Chicken Schnitzel in Pepita Crust
Introducing a delicious twist on a classic favourite: Healthy Chicken Schnitzel in Pepita Crust! This recipe combines the crispy, golden goodness of traditional schnitzel with the nutritional benefits of pepitas (pumpkin seeds), making it a family-friendly meal that even the fussiest of eaters will enjoy.
Pepitas not only add a delightful crunch to the schnitzel coating but also pack a powerful punch of nutrients. Rich in protein, healthy fats, fibre, and essential vitamins and minerals like magnesium and zinc, pepitas offer a wholesome boost to any meal. For little ones, these tiny seeds are particularly beneficial, aiding in their growth and development while offering a tasty and satisfying crunch.
Chicken Schnitzel in Pepita Crust
DIETARY: GF, DF, NF
ALLERGENS: Egg
AGE GROUP: 8 months+
SERVES: 6
PREP: 20 mins
COOK: 10 mins
INGREDIENTS:
500g chicken breast, cut into thin fillets
Sea salt and pepper, to taste
2 eggs
1/3 cup (46g) arrowroot
1 cup (150g) rice breadcrumbs
½ cup (60g) ground pepitas
Extra virgin olive oil, for frying
Lemon wedges, to serve with
METHOD:
Prepare 3 shallow medium-sized bowls.
Add the arrowroot to the first bowl.
Add eggs to the second bowl. Whisk eggs.
In the third bowl, place the ground pepitas and breadcrumbs and mix to combine.
Season chicken fillets with salt and pepper then dip each fillet into the arrowroot, then into the eggs and finally into the crumb mix. Press down firmly to ensure that the chicken is coated with the crumbs.
Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Place the schnitzels in a single layer in the pan and fry for approximately 3-4 mins on each side. Alternatively, bake schnitzels in the oven at 180°C for 25-30 mins. Allow to cool slightly on some paper towel before serving.
Serve with lemon wedges.
MANDY’S SERVING SUGGESTION:
Serve schnitzels with aioli, a side of steamed greens and sweet potato wedges.
STORING LEFTOVERS:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 4 months.
TIPS:
Allergies:
For a vegetarian version: Swap chicken for tofu.
Easy ingredient swaps:
Swap chicken breast for turkey breast or lamb fillet.
Swap pepitas for sunflower seeds or a seed mix of choice.Additional boosters:
Add chia seeds to the crumb mix.Baby-friendly version:
Serve mashed or in finger food-sized pieces.
Fussy eaters:
Start using only a quarter cup of pepitas in the crumb mix and work your way up.