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Homemade Oven Baked Mexican Chicken Schnitzel photo

Oven Baked Mexican Chicken Schnitzel

Crispy oven-baked chicken topped with smashed avocado, beans, vegetables and melted cheese for a quick Mexican-inspired meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 teaspoons taco seasoning divided
  • oil spray for greasing and coating
  • 1 egg lightly whisked
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt see note about taco seasoning
  • 4 chicken breasts to be pounded to 1/2 inch (1.25 cm)
  • 1 avocado peeled and pitted
  • pinch salt salt for avocado
  • 1/2 cup kidney beans or black beans drained
  • 2 tablespoons chopped red bell pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped tomato
  • 1 tablespoon chopped red onion
  • 1 cup shredded cheese see note for suggestions
  • fresh cilantro to garnish

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • Wire Rack
  • Mixing Bowls
  • rolling pin or meat mallet
  • shallow bowl
  • Spatula or Fork

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet and spray it generously with oil; spread the panko breadcrumbs on the sheet and toss with 1 teaspoon taco seasoning.
  2. Bake the seasoned panko for 5–7 minutes until golden, stirring or shaking the tray once to ensure even toasting. Remove from the oven and increase the temperature to 430°F (220°C).
  3. In a shallow bowl whisk the egg, then stir in the flour, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, remaining 1 teaspoon taco seasoning and ½ teaspoon salt to form a thick batter.
  4. Place a chicken breast between two sheets of baking paper or cling film and flatten with a rolling pin or meat mallet until about ½ inch (1.25 cm) thick; repeat for all breasts.
  5. Set a wire rack over a baking sheet and lightly spray or brush with oil. Dip each flattened chicken breast into the batter, then press into the toasted panko on the tray so both sides are well coated. Transfer the coated breasts to the oiled wire rack.
  6. Bake the chicken at 430°F (220°C) for 10 minutes until crispy and golden.
  7. Meanwhile, mash the peeled and pitted avocado with a pinch of salt using a fork until slightly chunky.
  8. When the chicken is done, switch the oven to broil (high). Top each schnitzel with smashed avocado, then evenly sprinkle beans, chopped red bell pepper, chopped tomato, chopped red onion and cilantro over each piece. Add about ¼ cup shredded cheese on each.
  9. Broil for 2–4 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Check taco seasoning for added salt before using extra salt.
  • Use any shredded cheese you like, such as Mexican blend, Pepper Jack or mozzarella.