If you’re in the mood for a culinary adventure that transports your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean, look no further than these irresistible Feta and Thyme Chicken Schnitzels! This delightful dish combines tender chicken breasts with a crispy, golden crust, bursting with the rich flavors of crumbled feta and aromatic thyme. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive gathering, these schnitzels are not just a meal; they’re a celebration of flavor and texture that you won't want to miss. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking and tender meat.
- Prepare three separate shallow dishes: one with beaten eggs, one with breadcrumbs mixed with chopped thyme, salt, and pepper, and one with crumbled feta cheese.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the breading adhere better.
- Dip each chicken breast first into the beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help crumbs stick.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of crumbled feta cheese over each breaded chicken breast, pressing lightly to make it adhere.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan with about 1/4 inch depth.
- Carefully place breaded chicken schnitzels into the hot oil and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove schnitzels from the pan and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Let the schnitzels rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh thyme sprigs and a lemon wedge for added brightness.
Tips
- Pound for Perfection: Ensure your chicken breasts are of even thickness by pounding them to about 1/4 inch. This not only helps with even cooking but also makes the meat more tender.
- Set Up Your Stations: Organize your workspace with three shallow dishes for the egg wash, seasoned breadcrumbs, and feta cheese. This will streamline the breading process and keep things tidy.
- Dry is Best: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels before breading. Removing excess moisture helps the coating adhere better and results in a crispier schnitzel.
- Press to Adhere: After coating the chicken in breadcrumbs, sprinkle on the feta cheese and press gently to ensure it sticks. This adds a delicious cheesy layer that enhances flavor.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Heat your oil to about 350°F (175°C) before adding the schnitzels. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly, resulting in a beautifully golden crust.
- Drain for Crispiness: After frying, place the schnitzels on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. This will keep them crispy and prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Let Them Rest: Allow the schnitzels to rest for a few minutes before serving. This step lets the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
- Garnish for Flair: Serve your schnitzels with fresh thyme sprigs and a wedge of lemon. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish with a fresh, zesty flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 470kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 40g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 240mg
