Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping

Crispy Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping are a delightful dish that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines juicy chicken cutlets with a fresh tomato and basil topping, finished off with creamy burrata and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of crispy chicken, sweet tomatoes, and creamy burrata creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish can be made quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main dish or slice the cutlets for a delightful appetizer at your next gathering.
• Fresh Ingredients: The use of fresh basil and juicy cherry tomatoes elevates the taste, providing a burst of freshness.
• Family-Friendly: This recipe is sure to please both kids and adults alike with its tasty flavors and appealing presentation.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on your Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping, gather your kitchen essentials. Having the right tools will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast-iron skillet
• Meat mallet
• Three shallow bowls
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast-iron skillet: Ideal for frying due to its ability to maintain even heat, ensuring perfectly crispy cutlets.
• Meat mallet: Helps to pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
• Three shallow bowls: Essential for setting up your breading station efficiently, making the process faster and less messy.

Ingredients

Crispy chicken cutlets topped with tomato, basil, creamy burrata, and balsamic glaze—a perfect blend of flavors in every bite!

For the 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

For the Tomato 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 apple vinegar
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest

For Serving:

• 1 burrata, torn into pieces
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze

How to Make Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to pound to an even thickness. Season with kosher salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Set up three bowls for breading: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Coat each chicken cutlet in flour, shake off the excess, dip into the egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Fry the Cutlets

Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet to 325°F. Fry each cutlet for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Make the Tomato Basil Topping

In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to blister. Add minced garlic and salt, cooking for an additional minute. Pour in white apple vinegar to deglaze the pan, stirring to incorporate flavors. In a bowl, mix the tomato mixture with basil, lemon juice, and zest.

Step 5: Serve

Arrange the crispy chicken cutlets on a serving plate. Top with the tomato basil mixture and pieces of burrata, then drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Enjoy your delicious Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping!

How to Serve Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping

Serving Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping can elevate your dining experience. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this delicious dish.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Arugula Salad: A peppery arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the burrata.
• Caprese Salad: Layer fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a classic Italian side that mirrors the flavors on the cutlets.

Serve with Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the juices from the topping.
• Ciabatta Rolls: Soft ciabatta rolls add a delightful texture and flavor contrast to the crispy cutlets.

Add a Grain Side

• Quinoa Pilaf: Light and fluffy quinoa pilaf mixed with herbs offers a nutritious base that pairs well with chicken.
• Risotto: Creamy risotto infused with lemon or herbs provides a rich, comforting side.

How to Perfect Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping

Perfecting your Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking process.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh basil and ripe tomatoes to maximize flavor.
• Control Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is at 325°F before frying. Too hot can burn the breadcrumbs; too low can make them soggy.
• Pound Evenly: Pound chicken breasts evenly for uniform cooking. This prevents some parts from drying out while others remain undercooked.
• Rest After Frying: Let cutlets rest on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil, ensuring they stay crispy.
• Customize Seasoning: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy the dish right after serving for optimal texture and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping

Pairing side dishes with your Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets can enhance the meal’s overall enjoyment. Here are some excellent options.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic add comfort and warmth.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized brings color and nutrition.
3. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus drizzled with olive oil provides a fresh crunch.
4. Couscous Salad: Fluffy couscous mixed with diced cucumber, bell peppers, and feta cheese adds Mediterranean flair.
5. Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini tossed in olive oil creates a light alternative to pasta.
6. Herbed Polenta: Creamy polenta flavored with fresh herbs offers a delightful base for cutlets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping, it’s important to steer clear of common pitfalls that can affect your dish’s quality.

• Skipping the pounding: Not pounding the chicken breasts can lead to uneven cooking. Always pound them to an even thickness for consistent results.
• Overcrowding the skillet: Frying too many cutlets at once lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry in batches to keep the oil hot.
• Using stale breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs yield the best texture. Make sure your panko is fresh for that perfect crunch.
• Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to season each layer can lead to bland cutlets. Season the chicken, flour, and egg mixture for better flavor.
• Cutting before resting: Slicing into hot chicken immediately after cooking can dry it out. Let it rest for a few minutes before cutting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover cutlets in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping

• Allow the cooked cutlets to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cutlets on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid drying out.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping.

Can I use different proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute turkey or even thinly sliced beef or lamb if you prefer.

What can I use instead of burrata?

If burrata is unavailable, creamy mozzarella or ricotta cheese can be excellent alternatives.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

To make Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour as substitutes.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes! You can bread the chicken cutlets a few hours ahead and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry them.

Final Thoughts

Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping offers a delightful blend of crispy chicken, fresh tomatoes, and creamy cheese that everyone will love. This recipe is versatile; feel free to customize it by adding other herbs or spices according to your taste. Give it a try for your next family dinner!