Chicken Milanese: Frannie And The Fox Recipe

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 45 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving into a dish that's both comforting and a little bit fancy: Chicken Milanese. Specifically, we're taking inspiration from Frannie and the Fox, known for their amazing take on this classic. So, if you're ready to whip up something that's sure to impress, keep reading! I will guide you through everything you need to know to make this restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Trust me, it’s way easier than it sounds and totally worth the effort. Let's get cooking!

What is Chicken Milanese?

Before we jump into the recipe, let's talk about what Chicken Milanese actually is. Originating from Milan, Italy, it's essentially a breaded chicken cutlet. But not just any breaded chicken! We're talking about a thin, tender cutlet coated in crispy, golden breadcrumbs, usually served with a simple salad or a squeeze of lemon. The beauty of Chicken Milanese lies in its simplicity and the quality of ingredients. When done right, it's a symphony of textures and flavors – the juicy chicken, the crunchy crust, and the bright, acidic lemon cutting through the richness. The dish is very similar to the Austrian dish Wiener Schnitzel, which is traditionally made with veal. This dish is popular because of how easy it is to make and customize.

Now, Frannie and the Fox likely put their own spin on this classic, so we're aiming to capture that restaurant magic with our version. This means paying attention to every detail, from the type of breadcrumbs we use to the way we cook the chicken. Every step will ensure your Chicken Milanese is as delicious as possible.

Key Components for Perfect Chicken Milanese

Chicken Cutlets: Thinly sliced chicken breasts are essential for quick and even cooking.
Breadcrumbs: Use high-quality breadcrumbs, preferably homemade or panko for extra crispiness.
Eggs: These act as the binding agent, helping the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, umami flavor to the breadcrumb mixture.
Butter and Oil: A combination of both ensures a rich flavor and prevents the butter from burning.

Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, let's gather our ingredients. Here's what you'll need to make a Chicken Milanese that would make Frannie and the Fox proud:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup olive oil
4 tablespoons butter
Lemon wedges, for serving
Arugula salad (optional), for serving

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Chicken: If you can't find pre-cut chicken cutlets, you can easily make your own by slicing chicken breasts in half horizontally and then pounding them to an even thickness.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are my go-to for their extra-crispy texture, but regular breadcrumbs will work in a pinch. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is always best, but pre-grated will do if that's what you have on hand. Pecorino Romano is a good substitute.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a lovely brightness to the dish. If you don't have fresh, you can use 1 tablespoon of dried parsley, but the flavor won't be quite the same.
Oil and Butter: I like using a combination of olive oil and butter for the best flavor and browning. You can use all olive oil or another neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil if you prefer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s how to make your very own Chicken Milanese, inspired by Frannie and the Fox:

Preparing the Chicken

Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This ensures even cooking and tenderizes the chicken.
Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken cutlets generously with salt and black pepper. Don't be shy – this is your chance to build flavor!

Setting Up the Breading Station

Prepare Three Shallow Dishes: In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, whisk the eggs. In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Line Up the Dishes: Arrange the dishes in a line: flour, eggs, and breadcrumb mixture. This will make the breading process smooth and efficient.

Breading the Chicken

Dredge in Flour: Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
Dip in Egg: Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it's fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off.
Coat in Breadcrumbs: Press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat both sides completely. Press firmly to help the breadcrumbs adhere.
Repeat: Repeat the breading process with the remaining chicken cutlets.

Cooking the Chicken

Heat the Oil and Butter: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. The pan should be hot enough to sizzle when you add a breadcrumb.
Cook the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken cutlets into the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Drain Excess Oil: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Repeat: Repeat the cooking process with the remaining chicken cutlets, adding more oil and butter to the pan as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your Chicken Milanese is cooked to golden perfection, it's time to serve it up! Here are a few serving suggestions to make your meal extra special:

Lemon Wedges: Serve the Chicken Milanese immediately with lemon wedges. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, acidic note that perfectly complements the richness of the dish.
Arugula Salad: A simple arugula salad with a light vinaigrette is a classic accompaniment to Chicken Milanese. The peppery arugula and tangy dressing cut through the richness of the chicken.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are another great side dish option. They provide a comforting contrast to the crispy chicken.
Pasta: Serve the Chicken Milanese with a side of pasta, such as spaghetti aglio e olio or a simple tomato sauce.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Milanese

Use Thin Cutlets: Thinly sliced chicken breasts cook quickly and evenly, ensuring a tender and juicy result. If your cutlets are too thick, they may not cook through before the breadcrumbs become too dark.
Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the chicken in batches prevents overcrowding the pan, which can lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy breading. Make sure to give the chicken plenty of space to brown properly.
Use a Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Don't Skip the Resting Period: Allowing the cooked chicken to rest on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate helps to drain any excess oil and keeps the breading crispy.

Variations and Adaptations

Herb Crust: Add your favorite fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano, to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or Fontina, for a unique flavor.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, guys! A delicious and impressive Chicken Milanese recipe inspired by Frannie and the Fox. With a little bit of prep and attention to detail, you can easily recreate this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a truly memorable meal. Happy cooking!