Name: Passover Chicken Schnitzel Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Jewish
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (4 large breasts); Salt and pepper, to taste; Oil for frying (ensure kosher for Passover), about 1 inch deep; 1 cup matzo cake meal; 2 large eggs; 1 cup matzo meal; 1 tablespoon paprika (optional); 1 teaspoon salt; Fresh lemon wedges or halves

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 7 reviews

If you’re searching for a dish that’s both deeply comforting and perfectly suited for Passover, this Passover Chicken Schnitzel Recipe is exactly what you need. It takes the classic schnitzel you love and transforms it using matzo meal to keep it kosher for Passover without sacrificing a bit of crunch or flavor. The tender, thinly pounded chicken breasts become golden, crispy delights, with a subtle paprika kick and a refreshing squeeze of lemon to brighten every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday meal or craving a crispy chicken feast, this recipe brings warmth and crispy goodness to your table with ease and authenticity.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two raw, thin pieces of pale pink meat lie side by side on clear plastic wrap covering a wooden surface. The cut of the meat is smooth with slight white fat edges, showing some texture and natural lines. The plastic wrap beneath them is slightly wrinkled and transparent, revealing the warm wood grain underneath. The photo has soft lighting that highlights the fresh and raw quality of the meat, with no other objects nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering a few straightforward ingredients is all it takes to create this iconic Passover Chicken Schnitzel Recipe. Each element plays its part in creating texture, seasoning, or that essential golden crust that gives schnitzel its signature appeal.

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: Four large, to be perfectly portioned and easy to pound thin for even cooking.
Salt and pepper: To season the chicken simply and let the flavors shine through.
1 cup matzo cake meal: Provides the first crunchy coating, gluten-free and perfect for Passover.
2 large eggs: Act as the glue to make sure your coating sticks perfectly to the chicken.
1 cup matzo meal: Used with paprika for a flavorful, crispy finish.
1 tablespoon paprika (optional): Adds a mild smoky warmth and gorgeous color to the crust.
Oil for frying: Choose a kosher-for-Passover oil with a high smoke point to get that perfect crisp.
Fresh lemon wedges: The ideal garnish to brighten every bite and balance the richness.

How to Make Passover Chicken Schnitzel Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by laying a long strip of plastic wrap on your countertop. Place the chicken breasts spaced apart on the plastic, then cover them with another layer of plastic wrap. This keeps things tidy and prevents splatter as you pound the breasts until they’re just under ¼ inch thick, ensuring quick, even cooking and maximum tenderness.

Step 2: Season and Set Up Breading Station

Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the flattened chicken. Next, set up three shallow bowls within easy reach: one with matzo cake meal, one with beaten eggs, and the last with combined matzo meal, paprika, and a teaspoon of salt. This triple-dip process is crucial for building that irresistibly crisp coating that this Passover Chicken Schnitzel Recipe is celebrated for.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken breast first into the matzo cake meal, coating completely, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally dredge in the paprika-spiked matzo meal mixture. This layered breading ensures a crunchy crust that seals in moisture and flavor.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden

Heat about an inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches roughly 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully place a couple of coated breasts in the hot oil, careful not to crowd the pan to avoid temperature drops that lead to greasy schnitzels. Fry each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then transfer to a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Final Touches

Once fried, sprinkle the schnitzels lightly with salt to taste. Serve them piping hot with fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over, elevating the dish with a burst of citrusy brightness that perfectly complements the rich, crunchy coating.

How to Serve Passover Chicken Schnitzel Recipe

Two large pieces of golden-brown breaded chicken fry in a black pan filled with bubbling oil. The crispy coating looks textured with small crumbs, covering each piece fully, and the chicken sits over the stove’s black grates with a metallic silver edge. The pan handle extends out to the left, shining softly in the light, and the whole scene rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple is best when it comes to garnishing this dish. Fresh lemon wedges are a classic choice, their tart juice cutting through the richness and bringing just the right zing. For a bit of extra flair, sprinkle finely chopped parsley or chives for a hint of color and freshness that pairs beautifully with the golden schnitzel.

Side Dishes

This schnitzel is fantastic with traditional Passover sides like matzo ball soup or tsimmes, but it’s equally at home alongside roasted vegetables, potato kugel, or a crisp cucumber and tomato salad. The crispy texture of the schnitzel complements both lighter and heartier sides, making the meal feel balanced and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try slicing the schnitzel into strips and serving it as a crispy chicken salad topper or within a pita sandwich with some tangy horseradish sauce or mustard spread. You can also get creative by layering schnitzel slices with sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions for a decadent open-faced sandwich perfect for a festive meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover schnitzel, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating to maintain its crispy texture as best as possible.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked schnitzel by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you’ll have a convenient homemade meal ready to reheat for up to two months.

Reheating

To bring your leftover or frozen schnitzel back to life, reheat it in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This method keeps the coating crispy while warming the chicken through evenly. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that delightful crunch.

FAQs

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of matzo meal?

For Passover observance, matzo meal is essential since breadcrumbs typically contain chametz, which is not allowed during the holiday. Matzo meal provides the right texture and flavor, keeping the recipe authentic and kosher.

What cut of chicken works best for schnitzel?

Boneless skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they can be pounded thin easily and cook up tender and juicy beneath the crispy coating. You want the chicken to be even in thickness for quick and uniform frying.

Is it necessary to dip the chicken in both matzo cake meal and matzo meal?

The double coating creates an extra crispy crust that’s a hallmark of this Passover Chicken Schnitzel Recipe. The matzo cake meal adds an initial crunchy layer, while the matzo meal mixed with paprika finishes it off with flavor and color.

How do I know when the oil is the right temperature for frying?

The oil should be around 375 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have a thermometer, test it by dropping a small pinch of matzo meal into the oil—if it sizzles and browns quickly without burning, you’re good to go.

Can I bake the schnitzel instead of frying?

Baking won’t yield the same crispy, golden exterior that frying provides. However, if you want a lighter version, you can bake the coated schnitzel on a wire rack at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, but expect a softer crust.

Final Thoughts

This Passover Chicken Schnitzel Recipe is a delightful way to bring tradition and deliciousness to your holiday table. Its crispy, flavorful crust and tender chicken make it a crowd favorite every time, and once you try it, you’ll find it hard to go back to any other schnitzel. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, embrace the fun of pounding and breading, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a dish that feels like a warm hug from the past with each bite.