The crispy, golden-brown chicken cutlets perfectly contrast with the fresh, peppery mesclun salad. This meal not only looks stunning but also combines rich flavors with vibrant greens. The chicken is light but full of flavor, while the salad adds a refreshing touch that balances the dish beautifully.
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal when you want something satisfying yet light. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can enjoy a hearty yet healthy dish that’s full of texture and flavor. The balance between the crispiness of the chicken and the freshness of the salad makes every bite a delight.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil for frying
- 4 cups mesclun greens
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In three shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, then dip into the egg, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a large bowl, toss the mesclun greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve the crispy chicken cutlets over the salad and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Chicken Milanese with Mesclun Salad is a fantastic dish that combines crispy, tender chicken with a light and fresh salad, making it the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe has it all—flavor, texture, and ease of preparation.
The Perfect Balance of Crispy and Fresh
The star of this dish is the crispy chicken Milanese. The chicken breasts are coated in a simple yet flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then fried until golden brown and crunchy. The result is a crispy exterior with a juicy and tender interior. This gives you that satisfying crunch in every bite, while the chicken remains moist and flavorful on the inside.
To complement the chicken, we pair it with a vibrant mesclun salad. The mix of fresh greens, including peppery arugula, tender spinach, and crisp lettuce, creates a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken. The salad is tossed with a tangy dressing made from balsamic vinegar and olive oil, which adds just the right amount of acidity and depth of flavor.
Easy to Make and Full of Flavor
This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy nights when you still want to enjoy a home-cooked meal. It’s simple yet impressive, ideal for both family dinners and special occasions. You can even customize the salad to suit your preferences. Add extra vegetables, such as sliced bell peppers or avocado, or swap out the mesclun for other greens like arugula or mixed baby greens.
The chicken can also be made in advance and served either warm or cold, making it a great option for meal prepping. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a side of pasta for a heartier meal.
A Healthier Twist on Fried Chicken
What makes this Chicken Milanese recipe even better is that it offers a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. By using boneless, skinless chicken breasts and pan-frying them in a small amount of olive oil, you get the crispy, golden texture without all the heavy batter. Plus, the mesclun salad adds a generous serving of vitamins and fiber, balancing out the richness of the chicken and making the meal more nutritious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Customizable: Adjust the salad and chicken toppings to your liking.
- Light & Healthy: A lighter version of fried chicken, paired with a fresh, nutrient-packed salad.
- Impressive & Delicious: A great meal to serve for guests or family gatherings.
Whether you’re craving something crispy and comforting or looking for a meal that’s as healthy as it is delicious, Chicken Milanese with Mesclun Salad is the answer. Try it out today, and you’ll have a new favorite dish that’s sure to become a regular on your menu!
What Makes Chicken Milanese Special?
The Chicken Milanese is made by breading boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. This creates a crispy outer layer while keeping the chicken moist and tender on the inside. The chicken is then pan-fried to perfection, providing a satisfying crunch with each bite. The key to this dish’s success lies in the simple yet delicious coating and the quick frying technique, which ensures that the chicken remains juicy inside while achieving the crispy texture on the outside.
The Freshness of Mesclun Salad
To balance the richness of the chicken, the dish is served with a vibrant mesclun salad, made with a mix of fresh greens like arugula, baby spinach, and mixed lettuces. The salad is complemented by sliced cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onions, which add bursts of freshness. The salad is dressed with a light balsamic vinaigrette made from olive oil and balsamic vinegar, bringing a refreshing acidity that perfectly complements the chicken.
Quick and Easy to Prepare
This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner party, as it only takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The simplicity of the recipe, paired with the fact that it requires only a few basic ingredients, makes it a go-to meal for those who want a flavorful yet easy-to-make dinner. Whether you’re serving it to your family or guests, the combination of crispy chicken and fresh salad is sure to impress.
A Healthier Fried Chicken Option
While this recipe features fried chicken, it’s a healthier take on the classic. By using boneless, skinless chicken breasts and frying them in just a small amount of olive oil, the dish remains lighter and lower in fat compared to traditional fried chicken recipes. The mesclun salad adds a healthy dose of vegetables and fiber, making this meal a satisfying yet nutritious option.
Customizing Your Dish
One of the great things about Chicken Milanese with Mesclun Salad is its versatility. Feel free to modify the salad by adding different vegetables like avocado or bell peppers, or you can use a different type of lettuce or greens based on your preferences. If you want to make the meal heartier, you can serve the chicken with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a side of pasta.
Conclusion
Chicken Milanese with Mesclun Salad is a perfect blend of crispy, golden chicken and a light, refreshing salad. This easy-to-make dish is not only quick but also healthy, offering a lighter twist on traditional fried chicken. The crispy chicken pairs wonderfully with the fresh greens and tangy dressing, creating a balanced and flavorful meal. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers on both taste and ease. Give it a try, and you’ll have a delicious, satisfying meal in just 30 minutes!