1-Follow this step-by-step guide to make how to make crispy and tender chicken schnitzel at home. Start by slicing each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thin fillets for even cooking. This step helps ensure your chicken schnitzel turns out tender and delicious every time.

2-Next, place each fillet in a resealable bag and pound it with a meat mallet or rolling pin until it’s evenly flattened to a thickness of between ⅛ and ¼ inch. Mix 2 cups water with 2 tablespoons kosher salt and 2 teaspoons sugar until dissolved to make a brine, then soak the fillets in it for 30 to 45 minutes. After soaking, pat them dry to prepare for breading.

3-Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls: one for the flour, one for the beaten eggs, and one for the panko mixture. The panko mixture includes 1⅓ cups panko breadcrumbs, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon salt, ¾ teaspoon garlic powder, ¾ teaspoon paprika, and 2 tablespoons sesame seeds. Coat each fillet first in flour, then dip in egg, and finally dredge in the breadcrumb mix, pressing to make it stick. For extra tips on breading, check out our guide on crispy chicken coating techniques.

4-Heat about ⅛ inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until it’s hot, then fry two pieces at a time for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels and serve warm with lemon wedges. This method keeps your easy chicken schnitzel recipe straightforward yet effective.