Chicken Salmoriglio is a vibrant and flavorful dish that features crispy chicken cutlets topped with a zesty citrus and herb sauce. The chicken is coated in a crunchy Parmesan breadcrumb crust and pan-fried to golden perfection. The citrus-herb sauce adds a fresh and tangy twist, making this a delicious, gluten-free-friendly dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken Cutlets:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

• 2 large eggs

• 1 lemon (zest and juice)

• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 4 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Citrus Herb Sauce:

• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced

• ½ cup fresh parsley leaves (loosely packed)

• ¼ cup fresh oregano leaves

• 2 medium lemons (zest and juice)

• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Cut each chicken thigh in half crosswise and place between two sheets of plastic wrap.

   • Using a meat mallet or a heavy pan, gently pound the chicken pieces to an even ¼-inch thickness. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Set Up the Breading Station:

   • In one shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs with the juice of one lemon.

   • In another shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, flour, Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

   • Dip each chicken piece first in the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat completely. Place the breaded cutlets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours).

3. Prepare the Herb Sauce:

   • Combine lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Pulse a few times to roughly chop the herbs.

   • Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while pulsing until the sauce is well combined but still has texture. Transfer to a bowl and set aside at room temperature.

4. Cook the Chicken:

   • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons each of olive oil and butter. Once melted and bubbling, add half of the chicken cutlets to the pan, being careful not to overcrowd.

   • Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked cutlets to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat with the remaining oil, butter, and chicken.

5. Finish the Sauce and Serve:

   • Just before serving, add the minced garlic to the still-warm skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

   • Stir the garlic into the herb sauce and spoon generously over the crispy chicken cutlets.

Nutrients

The exact nutritional values depend on the size of the chicken cutlets and other ingredients, but here’s an estimate for one serving:

• Calories: 450-500 kcal

• Total Fat: 25 g

  • Saturated Fat: 7 g

• Cholesterol: 140 mg

• Sodium: 600 mg

• Carbohydrates: 20 g

  • Fiber: 2 g

  • Sugar: 2 g

• Protein: 30 g

This dish is a perfect balance of crispy, juicy chicken and fresh, tangy flavors from the citrus herb sauce.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a beautiful balance of textures and flavors. The crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust on the chicken cutlets adds a satisfying crunch, while the citrus herb sauce is light, fresh, and tangy, cutting through the richness of the fried chicken. The use of lemon zest and juice in both the chicken coating and the sauce adds a delightful citrus kick, making the dish bright and refreshing.

The chicken is pan-fried with butter and olive oil, which gives it a golden, crispy exterior, while the inside remains tender and juicy. The sauce is made from simple ingredients—fresh parsley, oregano, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil—making it incredibly flavorful and aromatic, while still keeping the dish light and gluten-free.

Preparing the Chicken: Tender and Crispy

Start by preparing the chicken thighs, cutting each one in half crosswise to create smaller pieces. By pounding the chicken to an even ¼-inch thickness, you ensure that the chicken cooks quickly and evenly. This technique also tenderizes the meat, making it juicy and soft while still allowing for a crispy coating.

Next, season the chicken with salt and pepper to enhance its flavor. This simple seasoning is important because it helps balance the richness of the Parmesan and the brightness of the lemon zest in the crust. Once seasoned, the chicken is dipped in an egg mixture (with fresh lemon juice) and then coated in a flavorful mixture of panko breadcrumbs, flour, Parmesan cheese, and dried oregano.

The panko breadcrumbs create a light, airy coating, while the Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory flavor to the chicken’s crust. Refrigerating the breaded chicken for at least 15 minutes ensures the coating sticks better during the cooking process.

Making the Citrus Herb Sauce: Fresh and Tangy

While the chicken is being breaded and chilled, prepare the citrus herb sauce. The sauce is made by combining fresh parsley, oregano, and lemon zest and juice in a food processor or blender. The herbs and citrus are pulsed to roughly chop them, creating a textured, rustic sauce that’s packed with fresh flavors.

Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while pulsing the mixture, allowing the sauce to come together smoothly while retaining its vibrant, herbaceous texture. The olive oil helps to bind the sauce and gives it a silky finish, making it the perfect complement to the crispy chicken.

Cooking the Chicken: Golden and Crispy

The chicken cutlets are cooked in a hot skillet with olive oil and butter, which gives them a golden, crispy exterior. Be sure to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will ensure the cutlets stay crispy. Cooking the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side ensures it’s perfectly golden brown, while the inside remains tender and juicy.

Once cooked, the chicken is transferred to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil, keeping the crust crisp.

Finishing the Sauce: Aromatic Garlic Flavor

To finish off the dish, add minced garlic to the same skillet that was used for cooking the chicken. This allows the garlic to infuse the pan with flavor, picking up all the delicious browned bits left behind by the chicken. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir it into the prepared citrus herb sauce. This step adds a rich, aromatic garlic flavor to the sauce, further enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Serving the Dish: Simple and Elegant

To serve, spoon the citrus herb sauce generously over the crispy chicken cutlets. The fresh, tangy sauce will complement the rich, savory chicken, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and a touch of elegance.

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of gluten-free pasta, making it a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Salmoriglio

Chicken Salmoriglio is a perfect balance of crispy, tender chicken and a light, zesty citrus herb sauce. The combination of the crunchy Parmesan breadcrumb crust and the fresh, tangy sauce makes this dish both comforting and refreshing. It’s an easy-to-make, gluten-free-friendly meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture, making it perfect for any occasion.

This dish is quick and simple to prepare, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, but it’s also elegant enough to serve at a dinner party or special occasion. The vibrant flavors, crispy chicken, and fresh herb sauce will have everyone asking for seconds.

Conclusion

Chicken Salmoriglio is a deliciously crispy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. The combination of golden, pan-fried chicken and a fresh, citrusy herb sauce creates a beautifully balanced meal that is both comforting and light. This dish is quick, gluten-free-friendly, and sure to impress everyone at the table. With its zesty lemon and herb sauce, this recipe is a great way to elevate your chicken dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Enjoy!