Bobby Flay’s Chicken Milanese is a crispy, golden-brown chicken cutlet served with a refreshing arugula salad and a squeeze of lemon. This Italian-inspired dish is simple yet packed with flavor, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal. The crispy breading, combined with the fresh salad topping, creates a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
What is Bobby Flay’s Chicken Milanese?
Chicken Milanese is a traditional Italian dish featuring thinly pounded chicken breasts coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and pan-fried to a perfect golden crisp. Bobby Flay’s version enhances the classic recipe with bold flavors and a perfectly balanced lemon-dressed salad for a light yet satisfying meal.

Other Bobby Flay Recipes
- Bobby Flay Cranberry Chutney
- Bobby Flay Stuffed Peppers
- Bobby Flay Mushroom Stroganoff
- Bobby Flay Corned Beef and Cabbage
Why You Love This Recipe
- Crispy and flavorful coating – A golden, crunchy crust that locks in the juiciness of the chicken.
- Simple and quick to make – Ready in under 30 minutes with easy-to-find ingredients.
- Perfectly balanced flavors – The crispy chicken pairs beautifully with the bright, lemony salad.
- Great for meal prep – Leftovers stay crispy and reheat well for the next day.
- Customizable – Easily swap ingredients to fit dietary preferences.
Ingredients Needed to Make Bobby Flay Chicken Milanese
- Chicken breasts – 2 large, boneless and skinless
- All-purpose flour – ½ cup
- Eggs – 2, beaten
- Panko breadcrumbs – 1 cup
- Parmesan cheese (grated) – ½ cup
- Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon
- Salt and black pepper – To taste
- Olive oil – ½ cup for frying
- Butter – 2 tablespoons
- Lemon wedges – For serving
For the Salad Topping
- Arugula – 2 cups
- Cherry tomatoes (halved) – ½ cup
- Red onion (thinly sliced) – ¼ cup
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed) – 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
- Parmesan shavings – ¼ cup
- Salt and black pepper – To taste
Instructions to Prepare Bobby Flay;s Chicken Milanese
- Pound the chicken thin – Place chicken breasts between parchment paper and pound them to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Season the chicken – Sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Prepare the breading stations – Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning in a third.
- Coat the chicken – Dredge each piece in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Heat the oil and butter – In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
- Pan-fry the chicken – Cook each cutlet for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain excess oil – Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Prepare the salad topping – Toss arugula, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble and serve – Place the crispy chicken on a plate, top with the salad, and garnish with Parmesan shavings and lemon wedges.

What Goes Well With Bobby Flay Chicken Milanese
- Served with a fresh arugula salad – A light, peppery salad balances the richness of the crispy chicken.
- Pair with roasted vegetables – Roasted asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers make excellent side dishes.
- Enjoy with garlic mashed potatoes – Creamy potatoes complement the crunchy chicken beautifully.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze – A slight drizzle enhances the dish with a tangy-sweet depth.
- Serve with pasta – A side of spaghetti aglio e olio or lemon butter pasta pairs well.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Bobby Flay Chicken Milanese
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch – They create a crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Pound the chicken evenly – Ensures quick and even cooking without drying out the meat.
- Let the breaded chicken rest – Allowing it to sit for 5 minutes before frying helps the coating stick better.
- Use a mix of oil and butter – This combination adds flavor while preventing the butter from burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry in batches to maintain even cooking and crispy texture.
Variations of Bobby Flay Chicken Milanese
- Gluten-free version – Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular flour and panko.
- Spicy Chicken Milanese – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for heat.
- Caprese-style Milanese – Top with fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze for an Italian twist.
- Keto-friendly Milanese – Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs for a low-carb option.
- Lemon herb Milanese – Add fresh lemon zest and chopped parsley to the breading for extra flavor.
Storage Guidelines for Bobby Flay Chicken Milanese
- Refrigerate leftovers – Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for long-term storage – Place breaded but uncooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Keep the salad separate – Store the salad in a separate container to prevent sogginess.
Reheating Tips for Bobby Flay Chicken Milanese
- Reheat in the oven – Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Use an air fryer for best texture – Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes for a crispy finish.
- Avoid microwaving – The breading can become soggy, so use the oven or air fryer instead.
FAQs
How do you keep Chicken Milanese crispy?
To keep Chicken Milanese crispy, let it rest on a wire rack instead of a paper towel after frying. Avoid covering it with foil, as it traps steam and makes the coating soggy. If reheating, use an oven or air fryer instead of a microwave.
Can you bake Chicken Milanese instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake Chicken Milanese for a healthier option. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place breaded chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
What is the best oil for frying Chicken Milanese?
Use neutral oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil. Mixing a little butter with the oil adds extra flavor without burning.
Can I make Chicken Milanese ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before frying. If you need to store cooked Milanese, let it cool completely before refrigerating and reheat in the oven to keep it crispy.
Final Words
Bobby Flay’s Chicken Milanese is a delicious, crispy dish that combines rich flavors with a light, fresh salad. Whether served as a main course or paired with your favorite sides, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
PrintBobby Flay Chicken Milanese Recipe
Chicken Milanese is a traditional Italian dish featuring thinly pounded chicken breasts coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and pan-fried to a perfect golden crisp. Bobby Flay’s version enhances the classic recipe with bold flavors and a perfectly balanced lemon-dressed salad for a light yet satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts – 2 large, boneless and skinless
- All-purpose flour – ½ cup
- Eggs – 2, beaten
- Panko breadcrumbs – 1 cup
- Parmesan cheese (grated) – ½ cup
- Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon
- Salt and black pepper – To taste
- Olive oil – ½ cup for frying
- Butter – 2 tablespoons
- Lemon wedges – For serving
For the Salad Topping
- Arugula – 2 cups
- Cherry tomatoes (halved) – ½ cup
- Red onion (thinly sliced) – ¼ cup
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed) – 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
- Parmesan shavings – ¼ cup
- Salt and black pepper – To taste
Instructions
- Pound the chicken thin – Place chicken breasts between parchment paper and pound them to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Season the chicken – Sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Prepare the breading stations – Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning in a third.
- Coat the chicken – Dredge each piece in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Heat the oil and butter – In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
- Pan-fry the chicken – Cook each cutlet for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain excess oil – Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Prepare the salad topping – Toss arugula, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble and serve – Place the crispy chicken on a plate, top with the salad, and garnish with Parmesan shavings and lemon wedges.