Healthy Chicken Schnitzel Recipe – Not Enough Cinnamon (2024)

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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

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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.

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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.

Why is my chicken schnitzel soggy? ›

I've found that seasoning the chicken directly first gives me more flavor. Heat the oil well. 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.

How much sugar is in a chicken schnitzel? ›

Nutritional Details
Regular Size 390g Per Serve
Carbohydrates:44.1g11.3g
--Sugars:7.4g1.9g
Dietary Fibre:5.5g1.4g
Folate:69.8ug (35% RDI)17.9ug
9 more rows

How long does a chicken schnitzel take in the air fryer? ›

Arrange 2 pieces in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer. Set your timer for 12 mins, cook and turn then halfway through or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer your cooked chicken onto a plate and cover this in foil to keep them warm.

Which oil is best for frying chicken schnitzel? ›

Benefits: With a high smoke point and neutral flavor, canola oil is excellent for frying chicken. As an added bonus, it has high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which makes it healthier than other options.

What's the difference between breaded chicken and 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.

What is the secret to good schnitzel? ›

Clark reckons the secret to great schnitzel is to "trap air in the crust when you cook the meat by moving and shaking the pan". Her recipe swirls the pan "so oil cascades over the top of the cutlet in waves". It works – the coating is noticeably lighter.

What is the white stuff coming out of my chicken schnitzel? ›

The white stuff coming out of chicken as it cooks is simply extra protein that dissolves in water and is forced out of the meat by heat. Food scientist Topher McNeil, PhD, explains, “The [chicken] muscles themselves actually contract and squeeze out the liquid that's in between muscle cells.”

Why does the breading fall off my schnitzel? ›

You Don't Start Dry

The first step to breading chicken is crucial; make sure the chicken is completely dry before starting the dredging process. Using a paper towel, pat the meat dry on all sides. Excess moisture will cause the flour to get soggy and thus will not adhere properly to the chicken.

Can diabetics eat Chicken Schnitzel? ›

These golden-crumbed chicken schnitzel subs are a fun and tasty meal the whole family will enjoy. Plus they're diabetes friendly and high in satisfying protein.

Is Chicken Schnitzel bad for cholesterol? ›

Health Hazards

Chicken, of course, is one of these animal products, and though it has less cholesterol than other fatty proteins —like bacon or steaks with ribbons of fat — it still contributes to your overall cholesterol levels.

Is steak healthier than Chicken Schnitzel? ›

Compared to beef, chicken is a better source of protein. As a result of its high-fat content, beef is a higher fat and higher calorie meat. Chicken has more vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B1, B3, and B5. However, beef is significantly higher in folate and vitamin B12.

What to eat with chicken schnitzel? ›

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

Can you overcook schnitzel? ›

If the temperature of the oil is too hot, the outside of the chicken schnitzel will cook faster than the inside, which can result in an overcooked crumb and an undercooked inside.

Do you cook schnitzel on high or low heat? ›

Heat 1 cm of oil in a large frying pan over a high heat. When the oil is hot, add the schnitzels a couple at a time and cook until golden brown. Turn and cook the other side. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels and keep warm in the oven until serving.

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.

Is chicken schnitzel processed? ›

Some frozen schnitzels are breaded patties made from processed chicken or turkey meat, not whole poultry breasts.

What is the healthiest form of eating chicken? ›

According to the American Diabetes Association:
  • Choose chicken without the skin for less saturated fat and cholesterol.
  • Healthy preparation options include broiling, baking, roasting, steaming, or grilling foods.

Is chicken schnitzel bad for cholesterol? ›

Health Hazards

Chicken, of course, is one of these animal products, and though it has less cholesterol than other fatty proteins —like bacon or steaks with ribbons of fat — it still contributes to your overall cholesterol levels.

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