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### **Instructions:**
#### **1. Prepare the Chicken:**
– Start by preheating your oven to **400°F (200°C)**.
– If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally to make them thinner and more uniform in size. You can also use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken breasts to about **1/2-inch thickness** for an even cook and tender texture.
– Season the chicken breasts with a pinch of **salt** and **pepper** on both sides.
#### **2. Set Up Your Breading Station:**
– In one shallow dish, place **1 cup of flour**.
– In a second shallow dish, whisk together **2 large eggs**.
– In a third shallow dish, combine **2 cups of breadcrumbs** with **Parmesan cheese**, **oregano**, and **garlic powder**. Mix well.
#### **3. Bread the Schnitzels:**
– Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, coating it evenly and shaking off any excess.
– Dip it into the beaten egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
– Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well. Repeat with all the chicken breasts.
#### **4. Arrange on a Baking Sheet:**
– Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent the schnitzels from sticking.
– Arrange the breaded schnitzels on the baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with **olive oil spray** to help them brown and crisp up in the oven.
#### **5. Bake the Schnitzels:**
– Bake the schnitzels in the preheated oven for **20-25 minutes**, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The schnitzels should be golden brown and crispy on both sides, and the internal temperature of the chicken should reach **165°F (74°C)**.
#### **6. Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional):**
– While the schnitzels are baking, mix together **mayonnaise**, **Dijon mustard**, and **lemon juice** in a small bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. This simple sauce pairs wonderfully with the crispy schnitzels.
#### **7. Serve:**
– Once the schnitzels are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
– Serve the schnitzels on a platter with your favorite side dishes, such as **roasted potatoes**, **coleslaw**, or **steamed vegetables**.
– If desired, offer the **dipping sauce** on the side for added flavor.
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### **Why This Recipe Works:**
– **Baked, Not Fried:** By baking the schnitzels instead of frying them, you reduce the amount of oil used while still achieving a crispy, crunchy exterior. This makes the dish healthier without sacrificing the flavor and texture.
– **Crisp, Golden Perfection:** The combination of flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan results in a perfectly crispy coating. The breadcrumbs (especially panko) create a light, crunchy crust that stays crispy even after baking.
– **Customizable:** The schnitzels can easily be adapted for different dietary preferences or tastes. You can swap chicken for pork, use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version, or adjust the seasoning based on your preferences.
– **Party-Ready:** This recipe is perfect for parties because it can be scaled up easily. You can prepare multiple batches in advance, allowing you to serve a large crowd without feeling rushed.
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### **Tips for Success:**
– **Use Panko Breadcrumbs:** Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than traditional breadcrumbs, giving your schnitzels an extra crunch.
– **Pound the Chicken Evenly:** Ensure that the chicken is an even thickness for uniform cooking. If some parts are thicker, they may take longer to cook.
– **Make Ahead:** You can bread the schnitzels in advance, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them for up to **24 hours** before baking.
– **Serving Variations:** Feel free to serve your schnitzels with a variety of sides, such as **French fries**, **mashed potatoes**, **rice**, or a simple **green salad**. You could also add some **lemon wedges** for a refreshing, tangy flavor.
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### **Conclusion:**
**Baked Party Schnitzels from the Oven** are an easy, delicious, and healthier alternative to the classic fried version. With their crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior, these schnitzels are sure to be a favorite at any gathering. Whether you’re serving them for a casual dinner or as part of a larger spread at a party, these schnitzels will be a hit. Plus, they’re versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides and dipping sauces, allowing you to customize the dish to your liking.
Try this recipe the next time you need to feed a crowd, and watch as your guests rave about how flavorful and perfectly crispy these schnitzels are!
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