Start by prepping the chicken breasts. Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they’re about 1/2-inch thick. This step is crucial because it helps the chicken cook evenly and ensures it stays juicy inside while getting perfectly crispy on the outside.

Once the chicken is ready, season both sides generously with salt and pepper. If you want to add some extra flavor, this is a good time to sprinkle on a little garlic powder or paprika.

Now comes the fun part—breading the chicken! To do this, you’ll need three shallow dishes:

In the first dish, add the flour.

In the second dish, whisk together the eggs.

In the third dish, mix the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Take each chicken breast and first dip it into the flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it's completely covered. Finally, coat the chicken with the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the crumbs stick. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot but not smoking. To test, drop a small breadcrumb into the oil. If it sizzles, you’re good to go!

Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F, so make sure you check with a meat thermometer. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

After your Chicken Schnitzel is done cooking, it’s time to serve! Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top for a burst of flavor and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a little color. Serve alongside your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables, and you're all set for a delicious meal!