Crispy, golden and full of flavour. Here’s how to perfect this classic at home with premium ingredients and butcher-backed technique.
Why Chicken Schnitzel Deserves Better
At Peter Bouchier, schnitzel isn’t just a quick dinner. It’s an opportunity to transform a humble cut into something exceptional. With quality chicken breast and the right preparation, you can achieve a restaurant-level result in your own kitchen.
Best Cut for Chicken Schnitzel
We recommend using free-range chicken breast, expertly trimmed for consistency. Ask our butchers to butterfly or slice them for you, or follow the guide below to do it yourself.
How to Prepare Chicken Schnitzel
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Flatten: Slice the breast horizontally, then place between baking paper and gently pound with a mallet to 1cm thickness
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Season: Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper
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Crumb: Dredge in plain flour, dip into beaten eggs, then coat generously in panko breadcrumbs. Add a touch of parmesan for a premium crust
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Rest: Let the schnitzels rest on a rack for 10 to 15 minutes before frying. This helps the crumb adhere and crisp up evenly
How to Cook Chicken Schnitzel
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Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add enough neutral oil like rice bran or grapeseed to cover the base
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Once hot, add schnitzels, taking care not to overcrowd the pan
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Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through
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Rest briefly on paper towel or a wire rack. Finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt
Serving Suggestions
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With creamy mash and red cabbage slaw
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In a crusty roll with aioli, lettuce and tomato
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Topped with Napoli sauce and mozzarella for a quick parmigiana
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Sliced over a warm grain salad with lemon dressing
Bouchier Tips for Perfect Schnitzel
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Use a mix of panko and finely grated parmesan in your crumb for deeper flavour and crunch
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Don’t skip the resting step after crumbing. It helps keep the coating intact during cooking
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For best results, cook in shallow oil rather than deep frying. It gives you better control and a cleaner flavour
From Our Butcher’s Bench
Our chicken schnitzels are also available pre-prepared in store. Hand-crumbed daily using premium ingredients. Visit us in Toorak or Malvern, or browse our online shop for convenient, chef-quality options