Hähnchenschnitzel
Chicken schnitzel is Hähnchenschnitzel in German.
The term refers to a thin piece of chicken breast that is breaded and fried. While Hähnchenschnitzel is the standard term, you may also see it described as Schnitzel vom Hähnchen on menus. More specific variations include Hähnchenbrustschnitzel for a chicken breast schnitzel or Hähnchenschnitzel aus der Keule for one made from the chicken leg.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bavaria, you might hear Hendl-Schnitzel for chicken schnitzel. In Switzerland, Poulet-Schnitzel might be used. In Austria, the term Backhendl is commonly used to refer to breaded and fried chicken.
Did you know?
- While Hähnchenschnitzel is the food, the word schnitzen actually means 'to carve' or 'to whittle' wood.
- A true Wiener Schnitzel must be made from veal, and Austrian law protects the name so strictly that using it for Hähnchenschnitzel is legally forbidden in Austria.
- In some regions, you can order Hähnchenschnitzel as Jägerart, meaning it is served with a mushroom cream sauce in the style of a hunter.
Examples in context
- Hähnchenschnitzel, bitte.Chicken schnitzel, please.
- Ein Hähnchenschnitzel, bitte.One chicken schnitzel, please.
- Könnte ich ein Hähnchenschnitzel haben?Could I have a chicken schnitzel, please?
- Ich hätte gerne ein Hähnchenschnitzel.I would like a chicken schnitzel.
- Das Hähnchenschnitzel schmeckt sehr gut.The chicken schnitzel tastes very good.
- Bestellen wir heute ein Hähnchenschnitzel?Are we ordering a chicken schnitzel today?
Example conversation
A couple is looking at a menu in a restaurant.
- MaximilianWas möchtest du essen, Laura?What do you want to eat, Laura?
- LauraIch nehme das Hähnchenschnitzel.I'll take the chicken schnitzel.
- MaximilianGute Wahl, das ist sehr beliebt hier.Good choice, it is very popular here.
- LauraJa, und ich habe großen Hunger.Yes, and I am very hungry.
