Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with an extraordinary dish that blends simplicity with gourmet appeal? The Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping is your ticket to a flavorful culinary experience that embodies the essence of Italian cuisine. Imagine crisp golden chicken coated in a crunchy shell, topped with succulent, blistered cherry tomatoes, and adorned with creamy burrata. The combination of these fresh ingredients makes this dish not only visually stunning but also an explosion of flavor in every bite.
With the rich and aromatic flavors of basil, the sweetness of tomatoes, and the delightful creaminess of burrata, this recipe is designed to impress. But don’t let the gourmet presentation fool you; it’s surprisingly easy to whip up in under an hour. Ideal for family dinners, special occasions, or simply to elevate a weeknight meal, this chicken recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. What’s more, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides such as pasta, salad, or a rustic loaf of crusty bread, making it a well-rounded option for any meal.
If you’re looking to bring a taste of Italy into your home kitchen, keep reading to discover how to prepare these irresistible chicken cutlets. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love making this Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping
- ✨ Big Italian Flavors: Crispy chicken, fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and rich burrata come together in perfect balance.
- ✨ Impressive yet Easy: Looks like fine dining but comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for any occasion.
- ✨ Versatile Pairing: Serve with pasta, salad, or crusty bread for a complete Italian meal that satisfies.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into this delectable recipe, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. Having a clean and organized workspace will streamline the cooking process and enhance your culinary experience.
Start by clearing your counter and ensuring all ingredients are readily available. For this recipe, you’ll need a cutting board, a meat mallet or rolling pin for pounding the chicken, and three shallow bowls for breading the cutlets. An oven-safe skillet or frying pan will be ideal for cooking the chicken and making the tomato basil topping seamlessly.
Make sure you have a reliable thermometer to monitor the oil temperature when frying; this helps to achieve the perfect golden-brown crust. Lastly, don’t forget to line a plate with paper towels to drain the cutlets after frying. With everything prepped, you’re set to embark on an enjoyable cooking adventure.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts, pounded thin
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, whisked
- 1 ½ cups Italian-style panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Neutral oil (vegetable or canola) for shallow frying
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 ½ cups fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (chiffonade)
- 1 ball burrata, torn into pieces
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
To ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and becomes tender, you want to start by placing each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Then, using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even thickness, approximately half an inch. This technique not only tenderizes the meat but also helps achieving that delightful crispiness. Once pounded, season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
Step 2: Bread the Cutlets
Setting up your breading station is crucial for achieving well-coated cutlets. In three shallow bowls, arrange the all-purpose flour, the whisked eggs, and the Italian-style panko breadcrumbs. Take each chicken cutlet and first dredge it in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess flour to prevent clumping. Next, dip the cutlet into the whisked eggs, ensuring it’s completely coated, and finally, coat it with the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere. The panko breadcrumbs will provide that extra crunch that you’re looking for.
Step 3: Fry the Cutlets
Heat a generous amount of neutral oil in a skillet over medium heat, bringing the temperature up to about 325°F (165°C). Carefully add the breaded chicken cutlets to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each cutlet for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they reach a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. Once fried, transfer the cutlets onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil, keeping them crispy and delicious.
Step 4: Make the Tomato Basil Topping
Using the same skillet where you fried the chicken adds flavor to the topping. Warm the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat, then toss in the cherry tomatoes. Cook the tomatoes for about 5 minutes until they become blistered and juicy. As they cook, stir in the minced garlic and kosher salt, cooking for another minute until fragrant. To deglaze the pan, add the dry white wine and scrape any browned bits from the skillet, allowing it to simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes. Once finished, transfer the mixture to a bowl and fold in the fresh basil, lemon juice, and lemon zest, combining all the fresh flavors.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
To bring it all together, arrange the crispy chicken cutlets on a large serving platter or individual plates. Generously spoon the tomato-basil topping over each cutlet, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. Tear apart the creamy burrata and place it on top of the cutlets, allowing its richness to mingle with the other ingredients. To finish off this delightful dish, drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and acidity that perfectly balances the dish.
Variations
- Protein: Swap chicken with turkey cutlets or eggplant slices for a vegetarian version that still delivers flavor.
- Vegetables: Add sautéed zucchini or bell peppers for added color and flavor in the tomato basil topping.
- Spices: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano to change the flavor profile slightly.
Cooking Notes
- Always let the oil heat properly before adding the chicken; this prevents the cutlets from absorbing too much oil.
- Using fresh ingredients like basil and burrata will significantly enhance the overall taste, making each bite delectable.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked through by using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside a fresh garden salad dressed in olive oil and lemon for a light, refreshing contrast.
- Pair with a side of garlic bread for a satisfying Italian feast that’s perfect for family gatherings.
Tips
- Consider marinating the chicken breasts in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs for an hour prior to cooking for an extra flavor boost.
- For even more crunch, double dip the cutlets in the egg and breadcrumb mixture.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning; a pinch of fresh black pepper or salt can transform flavors beautifully.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 550 per serving
- Protein: 36g
- Sodium: 750mg
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken cutlets and tomato topping ahead of time. Just assemble and serve when ready. The cooked chicken can be reheated in the oven for optimal crispiness.
Is there a substitute for burrata?
If burrata is not available, fresh mozzarella works as a great alternative, providing a similar texture and creamy flavor.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
While frying provides optimal texture, you can bake the chicken cutlets at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until cooked through.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
This dish pairs excellently with pasta, garden salads, or even roasted vegetables. A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette complements the flavors beautifully.
Conclusion
The Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that transport you straight to Italy. This recipe, bursting with freshness, is perfect for anyone looking to impress at the dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you are making it for a family gathering or as a special treat for yourself, the crispy chicken, aromatic basil, and creamy burrata create a symphony of tastes that is sure to have everyone coming back for more. Don’t hesitate to share your cooking experience and any variations you tried in the comments below. Buon appetito!
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Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with an extraordinary dish that blends simplicity with gourmet appeal? The Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping is your ticket to a flavorful culinary experience that embodies the essence of Italian cuisine.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts, pounded thin
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, whisked
- 1 ½ cups Italian-style panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Neutral oil (vegetable or canola) for shallow frying
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 ½ cups fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (chiffonade)
- 1 ball burrata, torn into pieces
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by pounding each breast to an even thickness, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Bread the cutlets in flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.
- Fry the cutlets in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the tomato basil topping in the same skillet by cooking tomatoes, garlic, and seasoning.
- Assemble by placing cutlets on a plate, topping with tomatoes and burrata, and drizzling with balsamic glaze.
Notes
Always let the oil heat properly before adding the chicken; this prevents the cutlets from absorbing too much oil.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Protein: 36 g