Day 10: Chicken Schnitzel with Rocket and Fennel Salad

One of Talia's favourite meals is Chicken Schnitzel ... and I love Rocket, Fennel and Orange Salad ... so here they are combined ...

 

Ingredients

4 (about 800g) chicken breast fillets

1/2 cup (75g) plain flour

2 cups (140g) fresh breadcrumbs (made from day-old bread)

1 cup (80g) finely grated parmesan

1/2 cup finely chopped chives

3 eggs, lightly whisked

Vegetable oil, to shallow-fry

1 bunch rocket, trimmed

1 large fennel bulb, trimmed, thinly sliced

1 orange, peeled and thinly sliced into segments

2 tbs extra virgin olive oil

1 tbs lemon juice

Salt and pepper to season

1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves (optional)

2 pieces preserved lemon, pulp removed, rind finely chopped (optional)

2 tbs capers, finely chopped (optional)

Lemon wedges, to serve

 

Method

Step 1

Preheat oven to 150°C. Use a large, sharp knife to cut each chicken fillet lengthways into 2 thin schnitzels.

Step 2

Place the flour on a large plate. Season with salt and pepper. Combine the breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of parmesan (keep the other 1/2 cup for the salad) and chives on a separate plate. Place the eggs in a shallow bowl.

Step 3

Lightly coat the chicken in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture, pressing crumbs to secure.

Step 4

Place enough vegetable oil in a large frying pan to reach a depth of 1cm. Place over medium-high heat. Add half the schnitzels; cook for 2-3 minutes each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to an oven tray lined with paper towel. Place in oven to keep warm. Repeat with remaining chicken.

Step 5

Combine rocket, orange slices and fennel in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice; then garnish with the 1/2 cup of parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Gently toss to combine. Divide among serving plates.

Step 6

Combine the parsley, preserved lemon and capers in a small bowl. Divide the chicken schnitzels among serving plates. Spoon over preserved lemon salsa and serve immediately with lemon wedges, if desired.