Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets

Category: Inspiring Dinner Ideas

Bread and fry chicken cutlets until golden, top with cherry tomatoes and garlic, finish with burrata and balsamic. Ready in 50 minutes, serves 4.
Sarah
Created By Sarah John
Updated on Sun, 26 Jan 2025 16:22:59 GMT
Italian basil chicken cutlets Save
Italian basil chicken cutlets | kitchenscroll.com

Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets merge crispy, golden-brown chicken with a vibrant tomato-basil topping and creamy burrata, creating a restaurant-worthy dish right in your kitchen. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant meal that captures authentic Italian flavors in every bite.

After countless iterations in my kitchen, I've found that letting the breaded cutlets rest for 10 minutes before frying makes the coating adhere better. My family particularly loves when I make extra tomato topping to spoon over crusty bread the next day.

Essential Ingredients

  • Chicken Breasts: Choose uniform-sized pieces for even cooking; organic preferred for best flavor
  • Fresh Basil: Look for bright green leaves without dark spots; stems add extra flavor to the topping
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Multi-colored varieties create a stunning presentation and varied sweetness
  • Burrata: Room temperature cheese melts perfectly over the warm chicken
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates an airy, extra-crispy coating that stays crunchy longer
  • Quality Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for the topping to enhance fresh flavors

Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Chicken
  • Place chicken between plastic wrap
  • Pound gently to 1/4-inch thickness, working from center outward
  • Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides
  • Let rest at room temperature 15 minutes for even cooking
Step 2: Set Up Breading Station
  • Mix flour with Italian seasoning in first bowl
  • Whisk eggs with splash of water in second bowl
  • Combine panko, grated parmesan, and dried herbs in third bowl
  • Keep one hand for wet ingredients, one for dry to prevent clumping
Step 3: Bread Cutlets
  • Dredge in seasoned flour, shake off excess
  • Dip in egg mixture, letting excess drip off
  • Press firmly into panko mixture, ensuring even coating
  • Place on wire rack to set for 10 minutes
Step 4: Cook Perfect Cutlets
  • Heat oil to 350°F in large skillet
  • Add cutlets without crowding
  • Cook 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden
  • Rest on paper towels while making topping
Step 5: Create Tomato Topping
  • Blister tomatoes in olive oil until just bursting
  • Add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant
  • Deglaze with white wine, scraping up brown bits
  • Fold in torn basil off heat
Parmesan-basil chicken cutlets Save
Parmesan-basil chicken cutlets | kitchenscroll.com

My Italian grandmother taught me to always use room temperature eggs for breading - they coat more evenly and help create that perfect golden crust. Her tradition of finishing with a drizzle of aged balsamic made every meal feel special.

Italian basil chicken cutlets Recipe Save
Italian basil chicken cutlets Recipe | kitchenscroll.com

This recipe reminds me of Sunday dinners in my grandmother's kitchen, where the aroma of frying cutlets would draw everyone to the table early. It's amazing how a few quality ingredients, treated with care, can create such lasting memories.

Common Questions About Cooking

→ Can I prepare the chicken ahead?
Yes, bread the cutlets up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. Fry just before serving for best crispiness.
→ What can I substitute for burrata?
Fresh mozzarella or stracciatella cheese work well. For a lighter option, try ricotta.
→ Can I bake instead of fry the cutlets?
Yes, spray with oil and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
→ What wine pairs best with this?
A dry Italian white like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino complements the dish perfectly.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Keep chicken separate from toppings. Reheat chicken in oven to restore crispiness, then add fresh toppings.

Crispy Chicken with Burrata

Golden chicken cutlets topped with blistered tomatoes and creamy burrata, finished with balsamic glaze and fresh basil.

Preparation Time
20 minutes
Cooking Duration
30 minutes
Total Time Required
50 minutes
Created By: Sarah John

Recipe Category: Dinner Delights

Skill Level Required: Moderate Skills Needed

Cuisine Style: Italian

Recipe Output: 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You'll Gather

→ Chicken Cutlets

Contains 01 items 4 chicken breasts, pounded thin
Contains 02 items 3 eggs, whisked
Contains 03 items 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Contains 04 items 1 1/2 cups Italian-style panko breadcrumbs
Contains 05 items Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Contains 06 items Oil for shallow frying

→ Tomato Basil Topping

Contains 07 items 2 cups cherry tomatoes
Contains 08 items 1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves, sliced into thin strips
Contains 09 items 2 tbsp olive oil
Contains 10 items 3 cloves garlic, minced
Contains 11 items 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Contains 12 items 1/4 cup dry white wine
Contains 13 items 1 tsp lemon juice
Contains 14 items 1 tsp lemon zest

→ For Serving

Contains 15 items 1 burrata, torn into pieces
Contains 16 items 2 tbsp balsamic glaze

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Pound chicken breasts between plastic wrap until even thickness. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 02

Set up three bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and panko. Dip each cutlet in flour, then egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.

Step 03

Heat oil in cast-iron skillet to 325°F. Fry cutlets 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.

Step 04

In same skillet, heat olive oil and cook cherry tomatoes until blistered. Add garlic, salt, and wine. Mix with basil, lemon juice, and zest in a bowl.

Step 05

Top crispy cutlets with tomato-basil mixture and torn burrata. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Important Tips

  1. Perfect blend of crispy chicken, fresh tomatoes, and creamy burrata
  2. Can prepare tomato topping while chicken cooks to save time

Essential Tools

  • Cast-iron skillet
  • Meat mallet
  • Three shallow bowls for breading

Allergen Guidance

Double-check ingredients for allergens and consult a health expert if needed.
  • Eggs
  • Dairy (burrata)
  • Wheat (flour, breadcrumbs)

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutrition info is provided as a guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 590
  • Fat Amount: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Protein Amount: ~