If you’re looking to bring a touch of Italy right to your dinner table, the Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish perfectly balances the crispy, golden crust of tender chicken cutlets with the fresh, vibrant flavors of blistered cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and the creamy indulgence of burrata cheese. Every bite bursts with a harmony of textures and tastes that feel both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe promises an unforgettable meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from creating the perfect crunchy coating to layering the fresh, zesty topping that makes this dish truly special.
- Chicken breasts: Pounded thin for quick and even cooking, providing a tender base.
- Eggs: Whisked to help the breadcrumbs adhere perfectly for that crispy crust.
- All-purpose flour: Creates a dry layer so the egg wash sticks beautifully.
- Italian-style panko breadcrumbs: Adds an irresistible crunch with every bite.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance natural flavors.
- Oil for shallow frying: Ensures a golden, crispy finish without being greasy.
- Cherry tomatoes: Blistered and bursting with sweetness to complement the savory chicken.
- Fresh basil leaves: Thinly sliced to lend aromatic, herbaceous brightness.
- Olive oil: The perfect medium for cooking the tomatoes and garlic, adding richness.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for a fragrant punch of flavor.
- Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness of tomatoes and enhances all ingredients.
- Dry white wine: Deglazes the pan and adds subtle acidity and complexity.
- Lemon juice: Brings a fresh, zesty lift that brightens the dish.
- Lemon zest: Adds fragrant citrus notes that mingle beautifully with basil.
- Burrata cheese: Torn into pieces to create creamy, luscious pockets throughout the topping.
- Balsamic glaze: Drizzled for a sweet and tangy finishing touch that ties everything together.
How to Make Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
The secret to tender, evenly cooked chicken cutlets starts with pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Placing them between plastic wrap and gently tapping ensures every cutlet fries consistently. Seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper at this stage is vital, as it enhances the chicken’s natural flavors before any coating is applied.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
Setting up your breading station is an easy and rewarding step. The flour serves as a dry base, followed by the egg wash, which acts as glue to hold the Italian-style panko breadcrumbs. This triple-dip process is the key to that irresistible crispy texture everyone loves in a chicken cutlet.
Step 3: Fry the Cutlets to Golden Perfection
Heating your oil to exactly 325°F (160°C) creates the perfect environment for frying without burning. Cooking the cutlets for just 2-3 minutes per side yields a golden brown crust that locks in the juiciness of the chicken. Once done, letting them drain on paper towels keeps the crust crisp rather than soggy.
Step 4: Create the Tomato and Basil Topping
Using the same skillet, now empty but still infused with chicken flavor, you gently blister cherry tomatoes in olive oil. This process intensifies their natural sweetness while the garlic adds aromatic complexity. A splash of dry white wine deglazes the pan, lifting up delicious browned bits and melding flavors together. Tossing in fresh basil, lemon juice, and zest finishes this topping with brightness and freshness.
Step 5: Assemble and Finish
Arrange the crispy cutlets on a serving platter and lavishly spoon the tomato basil mixture over each. Next, tear burrata cheese into chunks and nestle it on top, allowing the creamy cheese to slowly melt and mingle. The final flourish is an artful drizzle of balsamic glaze, bringing sweet acidity that complements the entire dish perfectly.
How to Serve Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves make a stunning garnish and add an extra layer of herbal aroma right before serving. For a little color contrast and crunch, consider sprinkling toasted pine nuts or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy some subtle heat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a light, refreshing green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a simple bowl of garlic-roasted asparagus. For a heartier meal, creamy risotto or buttery mashed potatoes complement the crispy chicken cutlets and luscious topping without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping Recipe on a rustic wooden board with slices of crusty Italian bread alongside. Layer with fresh basil sprigs and small bowls of extra balsamic glaze and olive oil for dipping. This approach turns dinner into an engaging, social experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken cutlets with the tomato and burrata topping can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the burrata separate if possible, as fresh cheese is best added just before reheating to maintain its creamy texture.
Freezing
Since burrata doesn’t freeze well, prepare the chicken cutlets and tomato topping without cheese if you wish to freeze. Wrap the cutlets tightly and store the tomato mixture separately in freezer-safe containers. Frozen cutlets and topping can last up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken cutlets gently in a skillet over low heat to retain their crispiness. Heat the tomato topping in a small pan just until warm, then assemble with fresh burrata right before serving for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and moisture. Just ensure you pound them evenly and adjust frying time slightly, as thighs may be a bit thicker.
What can I substitute for burrata if I can’t find it?
Mozzarella or fresh ricotta are good alternatives. Mozzarella provides a similar creamy texture, while ricotta adds a light, fluffy creaminess, though the flavor will be milder.
Is it necessary to use dry white wine in the tomato topping?
The dry white wine adds depth and acidity to the topping. If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with chicken broth and a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice to keep the brightness.
Can I bake instead of frying the chicken cutlets?
You can certainly bake the cutlets for a lighter version. Coat the chicken as usual, then arrange on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
How do I make sure the chicken cutlets stay crispy when serving?
Drain the fried cutlets well on paper towels and serve them immediately or keep them warm on a wire rack in a low oven to avoid sogginess. Adding the tomato topping right before eating helps maintain crispiness too.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping Recipe is such a joy to make and share. It’s a winning combination of textures and fresh flavors that brings a little taste of Italy into your kitchen. I promise once you try it, it’ll become one of your go-to dishes for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary. Don’t hesitate to gather your ingredients and dive into this delicious adventure—you won’t regret it!
Print
Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets recipe features crispy, golden-brown chicken breasts topped with a vibrant tomato and fresh basil mixture, creamy burrata, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Perfectly balanced with bright lemon notes and garlic, this dish combines textures and flavors for a deliciously satisfying meal that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken Cutlets
- 4 chicken breasts, pounded thin
- 3 eggs, whisked
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups Italian-style panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Oil for shallow frying
Tomato and Basil Topping
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1½ cups fresh basil leaves, sliced into thin strips (chiffonade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Finishing
- 1 burrata, torn into pieces
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Cutlets: Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thin thickness. Season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Coat Chicken: Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with Italian-style panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken cutlet first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- Fry Chicken: Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat until it reaches about 325°F (160°C). Fry each breaded cutlet for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove fried cutlets and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare Tomato Basil Mixture: In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until they blister. Stir in minced garlic and kosher salt, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with ¼ cup dry white wine, stirring to combine flavors. Remove from heat and mix in fresh basil chiffonade, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Assemble the Dish: Arrange the crispy chicken cutlets on a serving plate. Spoon the tomato and basil mixture evenly over the chicken. Top with torn pieces of burrata cheese and finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness and acidity.
Notes
- Thinly pounding the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and a tender texture.
- Using Italian-style panko breadcrumbs provides a crispier crust compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Maintain oil temperature at around 325°F to avoid burning or undercooking the cutlets.
- Burrata is best served fresh to maintain its creamy texture; add it just before serving.
- Balsamic glaze adds a sweet tang; if unavailable, reduce balsamic vinegar to a syrupy consistency as a substitute.
