Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping is a flavorful dish that combines crispy chicken cutlets with a vibrant tomato-basil topping, creamy burrata, and a tangy balsamic glaze. This dish is perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or a simple yet elegant weekday meal. It showcases the simplicity and depth of Italian flavors in an easy-to-make recipe.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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 wine
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
For Serving:
- 1 burrata, torn into pieces
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
Directions
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
- 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. 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 the cherry tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to blister.
- Add the minced garlic and salt, cooking for an additional minute.
- Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, stirring to incorporate the flavors.
- In a bowl, mix the tomato mixture with the basil, lemon juice, and zest.
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.
Nutrients
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 590 kcal per serving
This recipe brings Italian-inspired comfort food to your table, pairing crispy textures with fresh, creamy, and tangy flavors. Bon appétit!
The Charm of Italian Cuisine
At the heart of Italian cooking lies the philosophy of simplicity—making the most out of fresh, high-quality ingredients to create meals that are both satisfying and flavorful. Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping is a dish that exemplifies this philosophy. It begins with tender chicken cutlets, perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection. These crispy cutlets serve as the ideal base for a topping of vibrant cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a creamy burrata that melts slightly into the dish. A final drizzle of balsamic glaze ties the flavors together, adding a touch of tangy sweetness that balances the richness of the other components.
The Star Ingredients and Their Role
- Chicken Cutlets: The foundation of this recipe is the chicken cutlets. Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures quick and even cooking while creating a tender and juicy base. Coating the cutlets with Italian-style panko breadcrumbs adds a delightful crunch and complements the softness of the toppings.
- Tomatoes: The cherry tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness and acidity, which brightens the dish. Their natural juices combine with the olive oil and white wine during cooking to create a light yet flavorful sauce.
- Basil: Basil is a quintessential herb in Italian cooking, adding a fresh, peppery aroma that pairs harmoniously with the tomatoes. The chiffonade (thin strips) of basil leaves ensures that their flavor is evenly distributed in the topping.
- Burrata: This luxurious cheese, with its creamy interior, is a game-changer in this dish. Its mild flavor and rich texture balance the crispiness of the chicken and the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
- Balsamic Glaze: The balsamic glaze serves as the finishing touch, adding a tangy-sweet complexity that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
A Culinary Journey
Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping is more than just a meal; it is a celebration of contrasts and textures. The crunch of the chicken cutlets is complemented by the softness of the burrata and the juiciness of the tomato topping. The combination of fresh, creamy, and tangy flavors creates a symphony on the palate.
This recipe also demonstrates the versatility of Italian cooking. While it appears sophisticated, it is easy to prepare, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. The dish’s vibrant colors—golden chicken, red tomatoes, green basil, and white burrata—make it as visually appealing as it is delicious. It is a dish that can effortlessly take center stage at a dinner party or provide comfort on a quiet weekday evening.
Nutritional and Practical Aspects
This recipe strikes a balance between indulgence and nutritional value. With approximately 590 calories per serving, it provides a satisfying meal without being overly heavy. The use of fresh ingredients like tomatoes and basil adds vitamins and antioxidants, while the chicken offers a lean source of protein.
The dish is also practical in terms of preparation. It takes just 50 minutes from start to finish, including 20 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking. This makes it a great option for those looking to create an impressive meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Customization and Serving Suggestions
One of the joys of this recipe is its adaptability. For those who prefer a lighter version, the chicken can be baked instead of fried. Additionally, swapping the burrata with fresh mozzarella or goat cheese offers an alternative flavor profile. If you want to add more vegetables, roasted zucchini or eggplant would complement the dish beautifully.
To enhance the dining experience, serve the cutlets with a side of crusty bread or creamy polenta to soak up the flavorful juices. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can also be a refreshing accompaniment. For wine pairings, a chilled Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied Chianti would work beautifully with the dish’s flavors.
Conclusion
Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping is a testament to the magic of simple, high-quality ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. It is a dish that embodies the heart of Italian cuisine, offering a balance of textures, flavors, and visual appeal. Whether served at a dinner party or as a comforting meal at home, it is sure to impress and satisfy.
This recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions—it is an invitation to embrace the joy of cooking and the beauty of Italian flavors. So, gather your ingredients, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let the kitchen be your canvas for creating this delightful culinary masterpiece. Buon appetito!