Description: This recipe elevates the classic chicken schnitzel into a delightful sandwich experience. Crispy, Parmesan-crusted chicken fillets are nestled between slices of crusty bread, slathered with a spicy sriracha mayo, and complemented by fresh lettuce and cucumber. It’s a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s perfect for lunch, a quick dinner, or even a picnic.

Why You Will Love This Recipe:

• Unbeatable Texture: The combination of the crispy chicken, the soft bread, and the crunchy vegetables creates an incredibly satisfying textural experience.
• Flavor Explosion: The savory Parmesan crust on the chicken, the spicy sriracha mayo, and the fresh cucumber provide a delightful balance of flavors.
• Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet feel, this sandwich is surprisingly simple and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend lunches.
• Versatile: Feel free to customize the toppings and sauces to suit your taste preferences. Add some sliced tomato, swap the sriracha mayo for a garlic aioli, or use a different type of lettuce.
• Perfect for Sharing (or Not!): This recipe makes two generous sandwiches, perfect for sharing with a friend or enjoying as a hearty meal on your own.

Introduction

The chicken schnitzel, a thin, breaded, and pan-fried cutlet, has long been a culinary staple, enjoyed across various cultures and cuisines. This recipe takes the classic schnitzel and reimagines it as a handheld masterpiece: the Crispy Parmesan Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich.

We’re not just slapping a schnitzel between two slices of bread, however. This recipe focuses on layering flavors and textures to create a truly exceptional sandwich. The key is in the details: the perfectly seasoned flour, the golden-brown Parmesan crust, the creamy and spicy mayo, and the refreshing crunch of lettuce and cucumber.

This sandwich is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients, when combined with care and attention to detail, can create something truly extraordinary. It’s a recipe that will impress your friends and family and become a regular in your meal rotation.

Ingredients:

• 1 large chicken breast: This provides the foundation for our delicious schnitzel. Look for a boneless, skinless chicken breast for the best results.
• 3 tbsp plain flour: Essential for creating a base layer that helps the egg and breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken. Be sure to season it generously!
• Seasoning for the flour (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika): Seasoning your flour gives a subtle but essential boost to the flavor of the overall product.
• 1 egg: The egg acts as a binder, allowing the breadcrumbs and Parmesan to cling to the chicken. Make sure it’s well beaten for even coating.
• 5 tbsp finely grated Parmesan: Adds a salty, savory, and slightly nutty flavor to the breadcrumb coating. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste.
• 75g dried breadcrumbs: Provides the crispy texture that is characteristic of schnitzel. Use fine breadcrumbs for a more even coating. Panko breadcrumbs can also be used for an extra-crispy texture.
• Groundnut or sunflower oil, for frying: These oils have a high smoke point, making them ideal for pan-frying. Vegetable oil or canola oil can also be used.
• 3 heaped tbsp mayonnaise: Forms the base of our flavorful sauce. Use your favorite brand of mayonnaise, or even make your own for a truly special sandwich.
• 1 tbsp sriracha or other chilli sauce: Adds a spicy kick to the sauce. Adjust the amount to your preference. You can also use other hot sauces like Frank’s RedHot or Tabasco.
• 4 thick slices of crusty bread (such as bloomer): The foundation of our sandwich. Choose a bread that is sturdy enough to hold all the ingredients without getting soggy. Sourdough, ciabatta, or even a good quality white bread will work well.
• 1 Little Gem lettuce, shredded: Provides a refreshing crunch and adds a touch of freshness. Other types of lettuce, such as romaine or butter lettuce, can also be used.
• ¼ cucumber, thinly sliced: Adds a cool and refreshing element to the sandwich.

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken: Lay the chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the chicken horizontally through the middle, creating two equal-sized, thinner fillets. This ensures even cooking and a more tender schnitzel. Place the fillets between two sheets of baking parchment. Gently pound them with a rolling pin until they are approximately ½ cm thick. This tenderizes the chicken and further ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Set up the Breading Station: In three separate shallow dishes, prepare the following:

• Dish 1: Place the seasoned flour (3 tbsp plain flour, plus salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika)
• Dish 2: Place the beaten egg (1 egg). Ensure the egg is thoroughly beaten to create a smooth, even coating.
• Dish 3: Combine the Parmesan (5 tbsp finely grated) and breadcrumbs (75g dried)

Step 3: Bread the Chicken: Take one of the thin chicken fillets and dip it into the seasoned flour, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten egg, coating it thoroughly. Finally, dredge the egg-coated chicken in the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere. Repeat this process with the other chicken fillet.

Step 4: Fry the Schnitzels: Heat the oil (about ½ cm deep) in a large frying pan over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a breadcrumb is dropped into it. Carefully place the breaded chicken schnitzels into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, until the schnitzels are crisp, golden brown, and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Prepare the Sriracha Mayo: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise (3 heaped tbsp) and the sriracha or other chilli sauce (1 tbsp). Mix well until the sauce is smooth and evenly combined. Adjust the amount of sriracha to your desired level of spiciness.

Step 6: Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread the sriracha mayo over two slices of bread. On the bottom half of each sandwich, layer the shredded Little Gem lettuce. Top the lettuce with the crispy Parmesan chicken schnitzel and thinly sliced cucumber. Place the remaining bread slices on top to complete the sandwiches.

COOKING Rating:

Easy

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the Crispy Parmesan Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich immediately for the best flavor and texture.
• Pair it with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad.
• Serve with crispy fries or sweet potato fries for a more substantial meal.
• Cut the sandwich in half and serve as a finger food option for parties or gatherings.

Tips:

• For extra crispy schnitzels, use Panko breadcrumbs.
• To prevent the bread from getting soggy, lightly toast the bread slices before assembling the sandwich.
• If you don’t have sriracha, you can use any other hot sauce or even a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with thick slices of grilled halloumi cheese.
• If you’re preparing the schnitzels ahead of time, keep them warm in a low oven (200°F/93°C) until ready to assemble the sandwiches.

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cook Time:

10 minutes

Total Time:

30 minutes

Nutritional Information:

(Approximate values, may vary based on specific ingredients and serving size)

Calories: 650-750
Protein: 35-45g
Sodium: 800-1000mg

Conclusion

The Crispy Parmesan Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich is more than just a sandwich; it’s a culinary experience. The combination of crispy, savory chicken, spicy mayo, and fresh vegetables creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. This recipe is easy to make, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to indulge in a truly exceptional sandwich. Enjoy!

Q&A:

Q1: Can I bake the schnitzels instead of frying them?

A: Yes, you can bake the schnitzels for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded schnitzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with a little olive oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. While they won’t be quite as crispy as fried schnitzels, they will still be delicious and flavorful.

Q2: What kind of bread is best for this sandwich?

A: A crusty bread, such as bloomer, sourdough, or ciabatta, is ideal for this sandwich. The sturdy texture of these breads will hold up well to the ingredients and prevent the sandwich from getting soggy. Avoid using soft, squishy breads, as they may not be able to support the weight of the chicken and toppings.

Q3: Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

A: It’s best to assemble the sandwich just before serving to prevent the bread from getting soggy. However, you can prepare the schnitzels ahead of time and keep them warm in a low oven (200°F/93°C) until ready to assemble the sandwiches. You can also prepare the sriracha mayo in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Q4: What other toppings can I add to this sandwich?

A: The possibilities are endless! Some other great topping options include:

• Sliced tomato
• Red onion slices
• Avocado
• Pickles
• Sprouts
• Bacon

Feel free to experiment and create your own unique version of this sandwich.

Q5: Can I use a different kind of cheese in the breadcrumb coating?

A: Yes, you can use other types of hard cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago, in place of Parmesan. These cheeses will add a slightly different flavor profile to the schnitzels, but they will still be delicious. Just make sure to use a finely grated cheese for the best results.