Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets

Crispy golden chicken cutlets layered with juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant chiffonade of basil, and creamy burrata form a warm-weather main course you will crave. Finished with a lively drizzle of balsamic glaze, this dish brings a taste of Italy right to your table with impressive looks and even better flavor.

My family looks forward to these cutlets on sunny evenings when we want something fresh and celebratory

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose ones similar in size and pound evenly for quick even cooking
• All-purpose flour: Helps create a base for crisp breading Make sure your flour is fresh for best texture
• Large eggs: Bind breadcrumbs to the chicken Room temperature eggs coat better
• Italian-style panko breadcrumbs: Provide crunchy texture with Italian seasoning Go for fresh panko for the crispiest finish
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning both chicken and breadcrumbs Use kosher salt and fresh pepper if you can
• Vegetable oil: Neutral high-heat oil is ideal for frying Look for a clean and fresh bottle
• Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy at peak ripeness Use firm but fragrant tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves: Slice into thin ribbons for the most aroma Always pick leaves that are deeply green and unwilted
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Brings richness and binds the topping Check for a peppery bite to ensure good quality
• Garlic: Fresh cloves are a must for the best flavor Choose plump unblemished garlic heads
• Dry white wine: Adds acidity and complexity Pinot Grigio or a similar crisp style works well
• Lemon juice and zest: Brighten the topping and cut the richness of the chicken Always zest before juicing for easy prep
• Fresh burrata: The creamy centerpiece of the dish If unavailable sub with high-quality mozzarella
• Balsamic glaze: Sweet tangy finish Luscious when drizzled over the top Always select a thick syrupy glaze

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pound and Season the Chicken:

Lay each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap Use a meat mallet to carefully flatten to about half an inch thickness Season both sides generously with salt and pepper This even thickness means even cooking and prevents dryness

Coat the Chicken for Frying:

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls Place flour in the first bowl beaten eggs in the second bowl and panko breadcrumbs in the third Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour shake off excess Dip fully in egg then press into breadcrumbs to ensure an even crust Gently set each piece aside

Fry the Chicken Cutlets:

Pour vegetable oil into a heavy skillet to cover about half an inch Heat to moderate temperature Test by dropping in a breadcrumb which should sizzle straight away Fry chicken pieces without crowding for about three minutes each side Flip carefully with a slotted spatula and cook until both sides are deeply golden and the chicken is cooked through Transfer cutlets to a paper towel lined plate to absorb excess oil

Make the Tomato Basil Topping:

Wipe out the skillet if needed Add olive oil and heat gently Add whole cherry tomatoes and stir occasionally until skins blister and tomatoes soften about five minutes Sprinkle in minced garlic with a little salt Sauté briefly then pour in white wine Scrape any browned bits and simmer for a minute or two until wine reduces slightly Remove from heat and transfer mixture to a bowl Toss with sliced basil lemon juice and zest for a burst of fresh flavor

Assemble and Serve:

Arrange the hot crisp cutlets on a serving platter Generously spoon the warm tomato and basil topping over the cutlets Tear the burrata into rustic pieces and arrange on top Drizzle over balsamic glaze Serve right away while the chicken is crisp and the burrata is soft and creamy

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My favorite part is the creamy burrata which melts into the tomato juices and crispy crumbs The first time I made this dish for my family they gathered around the platter before I could even call them to dinner The scent of basil makes everyone hungry

Storage Tips

Keep extra chicken cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days For best results store the tomato basil topping separately to keep the cutlets crispy Reheat cutlets in a hot oven for about ten minutes to restore their crunch Avoid freezing burrata instead add it fresh each time you serve

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap mozzarella or even ricotta for burrata if needed Gluten free breadcrumbs can be used to make this dish gluten free No panko Use day old bread grated or blitzed into coarse crumbs in a pinch Fresh garden tomatoes instead of cherry work as long as you dice them small

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Serving Suggestions

This main dish loves a simple side of peppery arugula salad finished with olive oil and lemon Crusty Italian bread makes a perfect mop for the tomato juices During summer I often serve with grilled corn for a bright fresh meal For something heartier spoon tangy potato salad alongside

A Nod to Italian Inspiration

This recipe draws from classic chicken Milanese combined with vibrant caprese flavors While it looks fancy it is pure Italian comfort food at heart The tradition of pairing fried cutlets with fresh veggies and cheese dates back generations in my family We would make a version of this every August when basil and tomatoes overflowed in our garden

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the chicken cutlets crispy?

Drain the fried cutlets on paper towels and assemble them just before serving. Serve immediately to maintain crispiness.

→ Can mozzarella be used instead of burrata?

Yes, fresh mozzarella works as a substitute if burrata is unavailable, though burrata offers extra creaminess.

→ What's the best way to pound chicken breasts evenly?

Place each breast between sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to gently flatten to uniform thickness.

→ Which wine pairs well with this main?

Dry white wines such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complement the dish's fresh flavors beautifully.

→ Is this meal gluten-free?

No, it contains wheat from the flour and panko. A gluten-free version would need alternate breading.

→ Can I prep components ahead?

The topping and chicken can be prepped in advance, but fry the cutlets and assemble just before serving.