This Grilled Chicken Schnitzel with Dill Aioli combines crispy, golden-brown chicken cutlets with a creamy, tangy dill aioli. It’s a lighter twist on the classic schnitzel, offering a deliciously fresh and herby sauce to complement the savory chicken. Perfect for a flavorful dinner or a special occasion.

FULL RECIPE

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Directions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Dredge the chicken breasts in flour, then dip them into the beaten eggs, and coat them with breadcrumbs.
4. Brush the chicken with olive oil and place it on the grill.
5. Grill the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden and fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
6. While the chicken is grilling, make the dill aioli by mixing mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
7. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
8. Serve the grilled chicken schnitzels with a generous dollop of dill aioli on top.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 350 per serving
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Choosing the Right Chicken for Grilled Chicken Schnitzel

When preparing Grilled Chicken Schnitzel, the quality of the chicken is paramount. Choosing boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures that the meat cooks quickly and evenly on the grill. Chicken breasts are lean, which is ideal for a lighter version of schnitzel. To get the most out of your chicken, opt for fresh, high-quality poultry, as this will significantly impact the flavor and texture of the dish.

Why Grilling Instead of Frying?

Grilling the chicken instead of frying it is a healthier alternative while still achieving that crispy exterior that makes schnitzel so delicious. Grilled chicken schnitzel reduces the amount of oil used in cooking, allowing the natural flavors of the chicken to shine through. Additionally, grilling adds a smoky depth that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Perfecting the Breadcrumb Coating

The breadcrumb coating for schnitzel is crucial to achieving that perfect crispness. It’s essential to use fresh breadcrumbs, which provide a lighter, airier texture compared to pre-packaged varieties. For an extra crunch, consider using panko breadcrumbs, which have a larger, flakier structure. The coating should be thin but evenly distributed, so the chicken is well-covered without being overly heavy.

Egg Dipping Technique

To ensure the breadcrumbs adhere properly to the chicken, the egg-dipping process is key. It’s important to fully coat the chicken in the beaten eggs before dredging it in the breadcrumbs. This helps create a binding layer that results in an even, crispy crust when grilled. Avoid over-soaking the chicken in the egg mixture to prevent the coating from becoming soggy.

Seasoning the Chicken Properly

Seasoning the chicken before breading is an important step to enhance its flavor. Salt and pepper are the basic seasonings, but you can also add garlic powder and onion powder for additional depth. These simple spices complement the dill aioli perfectly, offering a balance of flavors that elevate the grilled chicken schnitzel. Be sure to season both sides of the chicken for the best taste.

The Role of Olive Oil in Grilling

Olive oil is an excellent choice for grilling because it has a high smoke point and imparts a subtle, fruity flavor to the chicken. Brushing the chicken breasts with olive oil before placing them on the grill ensures they don’t stick to the grates and helps achieve a golden-brown crust. It’s a healthier alternative to butter or other oils, providing a lighter result.

Creating the Dill Aioli Sauce

The dill aioli is what truly sets this grilled chicken schnitzel apart. It combines creamy mayonnaise and tangy Greek yogurt for a rich, smooth base. The addition of fresh dill, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard gives the sauce a zesty, herby flavor that complements the grilled chicken beautifully. You can adjust the ratio of ingredients based on your preference for a creamier or tangier aioli.

Customizing the Aioli with Extra Herbs

While dill is the classic herb used in this aioli, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs. Tarragon, parsley, or chives can offer different layers of flavor to the aioli. You can also play with the acidity by adjusting the lemon juice or adding a splash of white wine vinegar to introduce a sharper tang. Customizing the aioli to your taste can transform the dish.

The Importance of Resting the Chicken

Once the chicken is grilled to perfection, it’s important to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that the chicken remains tender and juicy. Cutting into the chicken immediately can cause it to dry out, so patience here pays off with a much more flavorful and moist schnitzel.

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Chicken Schnitzel

Grilled Chicken Schnitzel can be served in a variety of ways. For a traditional touch, pair it with mashed potatoes or a light salad. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can balance the richness of the dill aioli. Additionally, roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts make an excellent side dish, complementing the smokiness of the grilled chicken.

Pairing Wines with Grilled Chicken Schnitzel

The smoky flavors of grilled chicken schnitzel call for wines that have a good balance of acidity and fruitiness. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay works well, cutting through the creaminess of the dill aioli. For those who prefer red wine, a light Pinot Noir can offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. It’s important to select a wine that complements the fresh, zesty flavors of the aioli.

Making the Recipe Gluten-Free

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers. Be sure to use gluten-free flour for the dredging step as well. The rest of the recipe remains the same, allowing you to enjoy the same crispy, flavorful schnitzel without the gluten.

Perfecting Grill Marks for Visual Appeal

Achieving those perfect grill marks on your schnitzel is all about the grilling technique. Make sure the grill is preheated to medium-high heat before placing the chicken on it. Don’t overcrowd the grill, as this can cause the chicken to cook unevenly. Rotate the chicken 90 degrees halfway through grilling each side for that professional-looking crosshatch pattern.

Why Choose Greek Yogurt for the Aioli

Greek yogurt is a great addition to the dill aioli because it adds a tangy flavor and a creamy texture without being overly heavy. It also provides a boost of protein, making the aioli slightly healthier than using only mayonnaise. The richness of Greek yogurt balances the sharpness of the lemon juice and the mustard, creating a well-rounded sauce.

Adjusting the Thickness of the Aioli

If you find that your dill aioli is too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a small amount of water, lemon juice, or even olive oil. Adding these liquids in small increments will help you achieve the desired texture for dipping or drizzling over the chicken. The aioli should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but smooth enough to drizzle easily.

Making the Dish Dairy-Free

For those who are lactose intolerant or prefer to avoid dairy, making this recipe dairy-free is simple. Substitute the mayonnaise with a dairy-free version and use a non-dairy yogurt, such as almond or coconut yogurt, in place of the Greek yogurt. These substitutions will still result in a creamy, flavorful aioli without the dairy.

The Benefits of Using Fresh Herbs

Using fresh herbs, such as dill in the aioli, makes a noticeable difference in the flavor of the dish. Fresh herbs have a brighter, more aromatic flavor compared to dried herbs, which can sometimes taste muted or stale. The vibrant dill in the aioli adds a burst of freshness that enhances the overall dish, making it more flavorful and visually appealing.

How to Achieve Crispy Chicken Without Frying

Achieving a crispy texture without frying requires a few key steps. First, make sure to coat the chicken evenly with breadcrumbs, ensuring that the layer is not too thick. Second, brush the chicken with olive oil before grilling. The oil helps the breadcrumbs crisp up, giving the chicken a golden, crunchy exterior while maintaining its juiciness on the inside.

The Role of Lemon in the Recipe

Lemon plays a vital role in both the chicken and the dill aioli. In the aioli, lemon juice adds brightness and acidity, balancing the creamy richness of the mayonnaise and yogurt. For the chicken, a squeeze of lemon before serving adds a fresh, zesty kick that cuts through the richness of the dish. It also helps enhance the other flavors, creating a more complex taste profile.

Making Grilled Chicken Schnitzel for a Crowd

Grilled Chicken Schnitzel is a great dish for serving a crowd. You can easily scale the recipe up by increasing the number of chicken breasts and adjusting the amount of breadcrumbs and eggs for coating. To keep the schnitzels warm while serving, place them in a low-temperature oven or on a warming tray. The dill aioli can be made in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken Schnitzel with Dill Aioli is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, offering a lighter, healthier version of the traditional fried schnitzel. The combination of grilled chicken, crispy breadcrumbs, and creamy dill aioli makes for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or serving it at a gathering, this dish is sure to impress. By following the tips and techniques provided, you’ll be able to make a perfectly grilled, crispy schnitzel with a zesty aioli that enhances the overall flavor.