How to Make Crispy Chicken Milanese
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Oct 19, 2025 • 1 min read
Learn how to pan-fry crispy, crunchy breaded chicken—Italian-style.
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What Is Chicken Milanese?
Chicken Milanese is a dish of pounded, breaded, and fried, crispy chicken cutlets. The dish is inspired by the Italian Costoletta alla Milanese (Milan-style cutlet), a traditional Milanese made with pork that is often served with arugula salad and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Quicker and easier than most fried chicken recipes, chicken Milanese goes just as well with mashed potatoes as it does with mozzarella and balsamic vinegar.
Classic Chicken Milanese Recipe
makes
prep time
10 mintotal time
22 mincook time
12 minIngredients
- 1
Place pieces of chicken between sheets of plastic wrap on a cutting board and use a meat mallet to pound chicken into ¼-inch thick cutlets.
- 2
In a shallow dish, use a fork to whisk together flour, salt, and pepper. Beat eggs in a second shallow dish, and transfer breadcrumbs to a third.
- 3
Dredge a chicken cutlet first in flour mixture, then in egg mixture, and finish by coating evenly in breadcrumbs. Transfer the breaded chicken cutlet to a baking sheet, and repeat the breading process with the remaining chicken cutlets.
- 4
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil until shimmering. Pan-fry breaded chicken cutlets in oil, working in batches if necessary, until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt.
- 5
Serve topped with parmesan and fresh parsley, with lemon wedges on the side.
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