Himmel’s Best Chicken Schnitzel: A Chicago Classic

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The NBC Chicago Himmel chicken Schnitzel recipe is a beloved classic, a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, yet elegant dishes. This recipe, however, is more than just a nostalgic throwback; it’s a canvas upon which we can paint a masterpiece of culinary fusion.

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon capers, drained
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges

  • TOP  BEST Schnitzel in Skokie, IL - Updated  - Yelp
    TOP BEST Schnitzel in Skokie, IL – Updated – Yelp

    Image Source: yelpcdn.com

    Preparation:

    1. Prep the Chicken: Season the pounded chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
    2. Create the Coating Stations: Set up three shallow dishes: one for the flour, one for the egg mixture, and one for the breadcrumb mixture.
    3. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
    4. Cook the Schnitzel: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the breaded chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
    5. Make the Lemon-Caper Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the lemon juice, butter, parsley, and capers. Heat over low heat until the butter melts and the sauce is warm.
    6. Plate and Serve: Place a cooked chicken schnitzel on each plate and drizzle with the lemon-caper sauce. Garnish with lemon wedges and serve immediately.

    Total Time: 30 minutes

    Serving Ideas:

    Classic: Serve with a side of roasted potatoes and a simple green salad.

  • Mediterranean: Pair with a side of couscous and a Greek salad.
  • Asian Fusion: Serve with a side of stir-fried vegetables and a drizzle of soy sauce.

  • This dish is a testament to the global nature of food. The simple, yet elegant schnitzel, a staple of Austrian cuisine, is elevated by the bright, citrusy flavors of the Mediterranean. The result is a dish that is both familiar and exotic, a symphony of flavors that dances on the palate.

    It’s a dish that tells a story, a story of cultures mingling and traditions evolving. It’s a dish that invites us to explore the world, one bite at a time.