Craving a crispy and flavorful dinner? Try this Chicken Milanese Salad, a quick and easy Italian classic packed with bold flavors. With crispy chicken, a light arugual salad, and a homemade dressing, this will become your faovrite lunch or dinner!
Use a meat mallet or back of a pan to flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch).
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
In a shallow bowl, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend. In another shallow bowl, beat 2 large eggs.
In a third shallow dish, mix together 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup traditional breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, dip it in the egg wash, and then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F if needed). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed greens, 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), and 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced).
In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Add 1 clove minced garlic (optional) for extra flavor.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Serve:
Arrange the salad on plates and top with slices of the crispy chicken.
Garnish generously with 1/4 cup shaved Parmigiano Reggiano.
Notes
Fry in a Single Layer: When frying, cook the chicken cutlets in a single layer in the pan to avoid overcrowding, ensuring they crisp up beautifully.Monitor the Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The goal is 165°F for a perfectly juicy, fully cooked cutlet.Drain Excess Oil: After frying, let the chicken rest on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil, keeping the breaded cutlets crisp.Don’t Skip the Resting: Allow the chicken to rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute and stay locked in.