Name: Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts (pounded thin); ½ cup all-purpose flour; 3 eggs, whisked; 1½ cups Italian-style panko breadcrumbs; Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste); Oil for shallow frying; 2 cups cherry tomatoes; 1½ cups fresh basil leaves (chiffonade); 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ tsp kosher salt; ¼ cup dry white wine; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 burrata, torn into pieces; 2 tbsp balsamic glaze

A vibrant twist on classic chicken cutlets—crispy, tender chicken topped with a fresh tomato‑basil mix, creamy burrata, and a sweet balsamic drizzle. Elegant enough for dinner guests yet simple enough for any weeknight.

Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish balances textures and flavors effortlessly. The golden-brown chicken contrasts beautifully with the juicy tomato-basil topping, velvety burrata, and tangy balsamic glaze. Despite its gourmet look, it only takes about 50 minutes from start to plate—perfect for when I want to impress without going overboard.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Cutlets

4 chicken breasts (pounded thin)
½ cup all‑purpose flour
3 eggs, whisked
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 (chiffonade)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ cup dry white wine
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest

For Serving

1 burrata, torn into pieces
2 tbsp balsamic glaze

directions

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness and season with salt and pepper.
Prepare a dredging station with flour, whisked eggs, and panko. Dip each chicken piece in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
Heat oil to about 325°F and shallow-fry the cutlets 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
In the same pan, cook cherry tomatoes in olive oil until blistered (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and salt, cooking for 1 minute. Deglaze with white wine and simmer briefly.
Mix tomatoes with basil, lemon juice, and zest.
Arrange cutlets on a platter. Top with tomato-basil mixture, burrata, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

storage/reheating

I refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken and topping gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep the cutlets moist. I always add fresh burrata when serving again for the best texture.

Variations

Bake instead of fry: Preheat oven to 400°F; bake breaded chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 20–25 minutes.
Cheese swaps: No burrata? I use fresh mozzarella or ricotta for a similar creamy finish.
Greens addition: I like to serve it over arugula or spinach with a lemony olive oil dressing.
Spicy kick: I add red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture for a hint of heat.

FAQs

What can I use if I don’t have burrata?

I often use fresh mozzarella or creamy ricotta—they both melt beautifully and give that rich, creamy finish.

Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes, I prep and bread the chicken up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. The topping can be made ahead too and gently reheated.

How do I know the chicken is cooked through?

I make sure it reaches 165°F internally, or I cut through the thickest part to check for opaque meat and clear juices.

Can I bake the cutlets instead of frying them?

Definitely. I bake them at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy.

How can leftovers be reheated without drying out?

I reheat them in a skillet with a splash of water or oil on low heat. I always add fresh burrata just before serving again.

Conclusion

This Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets recipe fills me with pride every time I serve it. The combination of crispy, golden chicken, fresh tomato and basil topping, creamy burrata, and sweet balsamic glaze always earns compliments. It’s elegant yet easy—perfect for both family meals and dinner with friends. I can’t wait for others to try it and fall in love with it like I did.