Hello there foodies, it’s Nishat Ahmed here with a recipe that’s sure to blow your taste buds out of the water – my Spiced Sensation: Butter Chicken Schnitzel Recipe. This dish is the perfect combination of Indian-inspired spices and classic schnitzel, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Nishat Ahmed is a freelance photographer from Bangladesh who loves to travel and explore different cultures through food. She believes that food is the best way to connect with people and learn about their traditions.
Nishat Ahmed currently resides in Australia and grew up in Bangladesh.
As someone from Bangladesh, food has always been an important part of my life and culture. Growing up, I was exposed to a wide range of flavors and ingredients, and that love of food has stayed with me to this day. That’s why I love sharing recipes like this one that fuse different cultures and cuisines to create something truly unique.
Butter chicken – the inspiration for this dish – is a classic Indian recipe that has become famous all over the world. Legend has it that it was created in the early 1900s in Delhi, by a chef who accidentally mixed together leftover tandoori chicken with a tomato-based gravy. The resulting dish was so delicious that it soon became a regular feature on the menu at Moti Mahal – the restaurant where it was created. Since then, variations of butter chicken have been created all over the world, each with their own unique twist. My Spiced Sensation: Butter Chicken Schnitzel is my own take on this classic recipe, and I can’t wait to share it with you all.
What you need
Looking for a new twist on chicken schnitzel? Look no further than this Spiced Sensation recipe, featuring Indian-inspired flavors and a crispy herb crust. Using fresh ginger and garlic as well as fragrant spices like paprika and coriander, this recipe takes regular chicken schnitzel to a whole new level. After seasoning and breading the chicken, we cook it until it’s golden and crispy. No need to go out to your favorite Indian restaurant for a butter chicken fix – we make a creamy and rich tomato and butter sauce right in the same skillet. You won’t be able to resist spooning it over our chicken schnitzel! This dish comes together in just an hour and is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- Chicken Breast – Boneless and skinless chicken breast is the preferred type for this recipe because it’s lean and easy to work with. Make sure to pound it out thin for the schnitzel. Can be swapped for turkey breast.
- Butter – Butter is the main ingredient in the sauce, giving it a creamy and rich texture. Can be swapped for ghee for a richer, more intense flavor. Vegan butter or margarine can be used for a non-dairy option.
- Garlic – Garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor to the sauce. Can be swapped for finely chopped shallots.
- Ginger – Ginger adds a warm and slightly spicy flavor to the sauce. Grating it helps to distribute the flavor evenly. Can be swapped for galangal for a different kind of heat.
- Tomato – Tomato adds acidity and sweetness to the sauce. Can be swapped for canned diced tomatoes or tomato puree if fresh tomato is not available.
- Heavy Cream – Heavy Cream adds richness and thickness to the sauce. Can be substituted with coconut cream or cashew cream for a vegan option.
- Bread Crumbs – Bread Crumbs give the chicken schnitzel its crispy and crunchy texture. Can be swapped with panko bread crumbs for a lighter and airier texture.
- Paprika – Paprika gives the chicken schnitzel a smoky and slightly sweet flavor. Can be swapped for smoked paprika for a deeper, more intense flavor.
- Coriander – Coriander adds a fresh and bright flavor to the zesty herb crust. Can be swapped for parsley or cilantro.
- Mint – Mint adds a cool and refreshing flavor to the zesty herb crust. Can be swapped for basil or dill.
- Lemon Zest – Lemon Zest gives the zesty herb crust a bright and citrusy flavor. Can be swapped with orange or lime zest for a different flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour – All-Purpose Flour is used to coat the chicken before dredging it in egg and breadcrumbs. Can be swapped with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Egg – Egg is used to help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken. Can be swapped for plant-based egg substitute or buttermilk for a tangy flavor.
- Salt – Salt enhances the flavor of all the ingredients and balances out the sweetness of the sauce and the tartness of the zesty herb crust. Can be customized to taste.
- Black Pepper – Black Pepper adds a subtle heat and earthy flavor to the dish. Can be customized to taste.
Utensils:
- Meat Mallet – Essential. This is needed to pound the chicken breasts flat for the schnitzel.
- Small Bowls – Useful. You will need several small bowls to prepare the flour, egg, and breadcrumbs mixture for dredging the chicken.
- Skillet – Essential. A skillet is needed to cook the chicken schnitzel.
- Whisk – Useful. You will need a whisk to combine the egg and heavy cream for the sauce.
- Cutting Board – Essential. You will need a cutting board to chop the garlic, ginger, tomato, and herbs.
- Knife – Essential. You will need a knife to chop the garlic, ginger, tomato, and herbs.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Essential. You will need measuring cups and spoons to measure out the ingredients accurately.
Ginger: A Wonder Spice That Packs a Punch
Ginger is one of my all-time favorite spices because it adds such a warm and spicy flavor to any dish. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly healthy. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and can help ease nausea, sore throats, and muscle pain. It’s also a great source of Vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium. I love using ginger in this recipe because it pairs so well with the other Indian spices, like paprika and coriander, and gives the dish a really unique and exotic flavor. Plus, the grated ginger helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor. So don’t be afraid to add some extra ginger to this recipe – your taste buds and your body will thank you!
Coriander: A Fragrant Herb That Brings Flair to Every Dish
Coriander is a herb that I absolutely adore, and it’s one that more people should be using in their cooking! Not only is it incredibly fragrant and fresh, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Coriander is a great source of Vitamin K, which is important for bone health, as well as Vitamin C and A. It also has antimicrobial properties, which can help fight off bacteria and infection. In this recipe, the coriander is a key ingredient in the zesty herb crust, giving the dish a burst of fresh and citrusy flavor. It pairs perfectly with the mint and lemon zest, and adds a touch of brightness to the crispy chicken schnitzel. Don’t be afraid to use a little extra coriander in this recipe – I promise it won’t disappoint!
What to serve it with?
For me, the perfect accompaniment to my Spiced Sensation: Butter Chicken Schnitzel Recipe is a big bowl of fluffy basmati rice. There’s something about the texture and flavor of the rice that just pairs so perfectly with the rich, creamy tomato sauce and spiced chicken. I love to load up my plate with a mixture of rice and chicken, and then spoon over plenty of the extra sauce. Every bite is packed with flavor and always leaves me feeling satisfied. Plus, rice is a staple in the cuisine of many cultures, including my own, so it holds a special place in my heart and in my recipe book.
Summary
As always, I want to hear from you all about how this recipe turned out for you. Did you love the Indian-inspired spices and zesty herb crust? Did you find the creamy tomato sauce irresistible? And what about the perfect pairing of basmati rice? I want to know! Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to tag me in your photos on social media. For more delicious recipes and foodie tips, be sure to check out my blog and follow me on Instagram. Until next time, happy cooking!
Here’s the recipe:
Spiced Sensation: Butter Chicken Schnitzel Recipe with a Zesty Herb Crust
Equipment
- Meat Mallet
- Small Bowls
- Skillet
- Whisk
- cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken Breast
- 1 cup Butter
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 1 inch piece, grated Ginger
- 1 large, chopped Tomato
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Bread Crumbs
- 1 tablespoon Paprika
- 1 tablespoon, chopped Coriander
- 1 tablespoon, chopped Mint
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 large, beaten Egg
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken - Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound it with a meat mallet until it's about 1/4 inch thick. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. - If you don't have a meat mallet, you can use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy skillet to pound the chicken. Be careful not to tear the meat. You can also ask your butcher to prepare the chicken breasts for you if you're short on time.
- Bread the Schnitzel - Place the flour in a shallow bowl and season with salt and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, paprika, and chopped herbs. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the egg mixture. Finally, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to help them adhere. - Make sure to shake off any excess flour before dipping the chicken into the egg mixture, otherwise the egg won't stick properly. If the breadcrumbs aren't sticking to the chicken, you can dip it back into the egg mixture and coat it in breadcrumbs again.
- Cook the Schnitzel - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2-3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the breaded chicken breasts to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. - Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming the chicken, which will prevent it from getting crispy. If you need to, cook the chicken in batches and add more butter to the pan between batches if necessary.
- Prepare the Butter and Tomato Sauce - In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Add the chopped tomato and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until it begins to break down. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. - Be careful not to burn the garlic and ginger, as they can become bitter if overcooked. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or chicken stock.
- Serve and Enjoy - To serve, place the chicken schnitzel on a plate and spoon the butter and tomato sauce over it. Garnish with extra herbs and lemon zest, if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. - Don't be afraid to make this recipe your own by swapping out the spices and herbs. Try adding some cumin or garam masala to the breadcrumb mixture for an even more robust Indian flavor. You can also serve the schnitzel with a side of naan bread or basmati rice instead of the traditional sides.
