Get ready to transform your dinner table into a cozy Italian bistro with our heavenly **Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping**. This dish is a celebration of flavors and textures, combining crispy chicken cutlets with a fresh, vibrant tomato basil topping crowned with creamy burrata.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of fresh basil, juicy tomatoes, and rich burrata creates a symphony of flavors that delight the senses.
- Crispy Perfection: The panko-breaded chicken cutlets fry up to a crispy, golden perfection that contrasts beautifully with the creamy topping.
- Quick and Easy: This dish is both impressive and simple, ready in under an hour—a perfect choice for elegant yet effortless entertaining.
- Versatile Serving: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gourmet dinner party, this dish can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a few simple, fresh ingredients come together to make this dish unforgettable. Each component plays a key role in creating a balance of taste, texture, and color that’s pure culinary magic.
- Chicken Breasts: Pounding them thin helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the cutlets their irresistible crispiness.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and acidity are a perfect match for basil.
- Fresh Basil: The star herb that adds aromatic freshness to every bite.
- Burrata: Creamy and rich, it melts beautifully over the warm chicken and tomatoes.
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to tweak it based on what you have in your pantry or according to dietary preferences to make it fit just right for you and your loved ones.
- Spice It Up: Add some red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with eggplant slices for a delightful vegetarian alternative.
- Dairy-Free Twist: Use a dairy-free mozzarella substitute if you’re avoiding dairy.
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 lightly pound it to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking and keeps your chicken tender and juicy. Season with kosher salt and black pepper for added flavor.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
Set up your breading station with bowls of flour, whisked eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. Coat each cutlet in flour (shake off the excess), then dip in the egg, and finally cover it all over with breadcrumbs. This triple coating gives the chicken its signature crispy shell.
Step 3: Fry the Cutlets
Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet to about 325°F. Fry the cutlets for 2-3 minutes on each side until they achieve a golden brown delight. They should be crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked inside. Remove and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Tomato Basil Topping
In the same skillet, sauté cherry tomatoes in olive oil until they start to blister, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and salt, then deglaze with white wine. Stir in basil, lemon juice, and zest. This topping is fresh, fragrant, and bursts with flavor.
Step 5: Serve
Place the crispy cutlets on a serving dish, top with the tomato basil mixture, and adorn with torn pieces of burrata. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet, tangy finish that’s sure to impress.
Pro Tips for Making Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping
- Optimum Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil is at the right temperature to prevent the cutlets from absorbing too much oil during frying.
- Quick Assembly: Have all your toppings ready to go as soon as the cutlets are fried to keep them crispy when served.
- Ingredient Freshness: Use the freshest basil and tomatoes for the most vibrant and flavorful topping.
How to Serve Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra basil leaves and a touch of lemon zest can add a refreshing finish to your dish. Don’t forget the balsamic glaze drizzle—it adds a spectacular touch of sweetness and tang.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with light, contrasting sides such as a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or a side of creamy polenta can also complement the rich flavors splendidly.
Creative Ways to Present
For an artistic presentation, stack the cutlets and toppings with burrata scattered around the plate. Use a basting brush to create a brush-stroke effect with the balsamic glaze for a professional culinary appearance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The topping and cutlets are best stored separately to keep the cutlets from becoming soggy.
Freezing
The chicken cutlets can be frozen once fried. Lay them flat on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags. They can be stored for up to a month. Thaw before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the cutlets in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 minutes, ensuring they regain their crispiness. Warm the topping separately and assemble just before serving.
FAQs
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Can I use another type of cheese instead of burrata?
Yes! Mozzarella or fresh ricotta are both excellent substitutes that will still provide that creamy, luscious finish to your dish.
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What kind of oil is best for frying?
Canola or sunflower oil work well for frying due to their high smoke points, allowing for a crispy texture without burning.
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Can I prepare the tomato basil topping ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make the topping a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick heat before serving to refresh the flavors.
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Is there a gluten-free option for the breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs available in most supermarkets, or crush gluten-free crackers as a substitute.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a delightful dish that brings the warmth and flavor of Italy straight to your kitchen. I hope you enjoy making these **Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping** as much as I do. Dive into the flavors, embrace the aromas, and most importantly, share it with someone you love. Happy cooking!
Print
Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with a crispy coating topped with fresh cherry tomato and basil mixture, creamy burrata, and a touch of balsamic glaze for an elegant and flavorful dish suitable for dinner or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Cutlets:
- 4 chicken breasts, pounded thin
- 3 eggs, whisked
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Oil for shallow frying (vegetable or canola oil)
For the Tomato Basil Topping:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves, sliced into thin strips (chiffonade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
For Serving:
- 1 burrata cheese, torn into pieces
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Fry the Cutlets: Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet to 325°F (160°C). Fry each cutlet for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- 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 blistered. Add minced garlic and salt, cook for 1 minute. Pour in white wine to deglaze, stirring to incorporate flavors. Off heat, mix in basil, lemon juice, and zest.
- Assemble and Serve: Place crispy chicken cutlets on a serving plate. Top with the tomato basil mixture and torn burrata. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken breasts are pounded evenly for uniform cooking.
- Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature for optimal frying.
- Adjust the amount of balsamic glaze according to taste for sweetness and acidity balance.
- Fresh basil enhances the flavor; add more if desired.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
