Best Matzo Meal Chicken Recipe (Crispy & Juicy)
Tired of soggy chicken? Our foolproof best matzo meal chicken recipe guarantees a perfectly crispy, juicy result every time. Your new family favorite!
Equipment
- Meat Mallet (or heavy pan)
- Plastic Wrap
- 3 Shallow Dishes (for dredging)
- Wire Rack
- Large Heavy-Bottomed Skillet (Cast-Iron recommended)
- Tongs or Spatula
- Instant-Read Thermometer
Ingredients
- 4 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/4-inch thickness
- 1.5 cups matzo meal, divided
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable or grapeseed oil, for frying
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels.
- Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, combine 1/2 cup of matzo meal with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and baking powder.
- In the second dish, lightly beat the eggs.
- In the third dish, place the remaining 1 cup of plain matzo meal.
- Working one at a time, dredge a chicken breast in the seasoned matzo meal, then dip it in the egg, and finally press it firmly into the plain matzo meal to coat thoroughly. Place on a wire rack. Repeat with all chicken.
- Pour about 1/2 inch of oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet and heat over medium-high heat to 350∘F (175∘C$).
- Fry the chicken in batches (2-3 pieces at a time) for 3-4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165∘F (74∘C$).
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean wire rack to drain. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
Notes
- Ensure your chicken is pounded to an even thickness for even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
- A cast-iron skillet provides the best heat retention for frying.
- For best results, use regular matzo meal, not fine matzo cake meal.
- Sprinkle the chicken with a pinch of salt immediately after removing it from the fryer to enhance flavor.