Gluten-Free Chicken Milanese is a fresh twist on a beloved Italian dish. Lightly breaded chicken cutlets are pan-fried until crisp and golden, then paired with a peppery arugula and cherry tomato salad. Using Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs from Aleia’s or Gillian’s, you get all the flavor and crunch without the gluten. It’s a dish that’s equal parts elegant and easy—perfect for weeknight meals or casual entertaining.
You can also try to find these gluten free products at Thrive Market. For a Limited Time! Join Thrive Market and get a FREE gift up to $60!
This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Thank you for supporting The Amore Life!
History of the Recipe
Chicken Milanese is rooted in Milanese cuisine and is closely related to the famous cotoletta alla Milanese, traditionally made with veal. Over time, this crispy cutlet style evolved and became popular using chicken, especially in Italian-American homes. It’s prized for its simplicity, golden crunch, and versatility—often topped with lemon, a salad, or served over pasta.
Many Italian and New York restaurants put their signature on Chicken Milanese, often topping it with arugula and shaved Parmesan.
Celebrity chefs like Giada De Laurentiis and Lidia Bastianich have shared their love for this crisp cutlet.
In the film world, crispy cutlets and comforting Italian food often pop up in cozy kitchen scenes, reminding us of the warmth of a home-cooked meal.
If you love this dish, it pairs beautifully with pasta dishes like Cacio e Pepe or light spritz cocktails such as the Hugo Spritz or Aperol Spritz—all of which you can find on The Amore Life blog!
Want to impress guests with a gluten-free Italian dinner? Start with a Limoncello Spritz, then serve this Gluten-Free Chicken Milanese with a side of Tuscan Ribollita or roasted potatoes. Finish the evening with a slice of Sal De Riso’s Lemon Delight cake and an espresso. This recipe is a hit for entertaining—casual but classy. It’s also perfect for weeknights when you’re craving something comforting and crunchy, without the gluten.
Love crispy cutlets and bright, Italian flavors? Bookmark this gluten-free Chicken Milanese recipe and try it this week. Got a favorite way to serve Chicken Milanese? Tell us in the comments or tag us on Instagram @TheAmoreLife!
Chicken Milanese with Arugula Salad – Gluten Free
Equipment
- Mallet
- Bowls
- Frying pan
- Tongs
- Salad bowl
Ingredients
For the Chicken Milanese
- 4 pieces Boneless skinless chicken breast pounded thin
- 1 cup All-purpose gluten free flour Bobs Red Mill
- 2 Eggs beaten
- 1 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs gluten free Aleia or Gillians
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1/2 cup Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Butter optional
- 1 Lemon cut into wedges for serving
For the Arugula Salad
- 4 cups Arugula
- 1 cup Cherry Tomato halved
- 1/4 cup Parmesan shaved
- 2 tbsp Olive oil EVOO
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice fresh
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pound each chicken breast to about ¼-inch thickness between plastic wrap using a meat mallet.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Prepare your breading station with three shallow bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan in the third.
- Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, shaking off excess, dip into the egg, and coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat (add butter for extra crispness).
- Fry chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain
- In a salad bowl, toss arugula, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Serve chicken hot, topped or plated alongside the arugula salad. Garnish with lemon wedges.
Notes
- You can substitute the GF flour or GF breadcrumbs with your choosing.
- Try adding capers or a balsamic drizzle to the salad for a flavor twist.
- This dish is excellent for weeknights or casual entertaining.