A few years ago, I stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Milanese recipe while searching for something that would break up the usual weeknight dinner rotation. I’d seen the show, knew his name, but hadn’t tried many of his recipes. This one, though, grabbed my attention. The golden, crispy chicken, paired with a fresh salad and a drizzle of lemon-honestly, it looked like something I could make on a regular basis. And you know what? I wasn’t wrong.
Chicken Milanese became a go-to for me. It’s quick, satisfying, and gives you the perfect balance of crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Plus, the way Jamie brings together the flavors of Italy with simple ingredients made me realize that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be incredible.
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Milanese Recipe
Jamie’s approach to Chicken Milanese is straightforward yet elevated. The breadcrumbs are seasoned just right, the chicken gets a quick dredge in flour and eggs, and the whole thing is fried until golden perfection. It’s a comfort food with a fresh twist. But the thing that stands out the most is how Jamie insists on the freshness of the ingredients and how the entire meal comes together so beautifully.
What I love about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can go as basic or as fancy as you want. You can toss in extra herbs, experiment with different salads, or even swap out the chicken for something like veal. But Jamie’s version? It’s a work of art in its simplicity.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make this crispy goodness:
- Chicken Breasts – Thin, boneless, and skinless, about 2-4 pieces
- Plain Flour – For dredging the chicken
- Eggs – 2 large ones, beaten for dipping
- Breadcrumbs – Panko or regular; panko gives it extra crunch
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated for an extra umami kick
- Lemon Zest – A little zest brightens the flavors
- Fresh Herbs – Parsley or thyme adds a fragrant touch
- Olive Oil – For frying, extra virgin for the best flavor
- Salt and Pepper – To season, don’t forget this step!
- Arugula or Salad Greens – A fresh base to serve the chicken on
- Lemon – For squeezing over the chicken before serving
You might already have most of these ingredients lying around, and if not, they’re all easy to grab from your local store. It’s the kind of recipe that you can whip up on a weeknight without needing to spend hours shopping for hard-to-find items.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Milanese
Making Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Milanese is one of those recipes that feels like it might take longer than it does. I remember the first time I tried it, I was convinced it would be complicated. But, honestly, it’s simple and fast once you get the hang of it.
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by flattening the chicken breasts. I like using a meat mallet, but you could also place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and give it a light whack with a rolling pin. You want it thin so it cooks quickly and evenly.
- Set Up Your Dipping Station: This is where the magic happens. In one bowl, put your flour. In another, beat the eggs. In a third, combine your breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and lemon zest. Season everything with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Dredge the Chicken: Coat each piece of chicken in flour, making sure it’s fully covered. Then dip it in the beaten egg, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs into the chicken so it forms a nice, even crust.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat a large frying pan over medium heat with enough olive oil to cover the bottom. Once the oil is hot (but not smoking), add your chicken pieces. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden and crispy. The chicken should be cooked through by the time the crust is golden brown.
- Serve: Place the chicken on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil. Serve it on a bed of fresh greens, and squeeze some lemon over the top for that zesty finish.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
What makes Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Milanese work so well is the balance of ingredients. Let’s break it down:
- Chicken Breasts: The lean meat cooks quickly, which means you get a crispy exterior without overcooking the inside. Flattening the chicken ensures it cooks evenly.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs, in particular, are great for creating that light, airy crunch. They absorb less oil and form a crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs.
- Eggs: The egg acts as a binder, helping the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken and creating a nice, golden crust when fried.
- Olive Oil: High-quality olive oil not only fries the chicken but also adds a rich, fruity flavor to the dish. It’s essential for that deep, crispy texture.
- Lemon and Herbs: Fresh lemon zest and herbs brighten up the dish. The lemon adds acidity that balances the richness of the chicken and oil.
Expert Tips
- Don’t skip the seasoning: Season every layer-flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. It helps build layers of flavor, ensuring each bite has a little something extra.
- Test the oil: Before frying, drop a small piece of bread into the oil. If it sizzles and browns quickly, the oil’s hot enough. If it just sinks without doing much, it’s too cold.
- Serve immediately: Milanese is best enjoyed fresh. As it sits, the crispy crust will lose its crunch. Serve it up as soon as it’s cooked for the perfect texture.
- Use a thermometer: If you want to be absolutely sure the chicken’s cooked, use a thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) when done.
Recipe Variations
- Different Proteins: If chicken isn’t your thing, swap it out for veal or pork. These work just as well with the breading process and give the dish a slightly different flavor.
- Herb Variations: While Jamie sticks with parsley or thyme, you could try basil or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
- Stuffed Milanese: For an extra indulgent twist, you can stuff the chicken with cheese (mozzarella or provolone) before breading it. It adds an oozy, cheesy surprise inside.
- Vegetarian Version: Use thick slices of eggplant instead of chicken for a vegetarian take. The eggplant absorbs the breadcrumbs beautifully, and you still get that satisfying crunch.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Milanese is one of those dishes that proves simplicity can be extraordinary. The crispy chicken paired with the fresh salad is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a meal you can make on a busy weeknight or serve at a dinner party-either way, it’ll be a hit.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Milanese Different From Other Recipes?
Jamie Oliver’s version stands out with its fresh ingredients like lemon zest and parsley, giving the dish a vibrant, fresh flavor. The breadcrumb coating is perfectly crispy without being overly greasy.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Milanese In Advance?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and breadcrumb mixture ahead of time. Just store them separately and assemble right before frying for the best crunch.
What Side Dishes Go Well With Chicken Milanese?
A simple salad with arugula, tomatoes, and a light dressing works great. You could also pair it with mashed potatoes or pasta for a heartier meal.