Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¾ cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 lemon, zested (optional)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup fine seasoned bread crumbs
- ¼ cup canola or vegetable oil (plus more if needed)
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing through them completely so you have two thin pieces. Place them flat on a cutting board, cover with plastic wrap, and pound them until they are very thin.
- In three shallow bowls, mix the flour, salt, pepper, and optional lemon zest in the first bowl. This zest will enhance the flavor.
- Whisk the eggs in the second bowl.
- Pour the breadcrumbs into the third bowl.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat, ensuring enough oil is present to come halfway up the sides of the chicken. Adjust the amount of oil based on pan size.
- Coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture first, then dip in the egg, and finally cover in breadcrumbs, shaking off excess at each stage. Arrange on a plate without overlapping until ready to fry.
- Fry the chicken in the hot oil for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through at 165℉. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed, adding more oil as necessary.
- To keep the chicken warm between batches, use a wire rack placed on a sheet pan in a 300℉ oven. If chicken browns too quickly, use a wire rack in the oven at 350℉ until fully cooked.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
Using lemon zest adds a refreshing taste, but it can be omitted if preferred.
Make sure to pound the chicken evenly for consistent cooking time.
Keep a close eye on the chicken while frying to prevent burning and ensure it’s cooked thoroughly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.