chicken schnitzel recipe oven

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The Best chicken schnitzel recipe oven
I’ve been making chicken schnitzel in the oven for years, and it’s hands-down one of my family’s favorite meals. My kids ask for it at least once a week, and honestly, I don’t mind because it’s so easy to throw together. The best part? It’s crispy, tender, and way less messy than frying, which means less cleanup for me—always a win.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when I need something quick but still want it to feel special. It’s also great for when we have friends over because it’s simple to scale up, and everyone loves it. Plus, baking it instead of frying cuts down on oil, so it’s a lighter option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The breading stays golden and crunchy, and the chicken stays juicy, which is exactly what you want in a schnitzel. I love that it’s a meal that feels indulgent but is actually pretty balanced—protein, a little carbs from the breadcrumbs, and you can serve it with a fresh salad or roasted veggies to round it out. It’s one of those recipes that just works, every time.

Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Schnitzel
4.7 from 1966 votes
A healthier take on the classic schnitzel, baked to golden perfection instead of fried. This dish is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for a family dinner with a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal
🥘Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
For the Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp onion powder
For Cooking
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)
👨🍳Directions
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1 Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment with olive oil using a pastry brush.
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2 Prepare the chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about ¼-inch thick. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
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3 Set up a breading station: Place flour in one shallow plate. In a second plate, whisk together eggs and milk. In the third plate, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried parsley, and onion powder.
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4 Bread the chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat evenly with the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
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5 Arrange the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. Lightly brush or spray the tops with olive oil for extra crispiness.
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6 Bake for 12-15 minutes, then carefully flip the chicken using tongs. Bake for another 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.
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7 Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley if desired.
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowls (3)
- Shallow plates (3)
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Tongs
- Pastry brush
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 3.5g❤️Cholesterol: 125mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 38g
📝Notes
Tips: For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking (watch closely to avoid burning). You can substitute panko with regular breadcrumbs or almond flour for a gluten-free option. Serve with a side of lemon aioli or a simple green salad.
Watch Video Of How Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Schnitzel Works
This oven-baked chicken schnitzel is one of those recipes I always keep in my back pocket because it’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and works for just about any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, the crispy coating and juicy meat make it a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s easy to scale up or down, so you can feed a few or a whole crowd without any extra hassle.
