If you’re craving a dish that feels both elegant and comforting, the Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine perfectly crispy chicken cutlets topped with juicy, vibrant cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata, and a fresh pop of basil, all balanced with a sweet balsamic glaze. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that makes every bite a little celebration. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers on taste and charm without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that are easy to find but pack a flavorful punch. Each one plays a key role in creating that irresistible combination of crispy, creamy, herby, and tangy elements that make this dish shine.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pounded thin for quick, even cooking and a light, tender bite.
- All-purpose flour: The first layer in the crispy coating to help the egg and breadcrumbs stick perfectly.
- Large eggs: Beaten to bind the coating and add moisture to the cutlets.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs: Crispy texture and a subtle herb flavor to complement the chicken.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth to the breadcrumb mix for extra flavor.
- Fresh basil: Divided for mix-ins and garnish, delivering that unmistakable aromatic freshness.
- Garlic powder: A simple seasoning that enhances the savory profile without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- Olive oil: Used for frying the cutlets to golden, crispy perfection.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved and tossed lightly to provide sweet juiciness and color contrast.
- Balsamic glaze: A drizzle for a sweet and tangy finish that elevates the topping.
- Burrata cheese: Torn into pieces to add creamy richness that beautifully melts onto the warm chicken.
- Fresh basil leaves: Used for garnishing to brighten both the look and flavor of the dish.
How to Make Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This simple seasoning sets the stage for the flavorful breading. Then, set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the last with a mixture of Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and half of the chopped fresh basil. This breadcrumb mix will give the cutlets an herby and cheesy crust that’s simply irresistible.
Step 2: Bread the Cutlets
Take each chicken cutlet and dredge it first in the flour, making sure it’s lightly coated. This step helps the egg wash stick better. Then dip the cutlet into the beaten eggs, followed by pressing it into the breadcrumb mixture. The key here is to press the crumbs gently so they adhere well and give you a crunchy crust after frying.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat — the right temperature ensures crispy cutlets without burning. Fry each cutlet for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Then transfer them to paper towels to drain any excess oil, or for extra crispiness, place them on a wire rack.
Step 4: Prepare the Tomato and Basil Topping
In a small bowl, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with a pinch of salt and the remaining fresh chopped basil. This simple mixture adds bright acidity and a burst of fresh herbaceousness to the dish. The tomatoes will contrast wonderfully with the creamy burrata.
Step 5: Assemble and Add Burrata
Arrange the crispy chicken cutlets on a serving platter or individual plates. Spoon the tomato and basil mixture over the top of each cutlet, then add torn pieces of burrata cheese. The warmth of the chicken gently softens the burrata for a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Finish by drizzling balsamic glaze over everything for a sweet and tangy touch and garnish with fresh basil leaves for color and flavor.
How to Serve Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are essential as a garnish not just for their vibrant green color but also for their fresh aromatic lift that balances the rich burrata and crispy chicken. A little extra drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving adds beautiful shine and a flavor boost to the plate.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Toasted garlic bread on the side is another fantastic option — it’s perfect for mopping up any leftover juicy tomato and burrata topping.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken cutlets on a rustic wooden board, layering the tomato-burrata topping artfully so each piece looks inviting. You could also slice the cutlets into smaller portions for a lovely appetizer-style platter, complete with toothpicks and extra basil.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tomato and burrata topping separate when possible to maintain the texture and flavor of the cheese and fresh herbs.
Freezing
While you can freeze the breaded chicken cutlets before cooking, it’s best to avoid freezing after adding the toppings. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before frying.
Reheating
Reheat the fried cutlets in a 350°F oven on a wire rack to help maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the breading crunchy. Add fresh toppings after reheating for the best taste and texture experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of burrata?
Absolutely! Fresh mozzarella is a great substitute if you want a similar creamy texture, but burrata adds that extra luxurious creaminess that’s truly special in this recipe.
What if I don’t have Italian-style breadcrumbs?
No worries! You can use regular breadcrumbs and add some dried Italian herbs like oregano and thyme for that herby flavor. Panko breadcrumbs can be swapped in for extra crunch.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This version uses all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I bake the chicken cutlets instead of frying?
Yes! Baking at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, can produce a nicely cooked cutlet with less oil. Keep an eye on them to ensure they get golden and crispy.
How do I make the balsamic glaze at home?
Simply simmer balsamic vinegar in a small pan until it reduces by half and thickens to a syrupy consistency. This glaze adds sweetness and tang that perfectly complements the tomatoes and cheese.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping Recipe that just brightens the dinner table with every bite. It’s approachable, yet impressive, making it a go-to recipe when you want to treat yourself or guests without being stuck in the kitchen for hours. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
Crispy Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets topped with fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This flavorful dish combines the herbal brightness of basil with the richness of Parmesan and burrata for a satisfying main course perfect for any dinner.
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
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying)
Topping
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 8 oz burrata cheese, torn into pieces
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the pounded chicken cutlets with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder evenly to infuse flavor into the meat.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three shallow bowls—one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and half of the chopped fresh basil.
- Bread the Cutlets: Dredge each chicken cutlet first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs to coat, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture to thoroughly cover each piece. Ensure the coating adheres well to the chicken.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking, preparing for frying the cutlets.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the breaded chicken cutlets to the skillet. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until the cutlets are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer or ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain the Cutlets: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place on paper towels to drain excess oil and keep crispiness. Alternatively, use a wire rack for extra crispiness.
- Toss the Tomatoes: In a small bowl, mix the halved cherry tomatoes with a pinch of salt and the remaining chopped basil to enhance their flavor and freshness.
- Assemble the Dish: Arrange the crispy chicken cutlets on a serving platter or individual plates. Spoon the tossed cherry tomatoes evenly over each cutlet.
- Add Burrata and Glaze: Tear burrata cheese into pieces and distribute on top of the tomatoes. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately to enjoy the cutlets while they are warm and the cheese is creamy.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use a wire rack to drain fried cutlets instead of paper towels.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh arugula salad to add a peppery bite.
- Serve alongside toasted garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
