Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish features tender chicken cutlets that are pan-fried until golden and crispy, then topped with a vibrant lemon and garlic sauce. The Salmoriglio sauce is packed with fresh flavors that perfectly complement the chicken. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal yet elegant enough to serve at a dinner party.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied and cut into portions)
- All-purpose flour, salt, and pepper (for dredging)
- 2 eggs, whisked with water (for dipping)
- Panko breadcrumbs (for breading)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Salmoriglio Sauce:
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts and cut them into portions. Season flour with salt and pepper for dredging. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with water, and in a third bowl, place panko breadcrumbs.
- Marinate the Chicken: Mix lemon zest, garlic, oregano, and olive oil to create a marinade. Use half to marinate the chicken for about 30 minutes.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge the marinated chicken in seasoned flour, dip in the egg mixture, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Fry the chicken until golden on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking sheet.
- Bake: Place the fried chicken in a preheated oven (350°F) for 10-12 minutes to finish cooking.
- Make the Sauce: While the chicken bakes, mix the remaining marinade with lemon juice, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper for the Salmoriglio sauce.
- Serve: Drizzle the sauce over the chicken cutlets and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Grilled Chicken: This sauce also works wonderfully with grilled chicken for a lighter option.
- Other Proteins: Try it with fish like swordfish or even roasted vegetables for a different twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover chicken and sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat chicken in the oven to retain its crispiness, then drizzle with freshly made sauce.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can make the Salmoriglio sauce in advance, but it’s best to cook the chicken just before serving.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, bone-in or boneless chicken thighs work well with this sauce.
How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
Be sure to use panko breadcrumbs and fry the chicken until golden. Baking afterward ensures it stays crispy.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Chicken can be frozen, but the breading may lose its crispiness. Freeze the chicken separately from the sauce.
Can I make the sauce without lemon?
The lemon is essential to the flavor, but you can experiment with vinegar for a different tang.
Conclusion
Chicken Salmoriglio is a bright, flavorful dish that turns simple chicken cutlets into something extraordinary. With its crisp breading and zesty sauce, it’s an easy yet impressive recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
PrintChicken Salmoriglio
Chicken Salmoriglio features crispy chicken cutlets topped with a zesty, herby lemon and garlic sauce. The combination of golden, pan-fried chicken with a tangy, fresh sauce made from lemon, garlic, oregano, and parsley makes this dish a delicious and unique meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, Chicken Salmoriglio is both simple and impressive.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied and cut into portions)
- All-purpose flour, salt, and pepper (for dredging)
- 2 eggs, whisked with water (for dipping)
- Panko breadcrumbs (for breading)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Salmoriglio Sauce:
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts and cut into portions. Season flour with salt and pepper for dredging. In a bowl, whisk eggs with water; in another, place panko breadcrumbs.
- Marinate the Chicken: Mix lemon zest, garlic, oregano, and olive oil to create a marinade. Use half to marinate the chicken for about 30 minutes.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge the marinated chicken in seasoned flour, dip in egg mixture, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Fry the chicken until golden on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking sheet.
- Bake: Place the fried chicken in a preheated oven (350°F) for 10-12 minutes to finish cooking.
- Make the Sauce: While the chicken bakes, mix the remaining marinade with lemon juice, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper to make the Salmoriglio sauce.
- Serve: Drizzle the Salmoriglio sauce over the chicken cutlets and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Grilled Chicken: This sauce also works wonderfully with grilled chicken for a lighter version.
- Other Proteins: Try the Salmoriglio sauce with fish like swordfish or roasted vegetables for variety.
- Extra Crispy: Use panko breadcrumbs and bake the chicken to ensure it stays crispy.