Get ready to meet your new dinner obsession: Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping! Imagine golden, crispy chicken cutlets topped with juicy, balsamic-kissed cherry tomatoes and pillowy clouds of creamy burrata, all finished with a shower of fresh basil. This is the kind of dish that makes any weeknight feel like a special occasion. Not only is it quick to make, but every bite pops with the sunny flavors of Italy—herby, tangy, rich, and fresh—giving you something crave-worthy that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping is how each ingredient plays a starring role—no fillers here, only essentials that sing together in harmony. You don’t need a long or complicated list: just a few fresh, high-quality items to create something truly irresistible.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pounded thin for quick, even cooking and perfect crunch.
- All-purpose flour: The first step to a crave-worthy, crisp coating.
- Large eggs: Acts as a “glue” to help breadcrumbs stick and give extra richness.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs: Adds seasonings and crunch with every bite; you can swap in panko for even more crispness!
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Lends savory, nutty undertones to the crust.
- Garlic powder: A little goes a long way for garlicky depth.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and keeping flavors bright.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and enhances the other spices.
- Chopped fresh basil: Fresh basil infuses the coating with summery, herbal notes.
- Olive oil (for frying): A flavorful oil perfect for pan-frying to crispy, golden perfection.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness bursts with every bite and balances the dish.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds tang and complexity to the tomato topping.
- Olive oil (for topping): Brings the tomato salad together; use a nice extra-virgin if you can!
- Salt and pepper (to taste): For the tomatoes—season and taste as you go.
- Burrata cheese: Creamy, dreamy burrata makes this topping unforgettable; sub mozzarella if needed.
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): Finish with more basil for big flavor and vibrant color.
How to Make Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping
Step 1: Prep the Dredging Station
First things first, set up your breading station: grab three shallow bowls. In the first, add the all-purpose flour. In the second, lightly beat your eggs until smooth. In the third, stir together the Italian-style breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and freshly chopped basil. Having all these at the ready means once you start, everything flows with no sticky fingers or last-minute dashes to the spice cabinet!
Step 2: Bread the Chicken Cutlets
Take each pounded chicken breast and first dredge it in flour, making sure both sides are lightly coated. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally press it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring every bit is well covered. Press gently so the flavorful coating clings beautifully—this is where all that seasoned goodness locks in.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; make sure the oil is hot (but not smoking) before you add the chicken. Fry the cutlets in batches, about 3 to 4 minutes per side, until they’re deeply golden, crisp, and cooked through. As they finish, transfer each cutlet to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. The kitchen will smell absolutely amazing at this stage—promise!
Step 4: Prepare the Tomato and Burrata Topping
While the chicken cooks, toss your halved cherry tomatoes with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a pinch of salt, and some cracked pepper in a bowl. Stir gently so the tomatoes soak up that sweet-tangy dressing but aren’t crushed. Tear the burrata into rustic pieces—no need to be fancy, it’s all about creamy texture!
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
To bring it all together, arrange the chicken cutlets on your favorite platter or individual plates. Scatter the vibrant, marinated tomatoes over the top, then add generous pieces of burrata here and there so every serving gets a creamy surprise. Finish with plenty of fresh basil leaves for color and fragrance. That’s it—your Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping are ready to wow everyone at the table!
How to Serve Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping
Garnishes
Garnishing goes a long way here—fresh basil leaves are a must for color, aroma, and that unmistakable garden-fresh flavor. For a little extra flair, you can also drizzle the assembled platter with a touch more olive oil or even a fine thread of aged balsamic glaze before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or crack of black pepper right before you eat can push those flavors over the top.
Side Dishes
Balance out the richness of the cutlets with some simple sides. Peppery arugula salad dressed with lemon pairs perfectly, or offer a loaf of crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious tomato juices and burrata. You could even serve with roasted baby potatoes or a bowl of buttery pasta for full Italian comfort-food vibes. Just keep it uncomplicated—let the Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping shine!
Creative Ways to Present
This dish looks stunning served family-style on a big platter, but you can also plate each chicken cutlet individually with a mountain of tomato and burrata on top. For parties, try slicing the cutlets and loading everything onto crostini for a decadent appetizer. Or layer over a bed of greens for a showstopping salad—the possibilities to showcase the Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extras (lucky you!), let everything cool completely before storing. Place the chicken cutlets in an airtight container, separating each with parchment or wax paper to keep the crust intact, and keep the tomato-burrata topping in a separate container. They’ll hold up for about 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing
The chicken cutlets freeze quite well on their own. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag once solid. The tomato and burrata topping, however, doesn’t freeze nicely—the texture changes. So just freeze the chicken and make fresh toppings when you’re ready to reheat!
Reheating
To keep that signature crunch of your Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping, reheat the cutlets in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through (about 10-12 minutes). Skip the microwave, which can make the breading soggy. Add the fresh tomato and burrata topping after reheating, and you’ll never guess they were leftovers.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Just make sure you pound the boneless, skinless thighs to an even thickness so they cook through quickly and evenly. They’ll be extra juicy and flavorful, making your Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping even more tempting.
What can I substitute for burrata if I can’t find it?
Fresh mozzarella is the best stand-in for burrata; it’s soft, creamy, and melts beautifully over the warm cutlets and tomatoes. In a pinch, creamy ricotta spooned on top works too, keeping the overall spirit and deliciousness of the Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping.
Can I bake the chicken cutlets instead of frying?
Definitely! Arrange breaded cutlets on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, mist with olive oil spray, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping once. You’ll lose a touch of that signature fried crunch, but the results are still wonderfully crispy and better for big-batch cooking.
Can I make the tomato and burrata topping in advance?
You can prep the tomatoes up to a few hours ahead—just keep them chilled until ready to serve. Wait to tear and add the burrata until just before assembling your Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping, so the cheese stays ultra-creamy and vibrant.
What wine goes best with this dish?
A crisp, chilled Pinot Grigio or a zesty Sauvignon Blanc is a delightful pairing, cutting through the richness of the chicken and cheese while complementing the tangy tomatoes. If you prefer red, go for a light, fruity Italian red like Barbera. Whatever you choose, raise a glass and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy way to impress yourself (and everyone else), give Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Burrata Topping a spot on your dinner table. Each bite delivers the best of Italian comfort—crispy, creamy, tangy, and fresh. Try it once, and I guarantee you’ll be dreaming about that perfect combo until you make it again!
