Oven Baked Mexican Chicken Schnitzel

There’s something so comforting about the crunch of a crispy coating and the tenderness of juicy chicken. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share my version of Oven Baked Mexican Chicken Schnitzel. This dish combines the classic schnitzel with the vibrant flavors of Mexico, creating a meal that’s not just delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Imagine serving this up at a family dinner or even enjoying it as a casual weeknight treat. The fusion of flavors is sure to bring smiles all around!

Essential Ingredients for Oven Baked Mexican Chicken Schnitzel

The ingredients for this dish are not only simple but also work harmoniously to create a mouth-watering flavor profile. The star of the show is, of course, the chicken. By coating it in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and taco seasoning, you get that crunchy texture paired with just the right amount of spice. Fresh toppings like avocado, tomato, and beans add bursts of freshness that balance out the richness of the chicken.

• Panko breadcrumbs – These provide the perfect crunch when baked, giving the schnitzel a delightful texture.
• Taco seasoning – A blend of spices that adds an authentic Mexican flavor to the dish.
• Oil spray – Essential for helping the breadcrumbs crisp up in the oven.
• Egg – Helps bind the coating to the chicken, ensuring that every bit is flavorful.
• All-purpose flour – This thickens the batter and helps create a nice crust.
• Mayonnaise – Adds moisture and richness, making the coating extra flavorful.
• Dijon mustard – A touch of acidity that brightens up the flavors.
• Salt – Enhances all the flavors in the dish. Adjust according to your taste preference.
• Chicken breasts – The main protein that will be coated and baked to perfection.
• Avocado – Provides a creamy texture and balances the flavors with its richness.
• Kidney beans/black beans – Adds protein and a slight earthiness to the dish.
• Red bell pepper – A sweet crunch that complements the other toppings.
• Tomato – Freshness and juiciness that brightens the dish.
• Red onion – A bit of sharpness that works well with the other flavors.
• Shredded cheese – A melty topping that makes everything better, bringing richness to the schnitzel.
• Fresh cilantro – A fresh herb that adds a wonderful aroma and flavor.

How to Prepare Oven Baked Mexican Chicken Schnitzel

Preparing Oven Baked Mexican Chicken Schnitzel is a wonderful experience that fills your kitchen with enticing aromas. Follow these simple steps to create a meal that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing. Let’s get started!

1. First, preheat your oven to 390ºF/200ºC. This step is crucial as it ensures your schnitzel cooks evenly and gets that crispy texture we’re aiming for.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and taco seasoning. Make sure they are mixed well, as this is the flavor base for your schnitzel.
3. Generously spray a baking sheet with oil. This will help the breadcrumbs crisp up nicely in the oven. Spread the seasoned panko mixture evenly over the tray, mixing gently with your hands to ensure every piece is coated.
4. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
5. After the breadcrumbs are done, remove the tray from the oven and increase the temperature to 430ºF/220ºC. This higher temperature is key for achieving that crispy exterior on the chicken.
6. In a shallow bowl, crack an egg and whisk it lightly. Now, add in the flour, mayonnaise, mustard, taco seasoning, and salt (if needed). Mix everything together until it forms a thick paste.
7. Next, take a piece of chicken and place it smooth side up on a sheet of baking paper. Cover it with another sheet and use a rolling pin or a meat hammer to flatten it to about ½ inch thick. Repeat this process for all four chicken breasts.
8. Set a wire rack over a baking sheet and lightly spray it with oil. This is where the magic happens! Dip each flattened chicken breast into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated, then transfer it to the tray of breadcrumbs. Carefully flip the chicken to coat both sides.
9. Once all the pieces are coated and placed on the oiled rack, pop them back into the oven and bake for 10 minutes. You want them to be crispy and golden, so keep an eye on them.
10. While the chicken is baking, take your avocado and cut it in half. Remove the pit and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Use a fork to smash it up, adding a little salt to enhance the flavor.
11. When the chicken is done cooking, turn the broiler to high. This will give your schnitzel a lovely finish.
12. Top each piece of chicken with the smashed avocado, then sprinkle on the beans, bell pepper, tomato, red onion, and finish off with some cheese. Don’t be shy with the toppings!
13. Place the tray under the broiler for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This step adds a delicious finishing touch to your dish.
14. Finally, serve your Oven Baked Mexican Chicken Schnitzel immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!

Pro Tips and Tweaks

Here are some tips to elevate your experience with Oven Baked Mexican Chicken Schnitzel. Whether you want to enhance the flavor or tweak the recipe to your preference, these pro tips will help you create the best version of this dish.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the schnitzel before baking. Just coat and freeze them on a baking tray, then transfer to a bag once frozen. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of rice or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the schnitzel.
• Variations: Try using different types of cheese based on your preference. Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick!
• Spicing it up: If you enjoy more heat, add some diced jalapeños to the toppings for an extra kick.
• Serving Temperature: This dish is best served hot and fresh out of the oven to enjoy the crispy texture.

What to Serve Alongside Oven Baked Mexican Chicken Schnitzel

When it comes to pairing dishes, here are some delightful options that will complement your Oven Baked Mexican Chicken Schnitzel:

• Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the schnitzel, adding a refreshing crunch.
• Rice: Serve with Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice for a hearty side that soaks up the delicious toppings.
• Guacamole: Enhance the avocado flavor by serving a side of homemade guacamole for an extra creamy dip.
• Vegetable Medley: Sautéed or roasted vegetables, such as zucchini and bell peppers, add color and nutrition to the meal.
• Beans: Refried beans or black beans can be a great protein-packed side, keeping with the Mexican theme.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even a celebratory feast.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Oven Baked Mexican Chicken Schnitzel is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will impress your friends and family alike. Its crispy exterior and juicy interior, topped with fresh ingredients, make it a meal worth trying. I encourage you to whip this up for your next dinner; it’s a guaranteed hit!

Oven Baked Mexican Chicken Schnitzel

The ultimate comfort food, this Oven Baked Mexican Chicken Schnitzel is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Loaded with vibrant toppings, it's an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon Taco seasoning
• Oil spray
• 1 Egg
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Taco seasoning
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• 4 pieces Chicken breasts
• Oil spray
• 1 piece Avocado
• pinch Salt
• ½ cup Kidney beans/black beans
• 2 tablespoons Chopped red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons Chopped tomato
• 1 tablespoon Chopped red onion
• 1 cup Shredded cheese
• Fresh cilantro

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Peeler
• Whisk
• Grater
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Baking Sheet
• Oven

Method

 

1. Pre-heat oven to 390ºF/200ºC.
2. Mix the panko breadcrumbs with the taco seasoning.
3. Spray a baking sheet with a very generous layer of oil then spread the seasoned panko over the tray. Mix gently with your hands.
4. Bake for 5-7 minutes until golden.
5. Remove from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 430ºF/220ºC.
6. Break an egg into a shallow bowl and lightly whisk to mix the white and yolk. Add in the flour, mayonnaise, mustard, taco seasoning, and salt (if needed) then mix to form a thick paste.
7. Place the chicken smooth side up on a sheet of baking paper or gladwrap/clingfilm. Cover with a second sheet and use a rolling pin or smooth meat hammer to flatten the chicken until it is about ½ inch thick all over. Repeat with all 4 chicken breasts.
8. Set a wire rack over a baking sheet and spray/brush lightly with oil.
9. Dip the chicken breast into the batter then transfer to the tray of breadcrumbs. Carefully flip the chicken so both sides are well coated with the crispy crumb. Place onto the oiled rack and repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
10. Bake the chicken for 10 minutes until crispy and golden.
11. Peel the avocado and remove the pit.
12. Use a fork to smash the avocado together with a little salt.
13. Once the chicken has cooked turn the broiler to high.
14. Top each chicken schnitzel with some smashed avocado. Sprinkle over the beans, bell pepper, tomato, red onion, and fresh cilantro. Top each schnitzel with ¼ cup of grated cheese.
15. Place under the broiler for 2-4 minutes until melted and golden.
16. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Tip 1: Check the ingredients of your taco seasoning, if it has salt added then you will not need extra salt.
• Tip 2: You can use any shredded cheese you like. A Mexican blend, Pepper Jack or Mozzarella would be great choices.

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Meet Harper Dean

I love the creative challenge of making weeknight dinners feel special without the fuss. I work alongside the team to develop and test recipes that are reliable but never dull. I prepared this meal in my own kitchen, refining the steps to make sure your cooking experience is smooth, fun, and delicious.