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Keto Schnitzel 🍗

Cast Iron Keto
by
Updated:
12 Comments
5 from 4 votes

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Our Keto Schnitzel is a healthy twist on a beloved German classic. It stars tender chicken filets enveloped in a crispy, golden crust, subtly perfumed with Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, and pork rinds. When paired with zesty sauerkraut, a squeeze of fresh lemon, fragrant parsley, and vibrant greens, it delivers a truly authentic German flavor experience. So, let's not wait any longer and jump right into the recipe!

Keto Schnitzel on a plate topped with sauerkraut and served with arugula and lemon wedges
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Preparation and cooking overview

Whipping up this keto schnitzel recipe is a breeze. Start by making the crispy crust, drape it over the cutlets, then cook until you get a beautiful golden hue. In just 30 minutes, these schnitzels will tempt you with their irresistible aroma.

Chef's note

This keto chicken schnitzel is a versatile delight that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. For an extra burst of flavor, experiment with diverse seasonings like garlic or smoked paprika by adding them to the cheese mixture. Your culinary journey just got more exciting and satisfying!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

For more inspiration check out our Chicken recipe.

🍗 Ingredients for the keto schnitzel recipe

Here's a list of ingredients you need for this delicious meat dish:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream
  • ¾ cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup pork rind crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup avocado oil for frying
  • 4-ounce chicken cutlets
  • 1 cup sauerkraut
  • 1 lemon quartered for serving
  • 1 tablespoon minced parsley for topping
  • 4 cups greens (optional)

Ingredient substitutions

Want to modify something in the ingredients list? No problem! Here are some keto-friendly tweaks:

  • Meat: If you'd like a change from chicken, try pork cutlets for a traditional pork schnitzel.
  • Heavy cream: Substitute an equivalent amount of coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk for the heavy cream.
  • Shredded Parmesan cheese: Swap out for grated Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese to maintain a similar flavor and texture.
  • Sauerkraut: Pickled cabbage or coleslaw can serve as suitable alternatives.
  • Lemon: Feel free to use lime instead of lemon.
  • Parsley: Cilantro or chives can take the place of parsley.

Cooking tools required

To make this low-carb schnitzel recipe, you'll need the following tools:

  • Shallow bowl
  • Medium plates
  • 10-inch or larger skillet
  • Tongs
  • Meat mallet

Tools substitute options

  • 10-inch or larger skillet: Use any large heavy-bottomed sauté pan or a broad deep frying pan.
  • Meat mallet: Don't have a meat mallet? No problem! Use a rolling pin, a heavy skillet, or even the base of a sturdy glass bottle to pound and flatten the meat.

How to make Keto Schnitzel: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Pan-frying

Preparation steps

  1. Prepare the ingredients for cooking.
  2. Measure the ingredients.
  3. Set up your cooking area.
  4. Shred the parmesan cheese.
  5. Place the paper towels on the plate.

Cooking instructions

  1. In a shallow bowl, beat the egg and heavy cream together.
  2. Combine the parmesan cheese, pork rind dust, and Italian seasoning on a medium plate.
  3. Heat the oil in a 10-inch or larger skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Dip each cutlet into the egg mixture, then dredge it through the cheese mixture.
  5. Carefully place the cutlet into the oil and fry it for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165° F.
  6. Your gluten-free chicken schnitzel is ready.

Chef's pro tip

The key to a great schnitzel is to make sure the bread crumbs stick well to the meat. This is what gives it a yummy crunch. Make sure your meat is dry before adding the bread crumbs. After coating the meat, let it sit for a little bit. When you're frying it, don't stir or poke it too much to get a nice, golden color.

Keto Schnitzel on a plate topped with sauerkraut and served with arugula and lemon wedges

What to serve with keto schnitzel?

When it comes to serving low-carb schnitzel, there are numerous dishes you can pair it with. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal and create a well-rounded dining experience:

  • Zucchini noodles ("zoodles"): They add a light and refreshing touch to the dish.
  • Roasted Brussels sprouts: Their slightly caramelized, nutty flavor creates a delightful contrast with the crispy schnitzel.
  • Crisp green salad with vinaigrette: A fresh, crunchy salad adds freshness to your meal.
  • Creamy cauliflower mash: Serve your schnitzel with mashed cauliflower for a well-rounded, hearty meal.
  • Green beans: Pair your schnitzel with Garlic Butter Green Beans or other low-carb vegetables for a more balanced meal.

Nutritional facts

Amount Per Serving

Calories: 794

Calories from fat: 594

Fat: 66g (102% Daily Value)

Carbohydrates: 4.2g (1% Daily Value)

Fiber: 1.8g (8% Daily Value)

Protein: 42.4g (85% Daily Value)

How to make it healthier

You can make this low-carb chicken schnitzel even healthier by following these tips:

  • Use a lower-sodium variety of cheese and pork rinds or reduce the quantity used.
  • Use low-carb breading options like pork panko used in this dish. This is a keto-friendly option and doesn't break your ketogenic diet.
  • Add grilled asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a colorful bell pepper salad for extra nutrition.

Time-saving tips

  • Opt for store-bought pork rind crumbs.
  • Purchase pre-cut chicken cutlets from your local butcher or grocery store.
  • Use pre-grated parmesan cheese.
  • Use a food processor to grind pork rinds into fine dust if preparing homemade breading. This will save you a good deal of time.
  • If you're pairing the dish with roasted vegetables or cauliflower mash, start roasting them in the oven while you're preparing the schnitzel.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Pre-mix the cheese and seasoning in a bowl and store it in the fridge.
  • To give your schnitzel more flavor, marinate the chicken cutlets beforehand.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage

  • Refrigerator: If you've got any leftover schnitzel, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Once the schnitzel is cooled down, place the leftovers on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours until they're firm. Once frozen, transfer the schnitzel to freezer-safe bags or containers.

Reheating

  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and arrange the leftover schnitzel on a baking sheet. Reheat for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated thoroughly.
  • Stovetop: Warm a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the leftover schnitzel, and cook for a few minutes on each side until heated completely.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

Our Keto Schnitzel is your go-to for a low-carb spin on a classic German favorite. It's loaded with chicken, Parmesan, Italian herbs, and crispy pork rinds. Plus, it's easy to whip up in just 30 minutes. So, get your skillet hot and ready for a flavor-packed treat that you and your loved ones will enjoy.

Did this recipe make your taste buds happy? Let us know! Snap a photo of your tasty dish, share it on social media, and don't forget to tag us. Pass the yumminess around by sharing this recipe with friends and family. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions

If the oil is too hot, it can result in excessive absorption. So, to reduce oiliness, ensure that your oil is at the right temperature before adding the schnitzel.

Ideally, a schnitzel must be moist and juicy, but if it is dry, you can sauce it or tenderize it with chicken broth.

If your schnitzel is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. This helps chicken cutlets to cook through at the same rate.

Absolutely! You can enjoy it with dipping sauces, tangy mustard sauce, mushroom sauce, or homemade keto-friendly gravy.

Yes, a better alternative to frying is to bake the schnitzel. For that, you can:

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with cooking spray.
  • Follow the recipe instructions for coating the chicken cutlets with the egg and cheese mixture.
  • Put chicken cutlets on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
  • Serve and enjoy!

📖 Recipe

Keto Schnitzel on a plate topped with sauerkraut and served with arugula and lemon wedges

Keto Schnitzel

Crispy chicken and tangy sauerkraut combine to make a perfect German-inspired dinner. Using pork rinds for breading creates an incredibly crunchy crust, letting the Schnitzel fry up to a perfect golden brown.
5 from 4 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: German
Keyword: keto chicken schnitzel
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 794kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream
  • ¾ cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup pork rind crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup avocado oil for frying
  • 4 (4-oz) chicken cutlets
  • 1 cup sauerkraut
  • 1 lemon quartered, for serving
  • 1 tablespoon minced parsley for topping
  • 4 cups greens optional, for serving
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a shallow bowl, beat the egg and heavy cream together.
  • Combine the parmesan cheese, pork rind dust, and Italian seasoning on a medium plate.
  • Heat the oil in a 10-inch or larger skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Dip each cutlet into the egg mixture, then dredge it through the cheese mixture.
  • Carefully place the cutlet into the oil and fry it for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165° F.
  • Your gluten-free chicken schnitzel is ready.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Schnitzel
Amount Per Serving
Calories 794 Calories from Fat 594
% Daily Value*
Fat 66g102%
Carbohydrates 4.2g1%
Fiber 1.8g8%
Protein 42.4g85%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

# Hashtag with us!Don't forget to mention @castiron_keto or tag #castironketo on Instagram with your creations! We love seeing what you're making.
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. antiotário says

    Thanks for another wonderful article.

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Hi Antiotário

      Thank you! We're glad you liked it.

      Reply

  2. Marlene says

    5 stars
    Delicious. We made it with pork cutlets. Either chicken or pork
    Would work well

    Reply

  3. Staci says

    Interesting you don’t serve it topped with cheese and a tomato sauce! That’s what I grew up knowing German schnitzel to be! I’ve been doing this type of breading for a bit now and it’s been great from chicken nuggets to fish fries and now schnitzel too! The Italian seasoning is a great idea though and I’m totally going to change up my seasonings tonight!

    Reply

  4. Christine Callaway says

    Really good! A taste of Germany!

    Reply

  5. Lisa says

    Thanks for the recipe.Those look delicious!

    Reply

  6. jackie m says

    Are you all ok? Been a while since you've posted, hope all is well. I can't wait to make this! Just the other day I was going through old recipes to find old faves to convert to keto and came across a wienerschnitzel recipe that was given to me from my hostess when I spend a month in Wiesbadden Germany years ago. It became a favorite but I was a bit stumped how to get that great breading and crispy crunch coating. I may try them with pork, as that was her recipe.

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Hi Jackie! We are okay, thank you so much for asking! We have been making a cross country move from Oregon to North Carolina so things have been a bit crazy for the past few months. We're now settled and ready to get back to posting new recipes though! I hope you give this recipe a try, it's a good one!

      Reply

  7. Albertina Geller says

    These were really tasty! My niece loved these very much. Thank you so much for sharing 🙂

    Reply

  8. Christine says

    5 stars
    Really good but makes the kitchen stinky! This is probably from frying the pork rind coating!

    Reply

  9. Liz Sentner says

    5 stars
    Delicious. Will your book be available in Canada?

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      Thanks Liz, yes the book is available in Canada from various retailers.

      Reply
5 from 4 votes (1 rating without comment)

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