Crispy, golden chicken schnitzel paired with a rich mustard cream sauce is a classic dish that brings comfort and elegance to any meal. This recipe delivers perfectly breaded chicken with a velvety, tangy sauce in under an hour. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Schnitzel

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Mustard Cream Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound to an even thickness (~¼ inch).
Season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Set Up the Breading Station

Use three shallow dishes: flour, beaten eggs mixed with milk, and panko breadcrumbs.
Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in egg mixture, and coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Set aside.

3. Cook the Schnitzel

Heat about ¼ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Fry chicken breasts in batches, 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

4. Make the Mustard Cream Sauce

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to form a roux; cook 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth, then stir in heavy cream and Dijon mustard.
Simmer 2–3 minutes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Serve

Drizzle mustard cream sauce over schnitzels or serve on the side.
Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a light salad.

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Pro Tips

Pounding chicken to an even thickness ensures uniform cooking.
Use panko breadcrumbs for a crisp, light texture.
Fry in medium heat to avoid burning the crust while ensuring chicken cooks through.
Drain schnitzel on paper towels immediately to maintain crispiness.
Make the mustard cream sauce while the chicken cooks for faster preparation.

Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Texture: Crispy schnitzel with a soft, juicy interior.
Rich Flavor: Mustard cream sauce adds tang and depth.
Quick & Versatile: Ready in 35 minutes and pairs with various sides.
Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by both adults and kids for its savory, satisfying taste.
Elegant Yet Simple: Feels restaurant-quality without complicated techniques.

Substitutions & Variations

Chicken Alternatives: Pork or veal can be used for authentic schnitzel.
Breadcrumb Swap: Use seasoned or panko-style breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Sauce Variations: Add a teaspoon of whole-grain mustard or fresh herbs to enrich the cream sauce.
Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs in the breading.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

Make-Ahead

Pound and bread chicken up to 24 hours in advance; store covered in the refrigerator.

Storage

Refrigerate cooked schnitzel and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days.

Reheating

Reheat schnitzel in a skillet or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
Warm sauce gently on the stovetop before serving.

Serving Ideas

Classic mashed potatoes with butter and chives
Roasted or steamed asparagus
Buttered spätzle
Light green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Sautéed mushrooms for extra umami

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 38g
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg

(Values are approximate.)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this schnitzel ahead of time?

Yes, breaded chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying.

Can I bake the schnitzel instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden, flipping halfway.

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Can I prepare the mustard cream sauce in advance?

Yes, sauce can be made 1 day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

What sides go best with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, spätzle, or a light salad complement the flavors perfectly.

How do I keep the schnitzel crispy when reheating?

Reheat in a skillet or oven rather than microwave to maintain the golden crust.

Chicken Schnitzel with Mustard Cream Sauce is a timeless dish that balances crispy, golden chicken with a luxurious, tangy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe offers comfort, flavor, and elegance all on one plate. With simple techniques, versatile sides, and rich, satisfying flavors, it’s a must-have recipe in every home cook’s collection.