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Nbc Chicago Himmel Chicken Snitzel Recipe
In the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Square, Himmel’s Restaurant serves up classic European fare with heart and tradition. One of their most loved dishes? The crispy, golden Himmel Chicken Schnitzel. Shared by the chef-owner herself, this recipe became a way to connect with the community during lockdowns-bringing a taste of Himmel’s right into your home kitchen.
Chef Himmel and her sister Diana believe in making food approachable and comforting. In their video demo aired on NBC Chicago, where they make Nbc Chicago Himmel Chicken Snitzel Recipe. they walk you through each simple step, ensuring even home cooks can fry up schnitzel with confidence. And the best part? You only need a few ingredients, a frying pan, and a little know-how.
Whether you’re craving restaurant-quality comfort food or trying something new for dinner, this Nbc Chicago Himmel Chicken Snitzel is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect with lemon and herbs on top.
Why You’ll Love Nbc Chicago Himmel Chicken Snitzel
Himmel’s Chicken Schnitzel is all about flavor and simplicity. With just a few pantry staples and a quick fry, you get that golden, crunchy coating that gives way to tender, seasoned chicken inside.
It’s a family-friendly recipe that’s super versatile. You can swap in gluten-free ingredients or try it with pork, veal, or turkey. Plus, once you’ve mastered the breading and frying steps, you’ll be making schnitzel like a pro in no time.
Serve it with a fresh lemon wedge and sprinkle of chives, and you’ve got a plate that tastes like a night out at Himmel’s-without leaving your kitchen.
Ingredients Required for Nbc Chicago Himmel Chicken Snitzel Recipe
Before you start, make sure you have all the following ingredients listed below for this Nbc Chicago Himmel Chicken Snitzel Recipe
- 1 (8-ounce) piece of chicken breast, thinly sliced and pounded
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- All-purpose flour, for dredging
- 1 to 2 eggs, beaten (for egg wash)
- Bread crumbs, for coating
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh lemon slices, for garnish
- Chopped chives, for garnish
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Frying pan
- Tongs
- Shallow bowls (for flour, egg, and bread crumbs)
- Meat mallet (for pounding chicken)
- Food thermometer (optional, for checking doneness)
- Paper towels and plate (for draining)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Recipe for Nbc Chicago Himmel Chicken Snitzel
Just follow these easy steps to make your own Nbc Chicago Himmel Chicken Snitzel at home
1: Heat the Oil
Add vegetable oil to a frying pan and place it over medium heat. Let the oil heat up while you prepare the chicken. It should be hot but not smoking.
2: Pound and Season the Chicken
Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breast thin. Season both sides generously with sea salt and black pepper.
3: Dredge and Bread the Chicken
Coat the chicken in flour first, then dip it into the beaten eggs. Finally, press it into the bread crumbs until fully covered. Shake off any extra crumbs to avoid burning in the pan.
4: Fry the Chicken
Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil, laying it away from you to avoid splashing. Let it cook until the edges turn golden brown.
5: Flip and Finish Cooking
Once the first side is crisp and golden, flip the schnitzel and cook the other side. The chicken is done when both sides are browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6: Plate and Garnish
Remove the schnitzel and place it on paper towels to drain. Serve it on a plate with lemon slices and a sprinkle of fresh chives on top.
How to Store Nbc Chicago Himmel Chicken Snitzel Properly?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, use a skillet or toaster oven to keep it crispy. Avoid microwaving-it softens the breading.
What to Pair and Serve with Nbc Chicago Himmel Chicken Snitzel
1. Classic with Lemon and Chives
This is how we usually serve it-crispy schnitzel straight from the pan, topped with fresh lemon slices and a sprinkle of chopped chives. It’s bright, simple, and lets the golden crust shine.
2. With Warm German Potato Salad
The tangy vinegar and bacon dressing in a warm potato salad pairs beautifully with the crunchy schnitzel. We’ve done this combo many times-it’s hearty and satisfying.
3. Over Buttered Spaetzle
If you’ve got the time, homemade spaetzle tossed with butter and a touch of parsley is the ultimate comfort pairing. It soaks up every bit of flavor from the schnitzel.
4. With Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
For a cozy meal, we love serving schnitzel with mashed potatoes and a rich brown gravy. The smooth and crispy textures are a match made in heaven.
5. Tucked Into a Sandwich
Leftover schnitzel? Slice it up and layer it on a crusty roll with lettuce, tomato, and mustard or aioli. It makes an amazing lunch-simple, filling, and full of flavor.
6. Alongside Sauerkraut or Red Cabbage
That sharp tang from sauerkraut or sweet-and-sour red cabbage cuts through the richness of the fried chicken. It’s one of our favorite traditional pairings when we want a little zing.
7. With a Crisp Green Salad
For a lighter option, serve it with a tossed salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. The acidity balances the schnitzel perfectly, especially if you’re keeping it simple for lunch.
8. With a Fried Egg on Top
Trust us on this-adding a sunny-side-up egg to your schnitzel is indulgent and totally delicious. The runny yolk adds richness and turns dinner into a treat.
9. With Garlic Butter Noodles
This is a go-to comfort side. Toss some egg noodles with garlic butter, salt, and parsley. Serve the schnitzel on top for a quick, satisfying dinner that feels homemade.
10. As a Platter with Pickles and Mustards
When guests come over, we sometimes make a schnitzel platter with pickles, stone-ground mustard, and herbed mayo. Everyone builds their own bites-and it disappears fast!
My Personal Experience With this Recipe and Some Tips
I made Himmel’s Chicken Schnitzel at home, and it turned out so good. The outside was crispy, and the inside stayed juicy. My family loved it, and we all ate together at the table. It felt like we brought a little bit of the restaurant right into our kitchen.
Easy Tips for Cooking This Recipe:
1. Pound the chicken thin so it cooks fast and even.
2. Use three bowls for flour, egg, and crumbs to keep it neat.
3. Don’t forget the salt and pepper before coating the chicken.
4. Use tongs to flip the chicken safely in the hot oil.
5. Cook on medium heat so the outside doesn’t burn.
6. Add lemon and chives on top to make it extra tasty.
FAQs on Nbc Chicago Himmel Chicken Snitzel Recipe
Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about the Nbc Chicago Himmel Chicken Snitzel Recipe.
1. How to make chicken schnitzel taste better?
From our experience, it’s all about seasoning and texture. Salt and pepper your chicken well before breading, and always use fresh breadcrumbs. Frying in vegetable oil at the right temp makes it extra crispy. A squeeze of lemon and some fresh herbs at the end really brighten it up.
2. What temperature to cook chicken schnitzel?
We always make sure the internal temperature hits 165°F to be fully cooked and safe. Use a food thermometer if you’re unsure. Also, keep your oil around 350°F so it cooks evenly without burning on the outside.
3. Why is chicken schnitzel so good?
Honestly, it’s the crunch. You get a thin, crispy outside and juicy chicken inside. It’s simple, comforting, and you can serve it with almost anything. Plus, the breading locks in flavor, and the lemon on top gives it the perfect finishing touch.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, and we’ve done it. Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. The result is still crispy and delicious, just a bit lighter. It’s a great option for friends or family with dietary needs.
5. Can I use other meats besides chicken?
Definitely. We’ve tried it with pork and turkey too. Just pound it thin and follow the same breading and cooking steps. Veal is another classic schnitzel choice if you want to go traditional.
6. What oil is best for frying schnitzel?
We use vegetable oil because it’s neutral and handles high heat well. Canola oil works too. Just avoid olive oil-it burns too quickly and can make the schnitzel soggy.
7. How do I keep the breading from falling off?
Make sure the chicken is dry before breading, and press the crumbs on gently. Let the coated chicken rest for a few minutes before frying-it helps everything stick better during cooking.
8. What can I serve with schnitzel?
We love serving it with mashed potatoes, spaetzle, or a crisp salad. Lemon slices and chives on top are a must. For something more traditional, pair it with sauerkraut or warm potato salad.
9. Can I prepare chicken schnitzel ahead of time?
Yes, we sometimes bread the chicken and keep it in the fridge for a few hours before frying. It actually helps the breading stick better. Just don’t fry it too early-fresh is best.
10. What do I do with leftover Nbc Chicago Himmel Chicken Snitzel?
Leftover schnitzel is great cold or warmed up in a skillet. We sometimes slice it into sandwiches or wraps with mustard or mayo. It’s just as tasty the next day!
Himmel’s Chicken Schnitzel is more than just a meal-it’s a cozy, satisfying reminder of how food brings us together. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with family, this dish turns any dinner into something special. So grab your pan, follow Chef Himmel’s lead, and bring a little Lincoln Square flavor into your home tonight.
I’d love to hear your thoughts-leave a comment on the blog and let me know How it came out! Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook and YouTube for more delicious updates. Your support truly means everything to me.
