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Chicken Schnitzel with Frisée-Apple Salad

This homemade chicken schnitzel is a delicious high-protein dish that elevates the humble chicken thigh into a crisp, golden feast. By using fresh breadcrumbs made from crustless wheat bread, the coating achieves a superior crunch that perfectly complements the juicy, tender meat inside. The addition of fresh flat-leaf parsley to the egg wash provides a subtle, herbal lift that cuts through the richness of the butter-fried coating.

Ideal for a comforting midweek meal or a relaxed weekend dinner, this recipe is best served alongside a bright frisée and apple salad. The bitterness of the leaves and the sweetness of the fruit offer a refreshing contrast to the savoury chicken. For a complete experience, pair this dish with a medium-bodied red wine, such as a Côtes du Rhône, to balance the flavours beautifully.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Chicken Schnitzel with Frisée-Apple Salad

  • 6 large skinless boneless chicken thighs (each about 140g )

  • Plain flour

  • 3 large eggs

  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh Italian parsley

  • 4 cups (about) fresh breadcrumbs made from crustless country wheat bread (preferably organic)

  • 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

  • 40ml canola oil, divided

  • Frisée-Apple Salad

Place large piece of plastic wrap on work surface. Unfold 1 chicken thigh near 1 end of plastic. Fold other end of plastic over chicken to cover completely. Using mallet, pound chicken to 1/4- to 1/3-inch thickness. Set cutlet aside in plastic sheet. Repeat with remaining chicken thighs and 5 more sheets of plastic wrap. DO AHEAD: Cutlets can be made up to 1 day ahead. Refrigerate wrapped in plastic.

Place large scoop of flour in shallow dish (such as pie dish). Beat eggs and parsley in another shallow dish to blend. Place 220g breadcrumbs in third shallow dish. Unwrap 1 chicken cutlet and sprinkle all over with salt and pepper. Coat cutlet completely with flour, then egg mixture, then breadcrumbs. Transfer cutlet to rimmed baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chicken cutlets, adding more flour and breadcrumbs as needed.

Divide half of butter and half of oil between 2 large skillets; melt butter with oil over medium-high heat. Add 3 cutlets to each skillet. Cook until coating is golden brown and crisp on bottom, about 3 minutes. Using spatula, transfer chicken to sheet of foil. Divide remaining butter and remaining oil between skillets; swirl to melt butter. Return chicken, browned side up, to skillets. Sauté until bottoms are browned and chicken is cooked through, about 3 minutes longer. Transfer chicken to plates. Serve with Frisée-Apple Salad .

A medium-bodied Côtes du Rhône would be a good choice with the schnitzel. Try the Perrin & Fils 2007 "Réserve" Côtes du Rhône, a wine with blackberry, licorice, and herbal notes. At just $8 a bottle, it also happens to be an incredible bargain.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 29 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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