Chrissy Teigen’s Cheesy Chicken Milanese

Introduction

Chrissy Teigen’s Cheesy Chicken Milanese is a decadent, crispy, and cheesy take on the classic Italian Milanese, bringing together tender, breaded chicken cutlets with a gooey, melty cheese layer. This dish delivers a satisfying crunch on the outside and a cheesy, indulgent surprise on the inside. It’s a beautiful combination of comfort food richness and Italian-inspired elegance that’s perfect for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to a special weeknight meal.

I first made this dish when I wanted to elevate the classic chicken Milanese with a fun, cheesy twist. The crispy breadcrumb coating is golden and perfectly seasoned, while the melted cheese—whether it’s mozzarella, fontina, or a mix of your favorites—adds a luxurious layer of gooey goodness that makes every bite irresistible. A squeeze of fresh lemon on top brightens the flavors, cutting through the richness with a refreshing zing.

What I love most about Chrissy Teigen’s Cheesy Chicken Milanese is its versatility. You can swap in prosciutto for a salty touch, add fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or serve it with a simple arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette for a peppery contrast. Pair it with crusty bread and you’ve got a well-balanced, indulgent meal that’s packed with flavor, texture, and a touch of Italian-inspired luxury.

Perfect for:

Casual family dinners
Special weekend meals
Dinner parties
Cheese lovers
Crispy breading enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Chrissy Teigen’s Cheesy Chicken Milanese will become your go-to comfort meal:

Irresistibly Cheesy: The melted mozzarella adds a gooey, indulgent twist to the classic Milanese.
Perfectly Crispy Texture: The breadcrumb coating ensures a golden, crispy exterior.
Savory Flavor Explosion: A combination of parmesan, breadcrumbs, and seasonings makes every bite rich in flavor.
Easy to Make: Simple steps and accessible ingredients make it a hassle-free dinner option.
Customizable Seasoning: Adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences.
Quick Pan-Frying Method: Achieve that crispy coating without heating up the oven for too long.
Comfort Food Appeal: A satisfying meal that brings warmth and contentment.
Less Fussy Presentation: It looks rustic but upscale enough for a special dinner presentation.
High-Quality Protein: Packed with lean chicken breast for a hearty meal.
Family-Friendly Recipe: A crowd-pleasing meal that even picky eaters will love.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 22g

Ingredients

For the Cheesy Chicken Milanese:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Topping:

4 slices fresh mozzarella
Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Panko Breadcrumbs: Create a light and extra crispy crust.
Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a gooey, cheesy texture that elevates the dish.
Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, savory flavor.
Olive Oil: Perfect for pan-frying and adding a rich taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Pound the Chicken: Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts until about 1/2-inch thick.
Season the Flour: Place the flour in a shallow dish and season it with salt and pepper.
Beat Eggs: In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
Combine Breadcrumbs and Parmesan: In a third dish, mix panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and oregano.

Coat the Chicken:

Dredge the Chicken: Coat each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess flour, then dip it in the egg wash, and finally, coat it evenly in the breadcrumb mixture.

Pan-Fry the Chicken:

Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil.
Fry the Chicken: Fry the breaded chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.

Add the Cheese Topping:

Top with Mozzarella: Place a slice of fresh mozzarella on each chicken breast during the last minute of frying. Cover briefly so the mozzarella melts.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Chrissy Teigen’s Cheesy Chicken Milanese:

Classic with Marinara Sauce: Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
On a Bed of Greens: Place slices over a salad for a balanced meal.
With Garlic Bread: Pair with crispy garlic bread for an authentic Italian touch.
Tomato Basil Twist: Add fresh tomatoes and basil for a summery twist.
Family-Style Platter: Serve everything together on a large platter for sharing.
With Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of lemon enhances the flavors beautifully.
Pair with Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside seasonal roasted veggies.
Over Pasta: Mix it into a bowl of spaghetti with marinara sauce.
As a Wrap Filling: Place slices in a wrap with arugula, tomatoes, and mustard.
With a Side of French Fries: For a hearty, indulgent combination.

Additional Tips

Use Thin Cutlets: Ensure your chicken breasts are thinly pounded for a crispy, even coating and faster cooking time.
Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning! Add a bit of salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the breadcrumbs for an extra flavor boost.
Double-Breading Trick: For an even crunchier crust, try a double breading technique by dipping the chicken back in the egg wash and breadcrumbs twice.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Parmesan, or cheddar to find your preferred cheesy twist.
Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain a frying temperature of around 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure even cooking without sogginess.
Searing in Batches: Fry your chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding in the pan, which can make the crust soggy.
Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley, basil, or cilantro for a bright, aromatic finish.
Zesty Lemon Touch: Serve with a slice of lemon for a refreshing tang that complements the rich, cheesy flavor.
Panko Power: Use panko breadcrumbs for the crispiest texture—they provide an ideal light and flaky crust.
Make it Gluten-Free: Swap regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko for a delicious gluten-free alternative.

Recipe Variations

Herb-Crusted Milanese: Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the breadcrumb coating.
Spicy Cheesy Milanese: Mix in chili flakes into the breadcrumb mix for heat.
Vegan Milanese Substitute: Use vegan cheese and plant-based breading options.
Pesto Twist: Spread pesto on the chicken before adding mozzarella for an Italian flair.
Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Special Equipment

Meat Mallet – For flattening the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
Sharp Chef’s Knife – For trimming any unwanted fat and prepping ingredients.
Cutting Board – A sturdy surface for chopping and prepping ingredients.
Shallow Bowls – Ideal for setting up breading stations with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
Large Rims Baking Sheet – For toasting breadcrumbs or keeping cooked chicken warm in the oven.
Skillet or Sautés Pan – A heavy-bottomed pan for crisping the chicken on the stovetop.
Slotted Spoon or Tongs – Perfect for flipping and removing the crispy chicken from the pan.
Meat Thermometer – Ensures the chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature.
Grater – For grating fresh parmesan or other cheeses to mix in the breading.
Paper Towels – Used to drain excess oil after frying for that crispy perfection.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes! Thaw them first to ensure even cooking.
How can I keep the chicken crispy after cooking?
Place it on a wire rack in a warm oven until serving.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or gluten-free panko.
What’s the best cheese for a cheesy topping?
Fresh mozzarella offers a gooey texture, but you can use cheddar or gouda too.
How long does it take to make this meal?
Approximately 30 minutes from start to finish.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I add spices to the breadcrumb coating?
Absolutely! Try paprika, oregano, or cayenne pepper.
What can I serve alongside Cheesy Chicken Milanese?
Consider a side salad, pasta, garlic bread, or steamed veggies.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs?
Yes, high-quality store-bought breadcrumbs work just fine!

Conclusion

This Cheesy Chicken Milanese, inspired by Chrissy Teigen, is a deliciously decadent twist on a classic Italian favorite. Crispy breaded chicken cutlets are pan-fried until golden, then topped with a gooey layer of melted cheese that takes this dish to a whole new level of indulgence. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon, it’s a perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and bright flavors. Whether served with a simple arugula salad, pasta, or roasted vegetables, this Milanese is sure to impress with its satisfying, savory goodness.

The magic of this recipe lies in the layers of texture and flavor. The crispy breading gives a satisfying crunch, while the gooey cheese adds a luxurious richness. A touch of garlic powder and oregano in the breading adds a subtle depth of flavor. The lemon juice and fresh parsley provide a refreshing brightness that balances out the richness beautifully.

I’d love to see your take on Chrissy Teigen’s Cheesy Chicken Milanese! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your crispy, cheesy masterpiece. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any creative twists or personal touches that made your Milanese uniquely yours!