Why do you soak the chicken in milk before frying?

Milk works to tenderize the chicken. Don't worry, you only need to leave it in the milk for 10 minutes.

Why use panko breadcrumbs?

I might be breaking the rules by using classic bread crumbs along with Panko, but it totally works here. I love Panko for it's airy, light texture when frying, but I wanted traditional breadcrumbs in the mix as well. It creates the best combo!

How to know if the oil is hot enough for frying?

Make sure the oil is hot enough to avoid soggy, oil soaked chicken. It should be around 375 degrees. Instead of using a thermometer, I either toss a piece of breadcrumb in the oil or just dip the very end of the chicken in and make sure it is really bubbling before dropping the whole piece of chicken into the oil.

Do I need flour to fry chicken?

The flour helps the egg to stick to the chicken to then be dipped in the breadcrumbs. For the best crispy chicken, you will need flour.

Crispy Chicken Fritta (Olive Garden Copycat Recipe)

Name: Crispy Chicken Fritta (Olive Garden Copycat)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: italian
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts (about a 1 pound package); 1 cup whole milk; 1 cup all purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs; 3/4 cup plain bread crumbs; 1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano cheese, shredded finely; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 3 eggs; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; Optional: lemon wedges and parsley for serving

Description

This Crispy Chicken Fritta is breaded and pan fried to perfection! This parmesan crusted chicken absolutely blows the Olive Garden's chicken away.

Ingredients

Scale

2 chicken breasts (about a 1 pound package)
1 cup whole milk
1 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
3/4 cup plain bread crumbs
1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano cheese, shredded finely
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
3 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Optional: lemon wedges and parsley for serving

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Instructions

Begin by patting dry the chicken breast and slicing each chicken breast into two thin breasts, making 4 total breasts. Using the flat side of a kitchen mallet, pound each chicken about 10 times each to tenderize and thin the breast. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Add milk into a bowl and place the chicken into the milk for 10 minutes.
Use three medium size bowls or pie plates for the dipping process. Bowl 1: Add in flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper Bowl 2: Whisk the eggs Bowl 3: Whisk together the Panko, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Dip the chicken into the flour mixture. Then, dip it into the egg mixture. Lastly, dip the chicken into the panko bowl. Use your hands to really coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture.
Place a large skillet on the stovetop over medium high heat. Pour in the vegetable oil and allow it to heat up to 375 degrees. * To make sure the oil is hot enough, toss a piece of breadcrumb in the oil or just dip the very end of the chicken in and make sure it is really bubbling before dropping the whole piece of chicken into the oil.
Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the chicken is crispy, browned and the internal temperature reaching 165 degrees. Transfer to a baking sheet with rack and cover with foil.
Allow it to cool for just a few minutes before serving. Serve and enjoy!

Equipment

skillet

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Notes

To avoid chicken juice flying around, cover with plastic wrap before using the mallet to thin out the chicken.
The oil temperature is super important for the correct results. Make sure it's around 375 degrees before adding in the chicken.
Be sure that the chicken is cooked entirely, by making sure it is no longer pink inside and/or a thermometer should read 165 degrees. Mine were completely cooked after frying. However, if the chicken is not cooked, finish it off in a 350 degree oven for a few minutes and re-check the temperature.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: dinner
Method: pan fried
Cuisine: italian