Hearty Chicken Milanese: Crisp Breaded Chicken Cutlets with a Lemon Zest Side Salad

Chicken Milanese is a classic Italian dish featuring tender chicken breasts breaded and fried to golden perfection. This dish is typically served with a refreshing lemon zest side salad, making it a delightful and balanced meal that is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/4 inch thickness
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Salad:

• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is well-coated on both sides. Repeat with all the chicken breasts.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts, cooking them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
5. Fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
6. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the lemon zest side salad. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this dressing over the salad right before serving. Toss to combine.
8. Serve the Chicken Milanese hot, garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Accompany with the lemon zest side salad for a complete meal.

Enjoy this delicious and satisfying Chicken Milanese with its refreshing lemon zest side salad!