cotoletta di pollo
The English phrase chicken schnitzel is translated into Italian as cotoletta di pollo.
The term cotoletta di pollo refers to a thin slice of chicken breast that has been breaded and fried.
Which one should you use?
While cotoletta di pollo is the standard term, if the meat used is veal, it is called cotoletta alla milanese.
Did you know?
- The word cotoletta is actually a diminutive of 'rib', meaning it literally translates to 'little rib'.
- While cotoletta alla milanese refers to a specific style from Milan, it is traditionally butter-fried rather than oil-fried.
- In some regions of Italy, a cotoletta is expected to have the bone left in, whereas a 'boneless' version is often called a scaloppina if not breaded.
Examples in context
- Vorrei una cotoletta di pollo, per favore.I would like a chicken schnitzel, please.
- La cotoletta di pollo è molto croccante.The chicken schnitzel is very crispy.
- Abbiamo preparato una cotoletta di pollo con patatine.We prepared a chicken schnitzel with fries.
Example conversation
At a restaurant, Alessandro and Giulia are looking at the menu.
- AlessandroGiulia, cosa prendi da mangiare?Giulia, what are you having to eat?
- GiuliaPrendo una cotoletta di pollo.I'll have a chicken schnitzel.
- AlessandroOttima scelta, è molto buona.Great choice, it is very good.
- GiuliaSpero che sia calda e saporita.I hope it is hot and tasty.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cotoletta, di, pollo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
