Crispy Chicken Milanese with the BEST Marinated Tomato Salad

We’re halfway through the week and I’m coming at you with one of my favorite bites I've cooked all year. This Crispy Chicken Milanese with the BEST Marinated Tomato Salad is a dish you’ve gotta try before the end of summer. But first, let’s get into the story behind it…

I’ve been fortunate enough to travel all over Italy and there isn’t a city that I haven’t fallen in love with. That said, northern Italy holds a really special place in my heart and my take on Veal Milanese is an homage to Lombardy. You’re probably familiar with this dish—thinly pounded veal cutlets are breaded and shallow fried, then served alongside a simple arugula salad. It’s a classic Milanese-style preparation and is a dish that instantly transports me there (even when I’m cooking in my kitchen in California).

One of our favorite versions of this dish, hands down, was the Milanese-Style Veal Cutlet with Arugula & Tomatoes at Il Solferino in Milan. Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, finished with just a squeeze of lemon on top. So simple and delicious!

That same simplicity is what I was after when creating my version. To make this dish more my own, I swapped veal for chicken, and zhuzhed up the side salad by marinating thinly sliced red onions and tomatoes in a combination of red wine vinegar, olive oil, and garlic. It creates a depth of flavor that you don’t normally get in this dish, and I like that the tang helps to offset the salty, savory chicken. I’m so excited for you to try it. Let me know what you think!

If you’re craving another chicken dinner, check out my Chicken Fricassee (Creamy French Chicken Stew) and Chicken Piccata recipes! They’re both so good, and make regular appearances in our house.

Speaking of Italy, we’re hosting our second Via Rosa tour to Parma in March 2027. It’s one of our favorite places we’ve ever been—pure foodie and wine lover heaven. Some of my all-time favorite bites have happened there. There are still a few spots left, and I’d love nothing more than to go together!

Join me in Italy next March!

If you’re looking for more easy & delicious recipes like this one, my cookbook, DIG IN!, is available now! 🎉

• 3.5-Qt. Braiser

• Baking Dish Set (Glass)

• Baking Dish Set (Light Green)

• Chef’s Knife

• Cutting Board

• Measuring Cups (Dry)

• Measuring Cup (Liquid)

• Mixing Bowls

• Red Wine Glass

• Scraper

• Serving Spoon

• Sheet Pan (and Baking Set)

• Spoon Rest

• Tomato Knife

• Tongs

• Whisk

• Wire Rack

• Zester