Zesty Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Burrata Recipe

Crispy italian basil chicken cutlets dance with vibrant flavors that promise a delightful meal.

Summer gardens inspire this mouthwatering combination of tender meat and fresh ingredients.

Fragrant herbs mingle with juicy tomatoes, creating a sensational plate that feels like a mini vacation.

Burrata cheese adds a creamy dimension that melts into the warm chicken, making each bite irresistible.

Local markets provide the perfect ingredients for this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Seasonings play a magical role in transforming ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary experience.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this Mediterranean-inspired delight.

What Makes These Chicken Cutlets Stand Out

• Savor Quick Culinary Magic: Craft a gourmet Italian-inspired dish in just a few simple steps, transforming basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that impresses without complicated techniques.
• Maximize Flavor Potential: Infuse chicken with a robust herb blend of basil, oregano, and fresh seasonings, creating a deeply aromatic and tasty protein that elevates the entire dining experience.
• Master One-Pan Convenience: Prepare this entire meal using minimal cookware, reducing cleanup time and making it perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious yet streamlined meal preparation.
• Celebrate Versatile Dining: Perfect for casual family dinners, date nights, or entertaining guests, this recipe adapts beautifully to different occasions while maintaining its elegant Mediterranean-inspired profile.

What You Need for Tomato Basil Chicken Cutlets

• Chicken Cutlets: Tender, thin slices of chicken that serve as the primary protein for this Italian-inspired dish.
• Burrata Cheese: A creamy, soft Italian cheese that adds luxurious richness and a smooth texture to the chicken.
• Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes that create a vibrant and flavorful topping for the chicken.

• Basil Leaves, Parsley: Fresh herbs that provide bright, aromatic flavors and a beautiful green garnish.
• Dried Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic Italian seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the chicken.

• Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar: Essential liquids that add depth and tanginess to the tomato mixture and help cook the chicken.
• Garlic: Minced aromatic that brings a pungent and savory note to the tomato topping.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy, crunchy texture to the finished chicken cutlets.

How to Make Italian Chicken Cutlets Step-by-Step

Step 1: Whip Up Tomato Magic

Dice fresh tomatoes and combine with chopped parsley, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil in a medium bowl. Let the flavors dance and mingle at room temperature for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prep Perfect Chicken

Gently pat chicken cutlets dry with paper towels, removing all moisture to help seasonings stick beautifully.

Step 3: Create Herb Seasoning Blend

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried oregano
• Finely chopped fresh basil

Combine these ingredients in a small dish to create a flavor-packed seasoning.

Step 4: Season Chicken Generously

Coat each chicken cutlet with the herb seasoning mixture, pressing gently to ensure every inch is covered with delicious herbs.

Step 5: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering and ready for action. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Cook to Golden Perfection

Carefully place seasoned chicken cutlets into the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 7: Rest and Relax

Transfer chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for 3-4 minutes. This helps lock in those precious juices.

Step 8: Add Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the rested chicken cutlets to give them an irresistible crispy texture.

Step 9: Cheese It Up

Tear burrata cheese into rustic chunks and distribute evenly over the warm chicken cutlets.

Step 10: Top with Tomato Mixture

Spoon the prepared tomato mixture over the burrata, allowing the warm chicken to slightly melt the creamy cheese.

Step 11: Finish with Fresh Flair

Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves to add a vibrant, aromatic final touch that’ll make your dish pop.

Tips for Cooking Basil Chicken Just Right

• Dry Chicken Thoroughly: Pat cutlets completely dry to help seasonings stick and achieve a perfect golden-brown crust.
• Master the Seasoning Technique: Press herb mixture gently into chicken to maximize flavor absorption and even coating.
• Control Skillet Heat: Ensure medium-high heat creates a beautiful sear without burning the delicate herb seasoning.
• Rest Meat Properly: Let chicken rest after cooking to lock in juices and maintain tender, succulent texture.
• Enhance Texture Playfully: Sprinkle breadcrumbs for an unexpected crispy layer that complements the soft burrata cheese.

Delicious Twists on This Italian Favorite

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace basil with a blend of thyme, rosemary, and marjoram for an earthy Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Calabrian Chicken: Add chopped Calabrian chili peppers to the tomato mixture and sprinkle red pepper flakes on the chicken for a fiery kick.
• Lemon Herb Cutlets: Incorporate lemon zest into the seasoning blend and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished dish for bright, citrusy notes.
• Pesto Topped Variation: Swap tomato mixture with homemade basil pesto and top with toasted pine nuts for a rich, nutty alternative.

Great Pairings for Tomato and Burrata Chicken

• Perfectly Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Italian white like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino to complement the herb-crusted chicken and fresh tomato mixture, cutting through the richness of burrata.
• Elevate with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness, adding a peppery contrast and refreshing green element that matches the basil notes.
• Match Mediterranean Crusty Bread: Serve warm, rustic ciabatta or focaccia to soak up the delicious tomato and olive oil mixture, providing a textural counterpoint to the tender chicken cutlets.

How to Store Leftover Chicken Cutlets

• Store leftover chicken cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap individual chicken cutlets in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crispy texture of the breadcrumbs.
• Keep tomato mixture and burrata separate from chicken cutlets. Store tomato mixture in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

Chicken Cutlet FAQs Made Simple

• What is the purpose of resting the chicken after cooking?

Resting allows the chicken’s internal juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite remains moist and tender instead of losing moisture when immediately cut.

• Why pat the chicken dry before seasoning?

Drying the chicken surface ensures better seasoning adherence and helps achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior when searing in the skillet.

• How does balsamic vinegar enhance the tomato mixture?

Balsamic vinegar adds a tangy, slightly sweet complexity that balances the fresh tomatoes and brings depth to the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• What role does breadcrumbs play in this recipe?

Breadcrumbs provide an extra layer of texture, creating a light, crispy coating that adds crunch and enhances the chicken’s overall eating experience.

Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 33-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Italian basil chicken cutlets showcase Mediterranean flavors in a simple yet elegant dish. Crispy pan-seared chicken topped with fresh tomatoes and creamy burrata cheese invites you to savor each delightful bite of this classic Italian-inspired meal.

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Ingredients

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Chicken and Main Proteins:

• 4 chicken cutlets
• 1/2 lb burrata cheese

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 tbsp fresh italian basil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp dried oregano

Tomato and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 medium tomatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Prepare tomato mixture by dicing tomatoes and combining with chopped parsley, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil in a medium bowl. Allow flavors to meld at room temperature for 15 minutes.
2. Pat chicken cutlets dry with paper towels, ensuring surface is moisture-free for optimal seasoning adherence.
3. Create seasoning blend by mixing salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and finely chopped fresh basil in a small dish.
4. Generously coat each chicken cutlet with the herb seasoning mixture, pressing gently to help spices stick to the meat.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, approximately 2-3 minutes.
6. Carefully place seasoned chicken cutlets into hot skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest on a clean plate for 3-4 minutes to retain juices.
8. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over rested chicken cutlets for added texture and crunch.
9. Tear burrata cheese into rustic chunks and distribute evenly over warm chicken cutlets.
10. Spoon prepared tomato mixture atop burrata, allowing the warm chicken to slightly melt the cheese.
11. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finish.

Notes

• Pat chicken thoroughly to ensure maximum seasoning absorption and crispy exterior.
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet to maintain high heat and achieve perfect golden-brown searing.
• Let chicken rest after cooking to lock in juices and prevent dryness.
• Use room temperature burrata for smoother melting and better flavor integration.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg