If you’re looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or flair, look no further than this Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets recipe. It takes the golden-crisp chicken you know and love and tops it with creamy burrata, sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a tangy drizzle of balsamic glaze.
It’s elegant enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight dinner. With just 30 minutes and a handful of pantry staples, you can bring a little piece of Italy to your table any night of the week.
Drawing from your love for savory, herb-infused dishes (like the Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Thighs, and Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad ) and Italian-inspired flavors (like the Refreshing Basil Lemon Drop Drink ), this recipe is a must-try. Let’s get cooking!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cutlets Recipe
- Crispy on the Outside, Juicy Inside: Perfectly pan-fried cutlets every time.
- Fresh and Flavorful Toppings: Burrata and basil elevate the dish.
- Quick Cooking: Just 15 minutes of cooking time!
- Customizable: Easy to modify based on what you have on hand.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike.
Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets
Equipment
- Large skillet (for frying)
- Meat mallet or rolling pin (for pounding chicken)
- Two shallow bowls (for egg and breadcrumb mixtures)
- Whisk or fork (for eggs)
- Tongs (for frying)
- Paper towel-lined plate (for draining)
- Serving platter
- Knife and cutting board (for tomatoes and basil)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp olive oil for frying
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- 🧀 2 balls of fresh burrata cheese
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In another, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
- Dip each chicken breast into the eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken cutlets for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Arrange cutlets on a serving platter. Top with torn burrata, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
What you will need + Smart Substitutions
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
Substitute: Use chicken thighs for a juicier bite. - 2 large eggs
Binding agent: Helps breadcrumbs adhere to chicken. - 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
Swap: Use panko with Italian seasoning for extra crunch. - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Boost: Use Pecorino Romano for sharper flavor. - Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
Alternative: Use avocado oil for a higher smoke point. - 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
Homemade: Reduce balsamic vinegar until thick and syrupy. - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 balls of fresh burrata cheese
Alternate: Use fresh mozzarella if burrata isn’t available.
Step-by-Step Instructions with Tips
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Pound thin for even cooking and quicker frying.
Tip: Use a zip-top bag and rolling pin to pound without mess.
Step 2: Bread the Cutlets
In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In another, mix the breadcrumbs with Parmesan. Dip each chicken breast first in the egg, then dredge in the breadcrumb mix, pressing gently to coat.
Step 3: Fry Until Golden
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken cutlets for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Frying Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in batches for even browning.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Arrange the cooked cutlets on a serving platter. Tear the burrata over the hot chicken so it melts slightly. Add cherry tomatoes and basil over the top.
Step 5: Finish with Balsamic
Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving. Add an extra sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste.
Presentation Tip: Serve with a wedge of lemon and a side of arugula for color and balance.
Variations to Try
- Caprese Chicken Cutlet: Add sliced fresh mozzarella and tomato instead of burrata.
- Chicken Milanese Style: Serve over arugula with a lemon vinaigrette.
- Pesto Twist: Spread basil pesto on cutlets before topping with burrata.
- Low-Carb Version: Use almond flour or skip breading for a lighter take.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper to the breadcrumb mix or top with Calabrian chili oil.
Topping Suggestions
- Extra Balsamic Glaze: Intensifies the sweet-tangy flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle spicy kick.
- Microgreens: Elegant and fresh for presentation.
- Toasted Pine Nuts: Nutty crunch to complement burrata.
- Lemon Zest: Bright citrus note to enhance basil.
- Shaved Parmesan: Extra cheesy, savory touch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Serves 4)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Fat | 36 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 610 mg |
Note: Values vary based on cheese and glaze used.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Storage:
- Fridge: Store leftover cutlets and toppings separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze breaded uncooked cutlets for up to 2 months. Do not freeze burrata.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes to crisp back up.
- Skillet: Reheat over medium heat with a splash of oil until warm.
- Microwave: Not ideal, but works in a pinch—expect softer coating.
Ingredient Substitutions Recap
- Chicken Breasts → Turkey Cutlets: Lean protein alternative.
- Eggs → Buttermilk: Different binding agent.
- Breadcrumbs → Panko: Crispier coating option.
- Burrata → Fresh Mozzarella: Similar creamy texture.
- Basil → Parsley: Fresh herb substitute.
What to Serve With Chicken Cutlets
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: For a hearty side.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting side.
- Simple Arugula Salad: Tossed with lemon and olive oil.
- Crispy Polenta or Risotto: For an Italian-style comfort meal.
- Grilled Asparagus or Zucchini: For a bright, seasonal touch.
- Crusty Italian Bread: Perfect for soaking up juices.
FAQs
Can I bake the Chicken cutlets instead?
Yes. Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping once, until golden and cooked through.
What’s the difference between burrata and mozzarella?
Burrata is mozzarella filled with cream, making it extra rich and soft—perfect for this dish.
Can I make chicken cutlets ahead of time?
Yes. Bread the cutlets ahead and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Cook just before serving for best crispness.
These Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets are everything a weeknight meal should be—quick, full of flavor, and easy to pull together. The crunchy coating, gooey burrata, and tangy balsamic make each bite a little indulgent and entirely delicious.
Whether you’re cooking for a quiet dinner at home or hosting a casual gathering, this dish is sure to satisfy. Give it a try and transport your table to Italy in under 30 minutes!
Tag your creations @recipesgenerators—I’d love to see how you bring this recipe to life!
