Healthy Chicken Schnitzel Recipe – Not Enough Cinnamon (2024)

You are here:Home / Recipes / Healthy Chicken Schnitzel

Published on · Last updated on ·

Jump to Recipe

Healthy chicken schnitzel made with almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and baked in the oven to perfection! Ready in less than 35 minutes. Gluten free, paleo and low-carb.

Healthy Chicken Schnitzel Recipe – Not Enough Cinnamon (1)

Full disclosure guys: this is by no mean the traditional Wiener Schnitzel – which is usually made with veal or pork, coated with breadcrumbs and fried. No, no, no.

This recipe is a healthier, lighter version that you can make on a weeknight, and feel good about eating, too.It's easy to make and ready in less than 35 minutes.

It's made with almond flour and cornstarch for the crumbs, and then baked in the oven. The chicken is perfectly moist and tender – we hate dry chicken breasts around here! – and with the oregano, paprika and lemon zest, anything but boring!It's reaaaally delicious.

Let me show you how to make it!

Healthy Chicken Schnitzel Recipe – Not Enough Cinnamon (2)

How to make easy healthy schnitzel – step by step

  • Step 1 – Cut the chicken breast in half lengthwise with a sharp knife. No need to pound the chicken or flatten it (yay!)

Healthy Chicken Schnitzel Recipe – Not Enough Cinnamon (3)

  • Step 2 – Coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch
  • Step 3 – Dip a piece in beaten eggs
  • Step 4 – Coat with the almond flour mixture (almond flour, sweet paprika, dried oregano and lemon zest) by pressing firmly with your hands. Repeat with all chicken pieces.Tip: wash your hands between each piece of chicken so the mixture doesn't clump.

Healthy Chicken Schnitzel Recipe – Not Enough Cinnamon (4)

  • Step 5– Place coated breasts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
  • Step 6–Bake for 15 minutes and finish with the broiler for 5-8 minutes or until it's lightly golden.

Healthy Chicken Schnitzel Recipe – Not Enough Cinnamon (5)

Transfer to a serving dish (or not!), garnish with lemon wedges and some chopped parsley, and there you have it: a delicious healthy dinner on the table, ready to be devoured!

Healthy Chicken Schnitzel Recipe – Not Enough Cinnamon (6)

What to serve with schnitzel?

Traditionally, schnitzel is served along potatoes. Try them with:

  • mashed potatoes –or mashed cauliflower for a lighter version
  • simple steamed or boiled potatoes (pictured)
  • potato wedges, or sweet potatoes wedges (not traditional, but delicious!)
  • potato salad

I also like to serve them with:

  • green salad (arugula is pictured here but any kind of green salad would work)
  • coleslaw
  • greens like green beans or asparagus

Healthy Chicken Schnitzel Recipe – Not Enough Cinnamon (7)

Healthy Chicken Schnitzel Recipe – Not Enough Cinnamon (8)

Healthy Chicken Schnitzel Recipe – Not Enough Cinnamon (9)

5 from 4 votes

Print

Healthy Chicken Schnitzel

Healthy chicken schnitzel made with almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and baked in the oven to perfection! Ready in less than 35 minutes. Gluten free, paleo and low-carb.

CourseMain Course

CuisineAmerican, Austrian, German

Servings 4 people

Calories 398 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2large chicken breasts
  • 1.5tablespoonscornstarchor arrowroot flour
  • 2eggsbeaten
  • 1 ⅓cupsalmond flour
  • 2tablespoonsdried oregano
  • 1teaspoonsea salt
  • 1teaspoonsweet paprika
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1lemoncut into wedges - to serve
  • parsleyroughly chopped - to serve

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400F / 200C degrees . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with a bit of oil.

  2. Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise.

  3. Prepare three large bowls / stations: one with cornstarch, one with beaten eggs, and one with almond flour, oregano, salt, paprika, lemon zest mixed together.

  4. Place all breasts in cornstarch and toss until they're all well covered.

  5. Then one by one, dip in eggs, then almond flour mixture. Press down so it sticks and make a thick layer.

    Wash your hands between each breast so the mixture doesn’t clump.

  6. Place coated breast on prepared baking sheet and repeat with the remain breasts.

  7. Bake for 15 minutes on the middle rack of your oven, then move the baking sheet closer to the grid and broil for 5-8 minutes (depending on your oven) or until it's lightly golden.

    It won't get as golden as a fried chicken schnitzel, it's normal.

  8. Remove from the oven and serve with a couple of lemon wedges and parsley.

Recipe Notes

What to serve with schnitzel:

Traditionally, schnitzel is served alongpotatoes. Try them with:

  • mashed potatoes –ormashed cauliflowerfor a lighter version
  • simplesteamed or boiled potatoes(pictured)
  • potatowedges, or sweet potatoes wedges (not traditional, but delicious!)
  • potato salad

I also like to serve them with:

  • green salad(arugula is pictured here but any kind of green salad would work)
  • coleslaw
  • greens likegreen beansorasparagus
  • greens like green beans or asparagus

Nutrition Facts

Healthy Chicken Schnitzel

Amount Per Serving (1 schnitzel)

Calories 398Calories from Fat 207

% Daily Value*

Fat 23g35%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Cholesterol 154mg51%

Sodium 745mg32%

Potassium 528mg15%

Carbohydrates 15g5%

Fiber 5g21%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 35g70%

Vitamin A 440IU9%

Vitamin C 15.7mg19%

Calcium 143mg14%

Iron 3.4mg19%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

If you tried these healthy chicken schnitzel, don’t forget to rate the recipe below and let me know how it went in the comments – I love hearing from you! You can also follow me onInstagram,PinterestandFacebookfor more deliciousness and behind-the-scenes!

More chicken breast recipes you would love:

  • Skinny Broccoli Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo (With Cauliflower Sauce)
  • Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers
  • Chipotle’s Chicken Burrito Bowl With Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
  • Chicken And Broccoli Stir-Fry
  • Grilled Chicken And Hummus Wraps

UPDATE NOTE:This post was originally published onJuly 12, 2013 and republished in May 2019 with a new recipe, new photos and more tips.

« Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats

Healthy Strawberry Muffins »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Susan Stone

    I just happen to have some almond meal in my freezer at home, so this is a perfect way to use it. For those who make their own almond milk, it's also perfect. I will be trying this next month when we get home. Thanks for posting this recipe.

  2. Christine

    This looks so good...I'll be trying this one soon for sure! Thanks for posting!

    • Marie

      Thank you Christine! Thanks for stopping by 🙂

  3. Ash- foodfashionparty

    Schnitzel in our favorite, such simple and healthy meal.

  4. laurasmess

    This looks absolutely delicious. What a great idea to use ground almonds for the crumb... it's an awesome nutritional boost as well as tasting delicious! Great photographs too. I'll definitely give this recipe a go xx

    • Marie

      Thank you Laura! 🙂 Let me know if you give it a try!

  5. Jacqueline Meldrum

    Step-by-step photos are always so helpful. Thanks for taking the time.

    • Marie

      I love taking them and knowing they're helpful!

  6. Geoffrey at Spoonabilities

    I don't care if 'healthy' is in the title.. This recipe looks so delicious and decadent, I would call it comfort food. Must give it a try.

    • Marie

      Thanks Geoffrey!! That's my philosophy! Always has to be delicious, even if it's healthy 🙂

  7. Kate Hackworthy

    Almond flour is such a great twist for this schnitzel! Sounds so easy and tasty.

    • Marie

      It's crazy the things you can do with almond flour, love it!

  8. Sara Welch

    What a good looking dinner! Will be perfect on a warm spring evening!

    • Marie

      I agree! Thanks girl! 🙂

  9. Jennifer | SavorwithJennifer

    Love, love, love schnitzel! Super excited to find your lightened up version that still looks SO GOOD! Trying tonight. Thanks!

    • Marie

      Thanks Jennifer! Let me know how it turns out!! 🙂

Healthy Chicken Schnitzel Recipe – Not Enough Cinnamon (2024)

FAQs

Are chicken schnitzels healthy? ›

Schnitzel is usually fried, which isn't the healthiest thing, but if you have no weight issues or cardiac markers, it won't hurt you. The chicken in schnitzel is skinless white meat, which is high in protein and low in fat.

Can you use cornstarch instead of flour for schnitzel? ›

Instead of dredging chicken schnitzel in flour try cornstarch instead of flour, a Chinese velveting technique that keeps the meat moist and tender. Panko breadcrumbs gives extra crunchiness and Italian Parmesan adds umami. The breaded meat cutlet goes by many names. For Germans and Austrians, it's schnitzel.

Why is my chicken schnitzel tough? ›

Due to their thinness, these chicken breasts cook incredibly quickly. When pan-frying, the breading won't have enough time to achieve that desirable golden brown color before the chicken is fully cooked. This will result in undercooked breading or overcooked (tough) chicken.

What goes well with chicken schnitzel? ›

8 - Serve chicken schnitzel with steamed broccolini, mashed potato, roast potatoes, cucumber salad (recipe to come soon) or braised red cabbage.

What is the unhealthiest part of a chicken? ›

The highest fat content in a chicken comes from the skin, followed by the wings, which just barely edge out the next-fattiest cut of chicken meat, the thigh. Next up is the drumstick, followed by breast meat, which is the leanest cut of chicken.

Which oil is best for frying chicken schnitzel? ›

The oil needs to be hot enough (it should be shimmering but not smoking) so that the chicken will cook well and crisp up. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and give you soggy, oily schnitzel. I use quality extra virgin olive oil, which has a high enough smoke point to fry the schnitzel.

Is it better to dredge chicken in flour or cornstarch? ›

Cornstarch will make your fried chicken better. A 50-50 split of all-purpose flour and cornstarch in your batter will leave you with an audibly crunchy, beautiful browned exterior. The corn adds a bit of golden color that all-purpose flour can't quite get to.

What does coating chicken in cornstarch do? ›

Cornstarch and high heat mean super-crispy chicken every time. Before cooking, toss the chicken in cornstarch until completely coated. When the cornstarch hits the hot oil, something magic happens and your chicken with gorgeously golden, crispy edges.

Can I use milk instead of egg for schnitzel? ›

I've been told that a great option to avoid eggs is melted butter before rolling it in the spices or coating, but I found that you can use milk or yogurt. The trick is to ensure that your fish or chicken fillet piece is dry so the coating sticks.

What's the difference between breaded chicken and chicken schnitzel? ›

The main difference between breaded chicken and chicken schnitzel is that chicken schnitzel is made with pounded chicken breasts. What are some side dishes for schnitzel? Potato salad, mashed potatoes, or spaetzle make great sides.

Why is my chicken schnitzel rubbery? ›

Overcooking might play a role in your chicken's tire-like texture. Leaving chicken in a pan, oven, or grill for just a little too long can suck the moisture right out and leave you with a dry, rubbery bird. Without moisture, the protein fibers in the chicken become elastic.

Why does the breading fall off my schnitzel? ›

Always dip your chicken in beaten egg before coating

Dipping your chicken in egg helps the breadcrumbs, or whatever coating you use, adhere evenly to the outside of the cutlet. You should start with a thin layer of flour, which gives the egg a better surface to cling to, then the egg, then the coating.

What do Austrians eat with schnitzel? ›

The dish was traditionally served in Austria covered in a mushroom or mustard based sauce, with butterhead lettuce tossed with a sweetened vinaigrette dressing, optionally with chopped chives or onions, potato salad, cucumber salad, or parsley potatoes. In recent times french fries and rice have become more common.

What is slang for chicken schnitzel? ›

The schnitty, the slang name for the legendary chicken schnitzel, comes with a generous side of chips and a forest of salad.

Are chicken schnitzels processed? ›

Naturally, this is a processed chicken product, the chicken has been shaped.

Is Chicken Schnitzel high in calories? ›

Nutritional Summary:

There are 297 calories in 100 grams of Chicken Schnitzel. Calorie Breakdown: 57% fat, 22% carbs, 21% prot.

How healthy is breaded chicken? ›

Fried and breaded chicken may be higher in unhealthy fats, carbs, and calories. Certain types of chicken are also heavily processed, and processed meat intake is associated with negative health effects.

What is the healthiest form of eating chicken? ›

Stir-frying is one of the healthiest ways to cook chicken. Stir-fried lean, skinless chicken breast has the lowest fat content and is a great source of a vitamin called niacin. It has high levels of unsaturated (generally good) fats and the lowest levels of saturated (generally bad) fats.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Allyn Kozey

Last Updated:

Views: 5892

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Allyn Kozey

Birthday: 1993-12-21

Address: Suite 454 40343 Larson Union, Port Melia, TX 16164

Phone: +2456904400762

Job: Investor Administrator

Hobby: Sketching, Puzzles, Pet, Mountaineering, Skydiving, Dowsing, Sports

Introduction: My name is Allyn Kozey, I am a outstanding, colorful, adventurous, encouraging, zealous, tender, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.