The Crispy Barefoot Contessa Chicken Milanese Recipe for Dinner

Barefoot Contessa Chicken Milanese transforms ordinary poultry into a restaurant-worthy experience with minimal effort.

Golden-brown crispiness awaits anyone craving a delightful weeknight solution that feels simultaneously elegant and comfort-driven.

Each delicate cutlet promises a satisfying crunch that elevates home cooking beyond standard expectations.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques bring incredible texture and depth to this straightforward dish.

Pantry staples become your secret weapon in creating something remarkably impressive.

Layers of crisp breading and tender meat combine for a culinary adventure that feels both familiar and exciting.

The result blends simplicity with sophistication in a way that makes dinner feel special: prepare to fall in love with this game-changing recipe.

Ways to Switch Up Barefoot Contessa Chicken Milanese

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Infuse the Panko breadcrumbs with dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile. Top with crumbled feta cheese and serve with a Greek-style salad.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken: Mix cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder into the flour mixture. Replace Parmesan with crushed cornflakes for extra crunch. Serve with a zesty remoulade sauce and pickled vegetables.
• Crispy Coconut Chicken: Blend shredded coconut with Panko breadcrumbs for a tropical twist. Add a pinch of ground ginger to the flour mixture. Pair with a mango salsa and serve over coconut rice for a vibrant meal.
• Herb-Crusted Parmesan Chicken: Incorporate fresh chopped basil, parsley, and chives into the Panko-Parmesan coating. Serve with a light arugula salad and sun-dried tomato vinaigrette for a fresh, herbaceous experience.

Closing Thoughts on Barefoot Contessa Chicken Milanese

Barefoot Contessa’s Chicken Milanese emerges as culinary artistry that transports palates to Italian kitchens.

Mediterranean flavors dance across crispy chicken breasts, creating an elegant dining experience.

Layers of golden Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese provide delightful crunch against tender chicken.

Zesty lemon vinaigrette adds bright complexity, elevating each delectable bite.

Seasonal greens and cherry tomatoes complement the dish with fresh, harmonious notes.

Passionate cooks seeking restaurant-quality meals at home will adore this simple yet sophisticated recipe – so grab your skillet, share this mouthwatering dish with friends, and let the delicious adventure begin!

Why Barefoot Contessa Chicken Milanese Is a Classic

• Create Restaurant-Quality Dish at Home: Transform your kitchen into a gourmet experience with this simple yet elegant Chicken Milanese that rivals professional chef preparations.
• Enjoy Perfectly Crispy Texture Combo: Delight in the satisfying crunch of golden Panko bread crumbs meeting tender, juicy chicken, delivering a textural symphony in every single bite.
• Master Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: Whip up this impressive meal in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy families seeking delicious and nutritious dinner without complex cooking techniques.

Components Required for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Milanese

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the main dish, best when fresh and evenly thick for consistent cooking.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps breading stick to chicken, adds richness and helps create golden crust.

• Flour, Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasoned coating that helps eggs and breadcrumbs adhere to chicken.
• Panko Bread Crumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Crispy coating that provides golden texture and savory cheese flavor.

• Fresh Lemon Juice, White Balsamic Vinegar: Bright, tangy base for dressing that adds freshness.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, rich component that helps blend vinaigrette and adds depth.
• Agave or Sugar: Balances acidity and adds subtle sweetness to dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides emulsification and sharp flavor to vinaigrette.
• Minced Shallots: Adds mild onion flavor and aromatic complexity.
• Salad Greens, Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh vegetables that complement crispy chicken.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Creates golden, crispy exterior for chicken and prevents sticking.

Step-by-Step for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Milanese

Step 1: Create Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette

• Fresh lemon juice
• Agave nectar
• Dijon mustard
• White balsamic vinegar
• Salt
• Olive oil
• Black pepper
• Minced shallots

Whisk everything until smooth and set aside.

Step 2: Tenderize Chicken Cutlets

Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound chicken breasts until they’re uniformly thin, about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 3: Prepare Breading Stations

Set up three separate plates:

Plate 1: Flour Station

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

Plate 2: Egg Wash Station

• Beaten eggs
• Water

Plate 3: Crispy Coating Station

• Panko bread crumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 4: Coat Chicken Perfectly

• Flour mixture
• Egg wash
• Panko-Parmesan coating

Press firmly to ensure even coverage.

Step 5: Sauté Golden Chicken

• Butter
• Olive oil

Cook chicken 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Work in batches.

Step 6: Assemble Fresh Salad

• Mixed salad greens
• Halved cherry tomatoes
• Prepared lemon vinaigrette

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Place crispy chicken on plates, top with dressed salad, sprinkle extra Parmesan, and drizzle remaining vinaigrette.

Chef’s Tips for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Milanese

• Tender Chicken Technique: Pound chicken breasts between plastic wrap using a meat mallet to create an even, thin cut that cooks quickly and stays moist.
• Breadcrumb Perfection: Mix panko and regular breadcrumbs for extra crunch, adding grated parmesan for rich, savory flavor and golden-brown color.
• Oil Temperature Trick: Check oil heat by dropping a breadcrumb into the pan – it should sizzle immediately but not burn, indicating the perfect frying temperature.
• Drain Excess Oil: Place cooked chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to help crisp up the coating and remove extra grease for a lighter texture.
• Wine Pairing Wisdom: Serve with a crisp white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to complement the light, crispy chicken.

Storing Barefoot Contessa Chicken Milanese

• Cool-Down Method: Let chicken milanese reach room temperature before storing to prevent condensation and soggy breading. Pat excess oil with paper towels to maintain crispiness.
• Freezer Storage: Wrap individual pieces in parchment paper, then place in freezer-safe containers. Chicken milanese stays fresh for up to 1 month. Separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
• Reheating Technique: Restore crispy texture by using an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. Avoid microwave, which makes breading soft and soggy. Oven method works well too: bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crisp.

Barefoot Contessa Chicken Milanese Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa Chicken Milanese delivers crispy, golden perfection with Italian-inspired elegance. Juicy chicken cutlets coated in seasoned breadcrumbs create a delightful main course that brings Mediterranean charm to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 extra-large eggs
• 1–¼ cups seasoned dry Panko bread crumbs
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Unsalted butter
• Good olive oil

Salad and Dressing Components:

• Salad greens for 6, washed and spun dry
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 teaspoons agave or 4 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 4 teaspoons white balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 16 tablespoons (1 cup) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 teaspoons minced shallots
• Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

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Instructions

1. Craft the citrus-infused vinaigrette by whisking together freshly squeezed lemon juice, agave nectar, Dijon mustard, white balsamic vinegar, kosher salt, extra virgin olive oil, freshly ground black pepper, and finely minced shallots until the mixture becomes silky and emulsified.
2. Transform chicken breasts into uniform cutlets by gently pounding them to approximately 0.25 inches (0.6 centimeters) thickness using a meat mallet or heavy rolling pin, ensuring consistent cooking.
3. Establish three distinct breading zones: first plate with seasoned all-purpose flour, second plate with whisked eggs and water, third plate combining crispy Panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Meticulously coat each chicken cutlet by first dredging in seasoned flour, then thoroughly dipping in egg wash, and finally pressing into breadcrumb mixture to create a complete, even golden crust.
5. Warm a large skillet over medium-low heat, adding butter and olive oil. Carefully place breaded chicken cutlets into the pan, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Create a vibrant salad by gently tossing mixed greens and halved cherry tomatoes with prepared vinaigrette, ensuring each ingredient is delicately coated.
7. Plate by positioning a crisp chicken cutlet as the foundation, crowning with dressed salad, and garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese and a generous drizzle of vinaigrette for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Pounding chicken breasts evenly ensures uniform cooking and prevents dry, tough meat.
• Gently pressing breadcrumbs creates a more consistent, crispy coating that adheres beautifully to the chicken surface.
• Maintaining medium-low heat helps achieve a golden-brown exterior without burning the delicate breadcrumb layer.
• Resting the chicken briefly after cooking allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat incredibly moist and flavorful.
• Serving immediately guarantees maximum crunch and optimal taste, delivering a restaurant-quality experience right at home.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 437
• Sodium: 794mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2.6g
• Fiber: 2.1g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 166mg