Chicken Schnitzel with Frisée-Apple Salad

From the kitchen of Carly

Pounded chicken thighs go golden and crispy in this elegant schnitzel, their tender meat contrasting beautifully against shattering breadcrumb crust. The bitter frisée and bright apple salad cuts through richness with acidity and snap, making this a complete, sophisticated dinner.

Prep
n/a
Cook
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Total
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Servings
4
Difficulty
medium

Ingredients

4 servings

  • 16 large skinless boneless chicken thighs (each about 5 ounces)
  • 1All purpose flour
  • 13 large eggs
  • 11 tablespoon minced fresh Italian parsley
  • 14 cups (about) fresh breadcrumbs made from crustless country wheat bread (preferably organic)
  • 12 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 12 1/2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
  • 1Frisée-Apple Salad

Instructions

  1. 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.

  2. Place large scoop of flour in shallow dish (such as pie dish). Beat eggs and parsley in another shallow dish to blend. Place 2 cups 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.

  3. 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 .

  4. 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.