Israeli Chicken Schnitzel
A beloved Israeli comfort food, chicken schnitzel features thinly sliced chicken breast coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then fried to a golden crisp. It's a simple yet satisfying dish, often served with a side of Israeli salad.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breast(thinly sliced or pounded to 1/4-inch thickness)
- 0.5 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 large Eggs
- 3 tbsp Water
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs(or panko for extra crispiness)
- 1 tsp Salt(divided, plus more to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(divided, plus more to taste)
- 1 tbsp Paprika
- 1 tbsp Sesame seeds(optional)
- 0.5 inch Vegetable oil(for frying)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the chicken: If not already thin, pound the chicken breasts to an even 1/4-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- 2
Set up breading stations: Prepare three shallow bowls. In the first, combine flour, paprika, and 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. In the second, whisk the eggs with water and a pinch of salt. In the third, mix breadcrumbs and sesame seeds (if using).
- 3
Bread the chicken: Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Then dip in the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Finally, press into the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly.
- 4
Fry the schnitzel: Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (a breadcrumb should sizzle), carefully place a few schnitzels in the pan, being careful not to overcrowd. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- 5
Drain and serve: Transfer the fried schnitzel to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Season with a little more salt if desired. Serve hot, often with lemon wedges and Israeli salad.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For extra crispy schnitzel, use panko breadcrumbs.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan when frying, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy schnitzel.
- ✓Frying the schnitzel just before serving ensures the best texture.
🔄 Variations
- Add garlic powder or onion powder to the flour mixture for extra flavor.
- Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like tahini or a spicy schug.