Their smooth texture and savory garlic flavor round out the meal perfectly.
A dollop of butter on top will make them extra indulgent!
Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus is another great choice to serve alongside your Chicken Milanese.
The earthy flavor of the asparagus complements the crispy chicken nicely.
The key is to cook them until they’re just tender for the best texture.
Grilled Peach and Mozzarella Salad
For something unexpected, try a grilled peach and mozzarella salad.
The sweetness of the peaches balances the savory chicken beautifully.
Add some fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a real treat.
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
For a low-carb twist, consider cauliflower mac and cheese.
This dish offers the comforting creaminess of traditional mac and cheese with a lighter touch.
The mild flavor of cauliflower allows the cheese to really shine.
Herb Couscous
Herb couscous brings a bright, herby note that works well with Chicken Milanese.
It’s light but flavorful, with the herbs adding an aromatic component to the dish.
Toss in some pine nuts for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
Breadcrumb Choices
You can use Italian-style seasoned breadcrumbs for a classic flavor, or opt for panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Experimenting with different breadcrumbs can alter the texture and taste of the dish, making it unique each time.
Herb Options
Adding herbs to the breadcrumb mixture can really enhance the flavor.
Try mixing in dried oregano, parsley, or even a hint of rosemary to create a variety of flavors that match your personal preferences.
Alternative Proteins
If you’re looking to switch things up, thinly pounded pork or turkey cutlets can be used in place of chicken.
These alternatives can offer a new taste adventure while maintaining a similar cooking process.
Gluten-Free Adjustments
For a gluten-free version, substitute the traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
It’s a great way to make this delicious dish accessible to everyone without sacrificing flavor.
Cheese Variations
If you like a cheesy twist, sprinkle some grated parmesan or romano cheese into the breadcrumbs.
This simple addition adds a richness to the final dish that you might absolutely love.
How to Store Leftover Giada Chicken Milanese
Storing leftover Giada Chicken Milanese properly ensures you can enjoy it later without compromising taste and quality.
First, allow the chicken to cool completely at room temperature before storing it.
Use Airtight Containers
Place the Chicken Milanese in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
If you don’t have a container, a resealable plastic bag can work as well, just make sure to press out any excess air.
Refrigeration Tips
Store the Chicken Milanese in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within the next two days.
Keeping the chicken cool helps maintain its flavor and texture.
Freezing for Longer Storage
For longer storage, consider freezing your leftovers.
Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
When stored this way, the chicken can last up to two months.
Label your containers with the date of storage; this helps manage freshness.
Enjoy your perfectly stored Giada Chicken Milanese whenever the craving strikes!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the Pounding Step
When you skip pounding the chicken, it can lead to uneven cooking.
Make sure to use a meat mallet to flatten the chicken breast to an even thickness.
This ensures each piece cooks evenly, making your Chicken Milanese perfect every time!
Incorrect Coating Sequence
It’s essential to follow the correct sequence for the coating.
Start with the flour, move to the egg, and finish with the bread crumb mixture for the best results.
This order helps the coating adhere properly to the chicken.
Overcrowding the Pan
Overcrowding the skillet can cause the chicken to steam instead of getting that nice crispy crust.
Fry in batches if necessary to avoid this.
Allow some space between each piece while frying, and your Chicken Milanese will have that golden brown crunch!
Giada Chicken Milanese Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Cutlets
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 Eggs beaten
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 2 tbsp Fresh Basil chopped
- 1 tsp Thyme dried
- Olive Oil for frying
Instructions
- Lay the chicken cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap.
- Pound them gently using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan until thin.
- Season both sides with salt.
- Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, basil, and thyme.
- Coat each cutlet first in flour, then in egg, and lastly in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Press gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the cutlets in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer cooked cutlets to a wire rack on a baking sheet and keep warm in an oven preheated to 150 degrees F.
- Add additional salt if needed.