Chicken breast schnitzels with Ouzi

Chicken breast schnitzels with Ouzi – a flavorful delicacy for family meals

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today I will present to you a delightful recipe for chicken breast schnitzels accompanied by Ouzi, a dish that combines the crispy texture of chicken with the rich flavors of rice and vegetables. This recipe is perfect for a family lunch or a special dinner, and I am here to guide you step by step, ensuring that the final result is truly spectacular.

Preparation time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Servings: 4

Ingredients

*For the schnitzels:*
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- Ground chicken seasoning: all spice, cloves, coriander, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaves
- 3 eggs
- Salt to taste
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- Oil for frying

*For Ouzi:*
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1/2 kg ground beef
- 1 pack frozen peas
- 4 tablespoons mixed meat seasoning (all spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, white pepper, black pepper)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 chicken Maggi cube
- 4 cups water
- 5 tablespoons corn oil
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup almond slivers

Preparing chicken breast schnitzels

1. Preparing the meat: Start by slicing the chicken breasts into thin pieces. Use a meat mallet to lightly pound each slice, making it more tender. This is an essential step to ensure the meat cooks evenly and remains juicy.

2. Seasoning: Sprinkle salt and mixed spices over each slice of meat. These will add a special flavor and pleasant aroma. Let them absorb the flavors for 10 minutes.

3. Beating the eggs: In a bowl, beat the eggs with a little salt and pepper. This will be the base for achieving a crispy crust.

4. Breading: Place the flour in another bowl. Take each chicken slice, coat it in flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs. Ensure each piece is evenly coated for a perfect crust.

5. Frying: Heat the oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the schnitzels until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Once cooked, remove them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Preparing Ouzi

1. Boiling the peas: Boil the peas in salted water according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

2. Toasting the seeds: In a non-stick pot, add the corn oil. Toast the pine nuts and almond slivers until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. This will give the oil a unique flavor.

3. Cooking the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the same pot with the toasted seeds. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt and 2 tablespoons of mixed seasoning. Cook until the meat is well done and the water has evaporated.

4. Preparing the rice: In the same pot, add 4 cups of water, spices, salt, and the Maggi cube. Once the water starts to boil, add the basmati rice, which has been rinsed and drained. Cook the rice for 20 minutes, then let it sit covered for another 5 minutes.

5. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl or a high-sided baking dish, mix the rice with the ground beef and peas, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed.

6. Alternative serving option: Another delicious option would be to layer the rice on a platter, add a layer of ground meat, and finally, the peas. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts and almonds on top for an elegant look.

Serving and ideal combinations

Chicken breast schnitzels with Ouzi are delicious served alongside a fresh roasted pepper salad or any other preferred salad. This combination not only provides a pleasant contrast of textures but also an explosion of flavors that will delight your senses.

Helpful tips for a perfect result

- Choose the freshest chicken breast for a juicy texture.
- Do not overheat the oil to avoid burning the schnitzels. It is essential to fry over medium heat.
- You can experiment with different types of rice, such as long-grain rice or wild rice, to add a personal twist to the recipe.
- For added flavor, consider adding a few fresh mint or parsley leaves before serving.

Nutritional information
A serving of chicken schnitzels with Ouzi contains:
- Calories: approximately 600 kcal
- Protein: 40 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g

These values may vary depending on the ingredients used and the method of preparation, but chicken schnitzels are an excellent source of protein, while Ouzi provides fiber and vitamins thanks to the peas and rice.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace the beef?
Yes, you can use chicken or turkey for a lighter option.

2. How can I keep the schnitzels crispy?
It is recommended to consume them immediately after frying, but if you have leftovers, you can reheat them in the oven to regain their crispiness.

3. Can they be frozen?
Yes, the schnitzels can be frozen, but it is best to consume them fresh to maintain texture and flavor.

4. What drinks pair well?
A dry white wine or a citrus-based cocktail will perfectly complement this dish.

I challenge you to try this recipe and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills! Enjoy your meal!