Tastiest Chicken Breast Schnitzel: AIP, Gluten-Free, and Dairy-Free Delight!
Tastiest Chicken Breast Schnitzel has always been more than just a meal for me—it’s a cherished memory. During my college years, this was my go-to favorite dish. My mother would make the most delicious schnitzel sandwiches, with crispy, golden chicken tucked between slices of bread.
Those sandwiches were not just filling; they felt like a warm hug from home during busy and often stressful days. Now, I’ve recreated this nostalgic dish as a healthier, AIP-friendly version. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and just as comforting as the original. Whether you’re craving a classic or need a wholesome meal, this recipe is bound to become your new favorite too!
Why You'll Love This Tastiest Chicken Breast Schnitzel
- It’s a healthier version of a classic comfort food, baked instead of fried.
- Gluten-free, dairy-free, and AIP-friendly—great for sensitive or autoimmune diets.
- Packed with flavor, thanks to the crispy pork rind coating and aromatic thyme.
- This Tastiest Chicken Breast Schnitzel is simple to prepare, yet impressive enough for any meal of the week.
- Perfect for meal prep or making ahead for easy lunches or dinners.
Tastiest Chicken Breast Schnitzel Health Benefits
The Tastiest Chicken Breast Schnitzel isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients to support your health.
- Chicken breast: A lean protein packed with selenium, B vitamins, and niacin to support energy and metabolism.
- Pork rinds: Rich in collagen and protein, promoting healthy skin, hair, and joint support.
- Tapioca flour: A gluten-free carbohydrate that provides easily digestible energy without inflammation.
- Thyme: Loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, great for boosting immunity.
- Garlic powder: Contains allicin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and heart-supporting properties.
Ingredients with Nutrients and Benefits
This Tastiest Chicken Breast Schnitzel recipe combines healthy ingredients that provide important nutrients and support your overall health.
- Chicken Breasts: High in lean protein (30g per portion), chicken supports muscle repair and helps maintain energy levels. It also provides B-vitamins, which are essential for metabolism.
- Garlic Powder: Adds flavor and provides antioxidants, which support the immune system and reduce inflammation. Garlic also helps improve digestion.
- Thyme: Packed with vitamins A and C, thyme promotes a healthy immune system. Additionally, it has antibacterial properties that protect against infections.
- Salt: Vital for maintaining electrolyte balance, salt helps regulate fluid levels in the body and supports muscle function.
- Pork Rinds: Rich in protein and healthy fats, pork rinds help with satiety and support healthy skin. They also provide collagen for joint health.
- Tapioca Flour: Naturally gluten-free, tapioca flour provides carbs for sustained energy. It is easily digestible, making it a gentle option for the gut.
- Dried Oregano (optional): Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which help strengthen the immune system and improve digestion.
- Gelatin: A great source of collagen, gelatin supports joint health, promotes gut healing, and improves skin elasticity.
- Avocado Oil: Rich in monounsaturated fats, avocado oil supports heart health and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E.
These ingredients come together to create a balanced, nutrient-packed meal that promotes everything from muscle recovery to immune health. By choosing these nutritious elements, you are giving your body the essential nutrients it needs to thrive!
How to Make The Tastiest Chicken Breast Schnitzel
Making this Tastiest Chicken Breast Schnitzel is simple and quick. Follow these steps for a crispy and flavorful meal.
Butterfly and Tenderize the chicken breasts
Place the chicken breast on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice horizontally through the center.
This gives you two thinner pieces, helping them cook evenly and faster.
After butterflying, use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
This ensures the schnitzel cooks quickly and evenly, keeping it tender.
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, and thyme.
This gives the chicken a flavorful base before adding the crispy coating.
Prepare the gelatin
In a small bowl, dissolve 4 tablespoons of gelatin into 12 tablespoons of water. Let it sit to bloom for about 5 minutes.
This step is crucial for creating a sticky base for the coating.
Prepare the coating station
Set up three shallow bowls. In the first, add tapioca flour. In the second, pour in the bloomed gelatin mixture.
In the third, combine the ground pork rinds and optional oregano for the crispy crust.
Coat the chicken
Start by dipping each chicken breast into the tapioca flour. Coat evenly to ensure the next layer sticks.
Next, dip the floured chicken into the gelatin mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, coat the chicken in the pork rind mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Cook the Tastiest Chicken Breast Schnitzel
Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Let it heat up for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the oil is hot before adding the chicken.
Place the chicken in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
The chicken should be fully cooked and crispy on both sides.
Once cooked, remove the schnitzel from the skillet and place it on a plate to rest.
Serve the Tastiest Chicken Breast Schnitzel immediately with your favorite sides.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this Tastiest Chicken Breast Schnitzel with roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, Broccoli, or zucchini for a balanced plate.
- Serve alongside mashed sweet potatoes for a comforting side dish.
- Add a refreshing cucumber and olive salad with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Slice the schnitzel and use it in a lettuce wrap with AIP-friendly sauces for an easy lunch option.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes to regain crispiness.
- Freeze cooked schnitzel for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) until heated through.
Optional Add-ins or Variations
- Add fresh parsley or rosemary to the coating for a burst of flavor.
- Sprinkle turmeric into the coating for anti-inflammatory benefits and a golden color.
- Swap tapioca flour for arrowroot flour if you have it on hand.
- Make it spicy by adding a pinch of cayenne to the pork rind mixture.
You might want to try some others of my favorites:
Are you ready to bring a little nostalgia to your table with this healthier take on a classic? Try the Tastiest Chicken Breast Schnitzel today, and let me know how it turns out!
Don’t forget to share your favorite sides or variations in the comments below! 🍴
Testiest Chicken Breast Schnitzel
Course: Dinner, LunchCuisine: German, Romanian, Eastern EuropeanDifficulty: Medium4
servings15
minutes20
minutes350
kcal1
half breast22-25
g35-40
g10-12
gTastiest Chicken Breast Schnitzel is a delicious AIP, gluten-free, and dairy-free meal. Perfectly crispy and healthy, it’s a satisfying option for those following autoimmune-friendly diets!
Ingredients
2 Chicken Breasts (about 500g/1.1 lbs total, halved for 4 portions)
1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Thyme
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1 1/2 Cups Crushed Pork Rinds (75g)
1/4 Cup Tapioca Flour (30g) plus more for coating
4 Tablespoons Gelatin
12 Tablespoons Warm Water (3/4 cup)
2-3 Tablespoons Avocado Oil (or spray oil)
Directions
- Slice each chicken breast in half, creating 4 equal portions.
- Place the chicken breast on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice horizontally through the center (see the How to Butterfly Chicken Breast).
- After butterflying, use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, and thyme.
- In a small bowl, dissolve 12 tablespoons of water into 4 tablespoons of gelatin. Let it sit to bloom for about 5 minutes.
- Set up three shallow bowls. In the first, add tapioca flour. In the second, pour in the bloomed gelatin mixture.
In the third, combine the ground pork rinds and the 30 grams of tapioca flour for the crispy crust. - Start by dipping each chicken breast into the tapioca flour. Coat evenly to ensure the next layer sticks.
Next, dip the floured chicken into the gelatin mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Finally, coat the chicken in the pork rind mixture, pressing gently to adhere. - Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Let it heat up for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the oil is hot before adding the chicken
- Place the chicken in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
The chicken should be fully cooked and crispy on both sides. - Once cooked, remove the schnitzel from the skillet and place it on a plate to rest.
Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Tenderizing the Chicken: After butterflying the chicken, be sure to tenderize the meat evenly with a mallet.
This will help the schnitzel cook quickly and stay tender inside while becoming crispy outside. - Tapioca Flour Ratio: If you prefer a thicker coating, feel free to adjust the amount of tapioca flour in the coating.
This will provide extra crunch to the final dish. - Pork Rind Coating: Pork rinds make a great, crispy coating. If you want to make it more flavorful, consider adding spices like oregano or onion powder.
These are AIP-friendly options to customize the flavor. - Oil Temperature: When frying the schnitzel, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken.
This ensures a crisp, golden crust without soaking in excess oil. You can test the oil with a small bit of coating—if it sizzles, it’s ready! - Resting After Cooking: After frying the schnitzel, allow the chicken to rest on a paper towel-lined plate.
This will help it stay crispy, as it allows excess oil to drain. - Serving Suggestions: This schnitzel pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed sweet potatoes, or a simple salad.
You can also serve it with a homemade AIP-friendly sauce, such as a creamy avocado dip or a tangy mustard dressing. - Storage Instructions: If you have leftovers, store the schnitzel in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the oven for the best crispy result. - Freezing: You can also freeze the coated schnitzel before frying.
Simply lay the pieces on a baking sheet, freeze them, and store them in a zip-top bag. When ready, fry directly from frozen!
