Get ready to fall in love with Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping—a recipe that delivers everything you crave in a single bite! Crisp, golden chicken cutlets serve as a warm base for a tumble of sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes, rich burrata, and fresh basil. This dish captures the essence of summer and Italy in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for both effortless weeknight dinners and laid-back entertaining. The layers of crunchy, creamy, and tangy flavors promise to make every mouthful a little celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping lies in its simple yet flavor-packed ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—whether it’s adding crunch, lifting flavor, or providing a burst of color—so don’t skimp on quality if you can help it!
- Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless pieces and pound them to an even thickness for quick, even cooking and maximum tenderness.
- All-purpose flour: This first dredge layer helps the egg cling and ensures an ultra-crispy crust.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs bind the breadcrumb coating to the chicken, helping everything crisp up beautifully.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs: Packed with herbs for extra flavor and perfect crunch—use panko for even more texture if you wish.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty note to your crumb coating that really shines once cooked.
- Garlic powder: Lends a punch of garlicky flavor throughout each bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Don’t underestimate these—they make all the flavors pop!
- Olive oil: For frying the chicken to golden perfection; use a good-quality oil for the best flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes: The star of the topping, their sweetness and color brighten every plate.
- Balsamic vinegar: Brings tang and depth to the tomato mixture—just a splash makes a difference.
- Extra virgin olive oil: For drizzle-worthy aroma and fruity notes in the topping.
- Fresh basil leaves: Chopped basil infuses the dish with an unmistakably Italian aroma and taste.
- Burrata cheese: Creamy, dreamy, and a little decadent, torn burrata takes the topping over the top.
How to Make Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping
Step 1: Set Up the Dredging Station
Start by arranging three shallow bowls to set yourself up for breading success. The first bowl holds flour; this is your base coat to help everything else stick. In the second bowl, beat your eggs until smooth and frothy. The third bowl is where flavor magic happens—combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Each station builds texture and depth so your Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping come out irresistible.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken Cutlets
Take each chicken breast and give it some love at the dredging station. Dip first in flour, shaking off the excess, then dunk into the beaten egg. Let that excess drip away before coating generously in the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly so the crust adheres. This triple dip ensures your cutlets cook up crispy, golden, and packed with flavor.
Step 3: Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection
Pour the olive oil into a large skillet and heat over medium. Once shimmering, add the breaded chicken cutlets. Cook them for 4 to 5 minutes per side, turning only once, until they’re beautifully browned and cooked through. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels so any excess oil can drain away—this keeps them extra crunchy and delicious.
Step 4: Prepare the Tomato and Basil Topping
While the chicken cutlets rest, toss together the halved cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, chopped basil, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Give everything a gentle stir so the tomatoes soak up all that tangy, herby goodness. This simple topping brings the fresh, vibrant punch that makes Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping extra special.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
It all comes together now! Place your crispy chicken cutlets on a serving platter, then generously spoon the tomato-basil mixture over top. Finish with torn pieces of creamy burrata, letting it gently settle onto the warm cutlets. The mix of crisp, juicy, and creamy elements is pure bliss—serve immediately for that perfect contrast of warm and cool.
How to Serve Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping
Garnishes
Finish your Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping with a few extra basil ribbons, a drizzle of olive oil, or a final crack of black pepper. For added flair, sprinkle over some flaky sea salt or a dash of crushed red pepper.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, arugula tossed lightly with lemon, or some crusty bread to capture every last bit of tomato and burrata. If you’re feeling adventurous, lemony roasted potatoes or grilled asparagus are always delicious alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve individual cutlets on small plates, each topped with its own generous helping of tomato-basil topping and burrata. Or try slicing the chicken into strips and arranging over a big platter of greens for a hearty salad twist on Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping. You can even stack the cutlet, tomatoes, and burrata on toasted ciabatta for an open-faced sandwich that’s party-ready!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers, store chicken and tomato-burrata topping in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will keep its texture better this way, and you can assemble just before serving for best results.
Freezing
For future cravings, freeze the breaded but uncooked chicken cutlets between layers of parchment in a zip-top bag. The tomato-basil topping and burrata don’t freeze well, so keep those fresh for the day-of assembly.
Reheating
To bring back the crunch, reheat chicken cutlets in a hot oven or air fryer until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the breading soggy. Top with freshly tossed tomato and burrata once hot.
FAQs
Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?
Absolutely! While burrata adds a luscious creamy center, fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) work beautifully for a similar flavor with a bit less decadence.
What’s the best way to pound the chicken cutlets?
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to even 1/2-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and extra tenderness.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes—swap in your favorite gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for equally delicious results. The flavors of Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping shine no matter the coating!
Can I use other tomatoes?
Certainly! While cherry tomatoes bring sweet juiciness and vibrant color, you can use ripe Roma or heirloom tomatoes diced into bite-sized pieces for a flavor twist.
How do I make the cutlets extra crispy?
After breading, let the cutlets rest for 5 to 10 minutes before frying, or pop them in the fridge briefly. You can also air-fry them for extra crunch and less oil if you have an air fryer on hand.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping a go—you’ll be amazed how such simple ingredients can come together for something truly special. Whether for a quick weeknight treat or weekend dinner with friends, this dish is bound to win hearts and taste buds. Enjoy every delicious bite!
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Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these flavorful Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets topped with a fresh tomato-burrata mixture. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken Cutlets:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to 1/2-inch thickness)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying)
Tomato and Burrata Topping:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- 8 oz burrata cheese (torn into pieces)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls for flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture. Coat chicken breasts in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Cook the Chicken: Fry the breaded chicken cutlets in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Topping: Combine cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and basil in a bowl.
- Assemble: Place cooked chicken on a platter, top with tomato-basil mixture and torn burrata cheese.
- Serve: Enjoy while warm with crusty bread or a green salad.
Notes
- Serve with crusty bread or a green salad.
- For extra crunch, air-fry the cutlets instead of pan-frying.
- Use heirloom cherry tomatoes for more color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cutlet with topping
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
