Introduction: What is Milanesa de Pollo?
Milanesa de Pollo is a traditional dish in Latin America, particularly in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. It is a breaded chicken cutlet that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Milanesa de Pollo is usually served with a side of fries, salad, or mashed potatoes. It can also be used as a sandwich filling. This dish is easy to prepare and is a great option for a quick and tasty meal.
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Breast
To make Milanesa de Pollo, you will need boneless and skinless chicken breasts. First, trim any excess fat or cartilage from the chicken breasts. Then, use a sharp knife to slice the chicken breasts horizontally into thin fillets. Make sure the fillets are of even thickness so that they cook evenly.
Step 2: Tenderizing the Chicken
To ensure that the chicken is tender, it needs to be pounded. Cover the chicken fillets with plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to pound them until they are about 1/4 inch thick. Be careful not to pound too hard or the chicken will become too thin and fall apart.
Step 3: Preparing the Breading Station
Breading the chicken is a crucial step in making Milanesa de Pollo. In three separate shallow dishes, prepare the breading station. In the first dish, put all-purpose flour. In the second dish, beat two eggs. In the third dish, mix breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices.
Step 4: Breading the Chicken
To bread the chicken, first coat it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it is fully coated. Finally, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs gently onto the chicken to ensure even coverage.
Step 5: Resting the Breaded Chicken
After the chicken is breaded, let it rest on a plate for about 10 minutes. This allows the breading to adhere to the chicken and prevents it from falling off during cooking.
Step 6: Heating the Oil
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to avoid a soggy crust.
Step 7: Frying the Milanesa
Add the breaded chicken to the hot oil, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the chicken to steam and become soggy.
Step 8: Draining the Excess Oil
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet using a slotted spatula and place it on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil.
Step 9: Serving the Milanesa
Serve the Milanesa de Pollo hot with a side of fries, salad, or mashed potatoes. It can also be used as a sandwich filling. Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Conclusion: Tips and Variations
To make this dish even more delicious, try adding grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture or substituting chicken with beef or pork. You can also add a variety of spices to the breading mixture, such as paprika, cumin, or garlic powder. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can bake the Milanesa de Pollo in the oven instead of frying it.
Bonus Recipe: Milanesa Sauce
To make milanesa sauce, mix equal parts of mayonnaise and ketchup in a bowl. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a dash of salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix well and serve as a dipping sauce for the Milanesa de Pollo.
