Italian Basil Chicken

Crispy and flavorful, Italian Basil Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the richness of chicken cutlets, the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, and the creaminess of burrata. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with fresh ingredients that will impress your guests. The combination of crispy chicken with a vibrant tomato basil topping makes it a standout on any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Bursting with Flavor: Fresh basil and cherry tomatoes elevate the taste, making every bite delicious.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a main course or served alongside salads and sides for a complete meal.
• Impressive Presentation: The colorful layers and creamy burrata make this dish visually stunning for any occasion.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the crispy texture and fresh flavors.

Tools and Preparation

Before getting started with your Italian Basil Chicken, gather the essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast-iron skillet
• Meat mallet
• Three bowls for breading
• Cooking thermometer
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast-iron skillet: Retains heat well, ensuring even cooking of the chicken cutlets.
• Meat mallet: Helps achieve an even thickness in chicken breasts for consistent frying.

Ingredients

Crispy basil chicken cutlets with fresh tomato, burrata, and balsamic glaze. Easy, fresh, and packed with flavor!

For the Chicken Cutlets

• 4 chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 3 eggs, whisked
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups Italian-style panko breadcrumbs
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Oil for shallow frying

For the Tomato Basil Topping

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1.5 cups fresh basil leaves, sliced into thin strips
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 tsp kosher salt
• 0.25 cup dry white apple vinegar
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest

For Garnish

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

How to Make Italian Basil Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

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

Step 2: Bread the Chicken Cutlets

Set up three bowls for breading:
1. One with flour,
2. One with beaten eggs,
3. One with panko breadcrumbs.

Coat each chicken cutlet in flour first; shake off the excess. Then dip into the egg mixture before finally coating with panko breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken Cutlets

Heat oil in your cast-iron skillet to 325°F (about 165°C). Fry each cutlet for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the skillet and let them drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Basil Topping

In the same skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Toss in the cherry tomatoes and sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to blister. Add minced garlic and kosher salt; cook for another minute. Pour in white apple vinegar to deglaze the pan while stirring well to blend flavors. In a bowl, mix this tomato mixture with sliced basil, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

Step 5: Assemble Your Dish

Arrange your crispy chicken cutlets on a serving plate. Top them generously with the tomato basil mixture followed by torn pieces of burrata. Drizzle balsamic glaze over everything before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Italian Basil Chicken!

How to Serve Italian Basil Chicken

Serving Italian Basil Chicken is an opportunity to impress your family and friends with a beautiful, flavorful dish. The crispy cutlets topped with fresh tomatoes and creamy burrata create a delightful presentation that’s sure to please.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Caprese Salad: Combine fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil for a light side.
• Arugula Salad: Toss arugula with lemon vinaigrette for a peppery contrast to the chicken.

Serve Over Pasta

• Pesto Pasta: Toss cooked pasta with basil pesto for a complementary flavor that enhances the meal.
• Garlic Butter Noodles: Lightly sauté noodles in garlic butter for a simple yet delicious addition.

Add a Grain

• Quinoa Salad: Mix cooked quinoa with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for a nutritious side.
• Risotto: A creamy risotto pairs beautifully, blending rich flavors with the dish.

Include Vegetables

• Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus adds a nice crunch and bright color to the plate.
• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables brings warmth and depth to the meal.

How to Perfect Italian Basil Chicken

Perfecting Italian Basil Chicken comes down to attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out wonderfully every time.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use high-quality chicken and fresh basil for the best flavor.
• Ensure Even Thickness: Pound chicken breasts evenly; this helps them cook uniformly for perfect crispiness.
• Mind Your Oil Temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying; this prevents sogginess and ensures crispiness.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches if necessary; overcrowding lowers the oil temperature and affects cooking quality.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow cutlets to rest briefly after frying; this keeps them juicy and flavorful.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Basil Chicken

Finding the right side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options that pair well with Italian Basil Chicken.

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread slathered in garlic butter complements the dish perfectly.
2. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs add a hearty touch.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli lightly seasoned provides a healthy balance.
4. Caesar Salad: Crunchy romaine, creamy dressing, and croutons offer a classic pairing.
5. Polenta: Creamy polenta serves as a comforting base for the chicken’s rich flavors.
6. Zucchini Noodles: A low-carb alternative that soaks up the dish’s delicious sauces beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can help you achieve the best results with your Italian Basil Chicken. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not pounding the chicken properly: Failing to pound the chicken breasts evenly can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure each piece is of uniform thickness for optimal frying.

• Skipping seasoning: Neglecting to season your chicken will result in bland cutlets. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper before breading for maximum flavor.

• Overcrowding the skillet: Placing too many chicken cutlets in the skillet at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy results. Fry in batches to maintain a crispy texture.

• Using stale breadcrumbs: Old or stale breadcrumbs won’t give you that desired crunch. Always use fresh panko breadcrumbs for a light and crispy coating.

• Not letting the oil heat sufficiently: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb excess oil and become greasy. Make sure your oil reaches 325°F before frying.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Italian Basil Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Italian Basil Chicken

• For longer storage, place cooked cutlets in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months; just make sure they are fully cooled before freezing.

Reheating Italian Basil Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and place cutlets on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place cutlets on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and reheat cutlets for about 3-5 minutes per side until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Italian Basil Chicken?

Italian Basil Chicken is a flavorful dish made with crispy chicken cutlets coated in panko breadcrumbs, topped with fresh tomato basil mixture, burrata, and balsamic glaze.

Can I make Italian Basil Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken cutlets ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve.

How do I customize my Italian Basil Chicken?

Feel free to add other toppings like sautéed mushrooms or different cheeses. You can also swap out basil for other herbs based on your preference!

What should I serve with Italian Basil Chicken?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

Is Italian Basil Chicken suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep as it reheats well and remains delicious throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Italian Basil Chicken is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Its crispy texture combined with fresh toppings makes it a standout dish that everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients! Give this recipe a try and experience its delightful flavors today!