This easy chicken escalope recipe is a classic and tasty dish that is perfect for a simple yet delicious dinner. Made with boneless chicken breasts, fresh sage, and breadcrumbs, these breaded chicken cutlets are cooked until crispy and golden-brown.
Whether you call it chicken schnitzel or Italian-style escalope, this pan-fried chicken is sure to be a hit with your family. The homemade breadcrumbs and the addition of lemon butter give this recipe a unique and flavorful twist. It’s a quick and easy dinner recipe that will impress your guests!
What is Chicken Escalope?
Chicken escalope is a dish made from thinly sliced chicken breast that is pounded to an even thickness, then breaded and pan-fried or baked until golden and crispy. The term “escalope” refers to the method of preparation, which typically involves:
- Pounding the Chicken: The chicken breast is flattened to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
- Breading: The chicken is coated in flour, dipped in beaten egg, and then coated with breadcrumbs (often seasoned) to create a crispy outer layer.
- Cooking: The breaded chicken is then pan-fried in oil or baked until crispy and fully cooked.
What Makes This Recipe So Good?
- Tender and Juicy: The pounding process tenderizes the chicken, making it juicy and flavourful.
- Crispy Texture: The breading adds a delightful crunch, creating a satisfying contrast to the tender meat.
- Versatile Flavor: The recipe can be easily adapted with various seasonings, herbs, and sauces, allowing for a wide range of flavours.
- Quick and Easy: Chicken escalope cooks quickly, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or when you need a meal in a hurry.
- Pairing Options: It pairs well with a variety of sides, such as salads, vegetables, or pasta, making it a versatile dish that can fit any occasion.
Overall, chicken escalope is loved for its simplicity, delicious flavor, and satisfying texture, making it a favorite in many households.
Chicken Escalope Recipe Ingredients
To make this easy chicken escalope recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 10-12 fresh sage leaves
- 12 black peppercorns
- 8 tbsp plain flour
- 2 free-range eggs
- 150ml/5fl oz milk
- 250g/9oz fresh breadcrumbs
- 180g/6¼oz unsalted butter
- ½ lemon, juice only
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Splash balsamic vinegar
- 100g/3½oz wild rocket leaves
- 80g/3oz freshly grated parmesan
How to Make Chicken Escalope?
Follow these simple steps to make the best chicken escalope:
- Sandwich each chicken breast between two sheets of cling film and use a rolling pin to flatten them into escalopes.
- Season the chicken escalopes with chopped sage and crushed black peppercorns.
- Dredge each chicken escalope in flour, dip them in beaten eggs and milk mixture, and then coat them with fresh breadcrumbs.
- Heat butter in a frying pan and fry the breaded chicken escalopes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Squeeze lemon juice into the pan and stir to combine with the browned butter.
- In a separate bowl, mix olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then add wild rocket leaves and toss to coat.
- Serve the chicken escalopes on plates, drizzle them with the lemon butter, and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Details of Chicken Escalope
This chicken escalope recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Here are the nutrition details per serving:
- Calories: 530
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 43g
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 189mg
- Sodium: 1198mg
- Potassium: 725mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 210IU
- Vitamin C: 4mg
- Calcium: 75mg
- Iron: 3mg
Enjoy this delicious and nutritious chicken escalope recipe that will satisfy your taste buds and keep you healthy!
Variations for Chicken Escalope
While this easy chicken escalope recipe is already delicious as it is, you can try some variations to change up the flavours:
- Lebanese Chicken Escalope: Add Middle Eastern spices like sumac, za’atar, and cumin to the flour mixture for a Lebanese twist.
- Chicken Escalope Milanese: Serve the breaded chicken escalopes with a side of spaghetti marinara for a classic Italian-inspired meal.
- Chicken Escalope Recipe UK: Add a touch of English flavour by serving the escalopes with traditional British accompaniments like peas and mashed potatoes.
- Chicken Escalope Recipe Air Fryer: If you prefer a healthier version, you can cook the breaded chicken escalopes in an air fryer instead of pan-frying them. Just follow the same dredging process and cook in the air fryer at 390°F for about 15-18 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
Serving Suggestions of Chicken Escalope Recipe
- Lemon Butter Sauce & Steamed Vegetables: Serve the chicken escalope with a drizzle of lemon butter sauce, accompanied by a side of steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, and carrots. This light and fresh combination enhances the flavours of the chicken.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes & Gravy: Pair the chicken escalope with creamy mashed potatoes and a rich gravy. The smooth texture of the mashed potatoes complements the crispiness of the escalope.
- Mediterranean Salad & Tzatziki Sauce: Serve the chicken escalope alongside a refreshing Mediterranean salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, and add a dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side for a zesty twist.
- Garlic Parmesan Fries & Coleslaw: Accompany the chicken escalope with crispy garlic parmesan fries and a side of tangy coleslaw. The combination of textures and flavours makes for a satisfying meal.
- Herb-Roasted Potatoes & Green Beans Almondine: Pair the chicken escalope with herb-roasted potatoes and green beans almondine (sautéed with butter and almonds). This classic side dish adds a nutty, buttery flavour to the meal.
Conclusion
This easy chicken escalope recipe is the perfect choice for a simple yet delicious dinner. With homemade breadcrumbs, fresh sage, and a tangy lemon butter sauce, this dish takes chicken escalopes to a whole new level of flavour. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner recipe to whip up on a weeknight or want to impress your guests with a mouthwatering meal, this chicken escalope recipe from BBC Good Food is sure to deliver.
By creating your own breadcrumbs, you can ensure that every bite of this dish is filled with the perfect amount of crunch. The fresh sage adds a fragrant and earthy note to the chicken, while the tangy lemon butter sauce adds a delightful tang. The combination of textures and flavours in this recipe is truly a winner.
So why not give this chicken escalope recipe a try? It’s a quick and easy dinner idea that will satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling satisfied. Whether you’re cooking for yourself and your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Say goodbye to bland and boring chicken and say hello to a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
FAQs
What is the difference between chicken escalope and schnitzel?
Chicken escalope and schnitzel are essentially the same thing, but the term escalope is more commonly used in Italian cuisine, while schnitzel is associated with Austrian and German cuisine.
Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook the breaded chicken escalopes in an air fryer instead of pan-frying them. Just follow the same dredging process and cook in the air fryer at 390°F for about 15-18 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
Can You Freeze Chicken Escalope?
Yes, you can freeze chicken escalope. After breading, place the uncooked chicken on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, thaw and fry or bake as usual.
What Herbs and Spices Can I Use for Chicken Escalope?
Common herbs and spices for chicken escalope include parsley, thyme, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. You can mix these into the breadcrumbs for extra flavour during cooking.
Can Chicken Escalope Be Made Gluten-Free?
Yes, chicken escalope can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
What Is the Origin of Chicken Escalope?
Chicken escalope has European origins, particularly in French and Italian cuisine. The term escalope comes from the French word for a thin slice of meat, commonly used across various countries with local variations.
Chicken Escalope Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 10-12 fresh sage leaves
- 12 black peppercorns
- 8 tbsp plain flour
- 2 free-range eggs
- 150 ml/5fl oz milk
- 250 g/9oz fresh breadcrumbs
- 180 g/6¼oz unsalted butter
- ½ lemon juice only
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Splash balsamic vinegar
- 100 g/3½oz wild rocket leaves
- 80 g/3oz freshly grated parmesan
Instructions
- Sandwich each chicken breast between two sheets of cling film and use a rolling pin to flatten them into escalopes.4 boneless chicken breasts
- Season the chicken escalopes with chopped sage and crushed black peppercorns.12 black peppercorns, 10-12 fresh sage leaves
- Dredge each chicken escalope in flour, dip them in beaten eggs and milk mixture, and then coat them with fresh breadcrumbs.8 tbsp plain flour, 2 free-range eggs, 250 g/9oz fresh breadcrumbs, 150 ml/5fl oz milk
- Heat butter in a frying pan and fry the breaded chicken escalopes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Squeeze lemon juice into the pan and stir to combine with the browned butter.½ lemon, 180 g/6¼oz unsalted butter
- In a separate bowl, mix olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then add wild rocket leaves and toss to coat.100 g/3½oz wild rocket leaves, Splash balsamic vinegar
- Serve the chicken escalopes on plates, drizzle them with the lemon butter, and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese.Olive oil, 80 g/3oz freshly grated parmesan
