New Idea
Us Aussies L-O-V-E a chicken schnitzel. Along with the parmi, the schnitty consistently ranks as one of our most popular pub meals so it’s not surprising that it’s also a favourite when cooked up at home.
When I was set on making Crunchy Chicken Schnitzel Burgers with Crispy Bacon for dinner one night last week, I found myself scouring the pantry to find panko breadcrumbs.
Digging out a couple of half empty packets, I tried to convince myself that I had enough, when I really didn’t. Sigh!
Seconds away from heading out on a supermarket dash, I desperately searched to see what else I could find, hoping something would magically appear to stretch out that meagre quantity of panko.
Mercifully, Jatz Crackers revealed themselves. Yes!! They’d do the trick. It may surprise you that there are many breadcrumb substitutes for schnitzel. Think all types of crackers, potato crisps, pretzels, Corn Flakes, or even rolled oats!
Simply pop your chosen substitute in a snap lock bag and crush into fine crumbs or briefly blitz in the food processor. Use them on their own, or as in my case, mix with the breadcrumb dregs. Ramp up the flavour by adding spices, fresh or dried herbs, or some grated parmesan.
Feeling quite smug that I’d managed to produce a batch of crispy, golden schnitzel without a trip to the supermarket, saving some dollars by using up pantry leftovers, all I needed now was the tick of approval from the family. And their response?
Hungrily demolishing the burgers in a matter of minutes, I think it’s safe to say they were a hit!
You can prepare and crumb your chicken several hours ahead – just keep it covered in the fridge. Not feeling chicken, or got pork steaks instead?
Garlic aioli instead of regular aioli? Go for the swap.
Ingredients
Method
Dust chicken in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. One at a time, dip in eggs. Coat in combined crumbs, parsley and parmesan, pressing on lightly.
Heat a large, deep frying pan over a high heat. Add bacon. Cook on both sides until crisp. Remove. Cover to keep warm. Wipe pan clean.
Heat enough oil in same frying pan to shallow fry over a medium-high heat. Add chicken. Shallow-fry for 2-3 mins on each side, or until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towel.
Spread aioli over bases. Divide rocket, chicken, tomato and bacon evenly over aioli. Divide avocado over cut-side of tops. Replace tops to serve.
