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Crispy Chicken Schnitzel Alfredo

Crispy Chicken Schnitzel Alfredo

Crispy Chicken Schnitzel Alfredo combines golden, crunchy breaded chicken cutlets with a silky, creamy Alfredo sauce tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta. This hearty and elegant dish balances textures and flavors beautifully, making it a family-friendly meal that’s quick to prepare and versatile enough for various dietary adjustments.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Schnitzel

  • 23 chicken breasts, thinly sliced into cutlets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil, for frying

For the Alfredo Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter (or vegan butter for dairy-free)
  • 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Reserved pasta water, as needed

For the Pasta and Garnish

  • 12 oz fettuccine pasta (or zucchini noodles / cauliflower rice for low-carb)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice chicken breasts into thin, even cutlets to ensure quick and uniform cooking. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper. Set up a breading station with three separate containers: one plate with flour, one bowl with beaten eggs, and another with bread crumbs. Dredge each cutlet first in flour, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with bread crumbs.
  2. Fry the Schnitzel: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the breaded chicken cutlets in batches to avoid overcrowding, frying each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer cooked schnitzels to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil and retain crispiness.
  3. Cook the Pasta: While frying chicken, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water to help adjust sauce consistency later.
  4. Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a separate pan over medium heat, melt butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens into a creamy texture. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen it.
  5. Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked fettuccine gently in the Alfredo sauce, ensuring every strand is luxuriously coated. Plate the creamy pasta and top with the crispy chicken schnitzel. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a restaurant-quality finish.

Notes

  • Flatten chicken evenly using a meat mallet or rolling pin between plastic wrap for uniform thickness and faster cooking.
  • Keep the frying oil hot (350-375°F) to prevent soggy schnitzel.
  • Fry chicken in batches to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smoother, richer Alfredo sauce.
  • Let schnitzels rest briefly on a rack or plate after frying to keep their crunch before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Schnitzel, Alfredo, Crispy Chicken, Creamy Pasta, Fettuccine, Comfort Food, Quick Dinner, Family Meal