Oven-Baked Mini Chicken Schnitzels

We start by preparing the chicken breast, cutting it into small, even pieces so that it cooks evenly. We will lightly pound these pieces with a meat hammer to thin them out, allowing for efficient marination and intensifying the flavors. In a bowl, we add three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, which will provide a rich taste and delicious texture. We add a little freshly ground pepper and the juice of one lemon, which will add a touch of freshness. We mix the ingredients well to obtain a homogeneous marinade.

After we have obtained the marinade, we add the chicken pieces and ensure that each piece is evenly coated. We cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in tastier and juicier chicken.

In the meantime, we prepare the crust mixture. In a deep plate, we put grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and optionally, chopped fresh parsley, which will add a note of freshness and color. Even if you don’t have parsley on hand, the crust will be delicious without it. We mix the ingredients well to ensure they are evenly distributed.

After the marination time has expired, we take the chicken pieces out of the refrigerator and dip them in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, making sure they are evenly coated on all sides. We place the chicken pieces in a tray that we have greased with oil or, if we prefer, we can use parchment paper greased with a little oil to prevent sticking.

We preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius and then place the tray with the chicken inside. We cook for 30 minutes, turning the chicken pieces halfway through to achieve an even and crispy crust.

For the side dish, it’s ideal to prepare a fresh salad, using garden ingredients if available. A colorful salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh greens will perfectly complement our dish.

Once the chicken is ready, we take it out of the oven, and the delicious aroma will fill the entire room. It is served warm, alongside the fresh salad, and each bite will bring an explosion of flavors. It is a simple yet impressive dish, perfect for a family dinner or a meal with friends. Enjoy!