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Baked party schnitzels from the oven

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## **What Are Schnitzels? A Brief History**

The schnitzel is a beloved dish that has its origins in **Austria**, where it is known as “Wiener Schnitzel” (Viennese schnitzel). According to culinary tradition, Wiener Schnitzel is made with **veal** that is breaded and fried. The breading process involves dipping the meat in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, before frying it in oil or clarified butter to achieve a crispy coating.

While the exact origins of the schnitzel are debated, the dish became popular across Europe in the 19th century. It spread to other countries like Germany, where it is often made with **pork**, and even to the United States, where “chicken schnitzel” has become a favorite.

Schnitzels are often served with various accompaniments like **potatoes**, **salads**, **lingonberry sauce**, or **lemon wedges**. In some regions, schnitzels are prepared with a variety of fillings or toppings, such as cheese, mushrooms, or even a rich sauce.

While the traditional method of cooking schnitzels involves frying them, baking schnitzels offers a healthier alternative, reducing the amount of oil used in the process. This method still produces a crispy, golden crust while making the dish lighter and less greasy.

## **The Advantages of Baking Schnitzels Instead of Frying**

Traditional schnitzels are typically deep-fried or pan-fried, which can result in a dish that is rich in fat and calories. While the crispy, golden exterior is undeniably appealing, the oil-soaked coating can sometimes detract from the enjoyment of the meal. Here are some of the key advantages of baking schnitzels instead of frying:

### **1. Healthier Cooking Method**
Baking schnitzels significantly reduces the amount of fat and calories compared to frying. Since the schnitzels are baked in the oven, you only need a small amount of oil or cooking spray to achieve a crispy finish. This method is ideal for those who want to enjoy the taste of schnitzels without the heaviness of deep-frying.

### **2. Easier to Prepare and Clean Up**
Frying schnitzels requires multiple steps—preparing the pan, heating the oil, monitoring the temperature, and constantly flipping the schnitzels to ensure they cook evenly. With baked schnitzels, the process is much simpler. All you need to do is prepare the schnitzels, place them on a baking sheet, and pop them in the oven. Cleanup is also a breeze since there’s no need to deal with splattering oil or greasy pans.

### **3. More Consistent Results**
When you fry schnitzels, the temperature of the oil can fluctuate, which can sometimes result in uneven cooking. With baking, the heat in the oven is more consistent, ensuring that the schnitzels cook evenly and maintain their crispy texture throughout.

### **4. Perfect for Parties**
Baked party schnitzels are the perfect dish for a celebration or gathering. Unlike fried schnitzels, which can become soggy if left out for too long, baked schnitzels retain their crispiness even after sitting for a while. This makes them an excellent choice for buffet-style meals or party platters where the food needs to stay fresh for an extended period.

## **How to Make Baked Party Schnitzels**

Now that we understand the benefits of baking schnitzels, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making **baked party schnitzels** from the oven. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through the preparation, breading, and baking process, ensuring that your schnitzels come out perfectly crispy every time.

### **Ingredients**
To make baked party schnitzels, you’ll need the following ingredients:

– **4 boneless chicken breasts** (or pork/veal if preferred)
– **1 cup all-purpose flour** (for dredging)
– **2 large eggs**
– **2 cups breadcrumbs** (preferably panko for extra crunch)
– **1 tablespoon dried oregano**
– **1 teaspoon garlic powder**
– **1 teaspoon paprika**
– **Salt and pepper** (to taste)
– **2 tablespoons olive oil** (for drizzling)
– **Lemon wedges** (for serving)
– **Fresh parsley** (optional, for garnish)

**Note**: You can also use **whole wheat breadcrumbs** or **gluten-free breadcrumbs** for a healthier or gluten-free alternative.

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