If you love classic Italian flavors and crave a comforting yet elegant meal, you are going to adore this Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets Recipe. It combines tender, golden-browned chicken cutlets with the fresh, fragrant pop of basil, rich marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and so satisfying. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe perfectly balances crispy, cheesy, and herby notes that feel like a warm Italian hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the key to making this Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets Recipe sing. Each one plays a crucial role, from the crispy coating to the fresh basil adding vibrant color and aroma, ensuring you get a perfectly balanced and delicious meal.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are the star protein, easily pounded thin for even cooking and tenderness.
- All-purpose flour: Helps create a light coating that allows the breading to stick nicely.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the seasoning.
- Garlic powder: Gives a gentle, savory aroma that complements Italian flavors beautifully.
- Onion powder: Adds mild sweetness and a touch of complexity to the seasoning mix.
- Large eggs: Acts as the binding agent, helping the breadcrumbs adhere perfectly.
- Water: Lightens the egg mixture for easier coating.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs: Bring a crispy, flavorful crust with herbs and spices built-in.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, salty crunch packed into the breading.
- Dried basil: Infuses the breading with that unmistakable Italian herb essence.
- Olive oil: Provides a rich, fruity frying medium essential to getting a golden crust.
- Unsalted butter: Adds decadent richness and helps brown the cutlets beautifully.
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped: Freshly chopped basil on top gives a burst of color and a lively herby taste.
- Marinara sauce: A thick, tangy tomato sauce that ties the dish together perfectly.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, dreamy goodness for the perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to catch any drips and make cleanup easy. Next, place your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them out to an even thickness. This step ensures each cutlet cooks quickly and uniformly, resulting in tender, juicy chicken every time.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Stations
In one shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This seasoned flour mixture is the first layer of coating and adds subtle yet essential flavor. In a second dish, whisk the eggs together with water—the moisture helps the breadcrumbs stick. Finally, in a third dish, mix the Italian-style breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and dried basil for a perfectly herby, cheesy crust.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken Cutlets
Now, the fun begins! Take each chicken breast and dredge it first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg wash, and finally coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb blend. This triple-layer process creates the irresistibly crispy exterior that’s packed with flavor and texture.
Step 4: Brown the Cutlets
Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. This step locks in moisture while giving you that crave-worthy crispy crust.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake
Transfer the beautifully browned cutlets onto your parchment-lined baking sheet. Top each piece with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped basil, a spoonful of marinara sauce, and a hearty handful of shredded mozzarella cheese. Pop them in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese melts into bubbly, gooey perfection.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baking is complete, the Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets Recipe is ready to delight. Serve them hot straight from the oven with an extra scattering of fresh basil leaves to brighten the presentation and freshen every bite.
How to Serve Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a simple but stunning garnish that adds a pop of green and a fragrant lift to the dish. You can also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top to elevate the flavors even more. These small finishing touches make your presentation feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
Pairing these chicken cutlets with the right sides transforms them into a complete meal. Classic options include a crisp Caesar salad or sautéed green beans for freshness and crunch. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic bread soak up the sauce wonderfully. Or try tossing some roasted vegetables for a colorful, nutritious touch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to jazz things up a bit, slice the cutlets and serve them over a bed of spaghetti or creamy polenta, turning it into a restaurant-worthy plate. You could also layer the chicken with additional cheese and basil in a warm ciabatta sandwich for a delicious handheld option. No matter how you serve it, this Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets Recipe is sure to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken cutlets make fantastic leftovers and should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they cool completely before storing to maintain the best texture and flavor, so you can enjoy them again without any loss in quality.
Freezing
If you want to save the Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets Recipe for longer, you can freeze the cooked cutlets. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months, perfect for easy meals on busy nights.
Reheating
To reheat, the best method is in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) to keep the crust crispy. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese bubbles again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the breading soggy and less appetizing.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as a flavorful alternative. They tend to be juicier but make sure to pound them evenly for consistent cooking.
What if I don’t have Italian-style breadcrumbs?
No worries! You can mix plain breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning or dried herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley to mimic the flavor profile perfectly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! These cutlets hold up well in the fridge and can be reheated easily, making them great for packing lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
How do I keep the cutlets crispy after baking with sauce and cheese?
For crispier results, you can bake the cutlets separately from the toppings and then add marinara and cheese just before serving or broil briefly to melt the cheese without compromising crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets Recipe is truly a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in a flavorful, comforting dish that feels homemade and special. It’s perfect whenever you want a quick yet impressive meal that warms you from the inside out. Give it a try and enjoy the wonderful harmony of crisp, cheesy, and herby goodness on your plate!
Print
Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets recipe features tender, pounded chicken breasts coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture, seared to a golden crisp, then topped with fresh basil, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection, this dish balances savory herbs and melty cheese for a delicious Italian-inspired meal that’s perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Coating Mixtures
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
Cooking Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Toppings
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the chicken cutlets later.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound them until they reach an even thickness. This ensures even cooking throughout.
- Mix Flour Coating: In a shallow dish, combine all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a seasoned flour mixture for dredging the chicken.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and water to form the egg wash that will help the breadcrumb mixture stick.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture: In a third shallow dish, mix Italian-style breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese and dried basil to create a flavorful crust for the chicken.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture for a crispy exterior.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken cutlets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Transfer to Baking Sheet: Move the seared chicken cutlets to the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced evenly for baking.
- Add Toppings: Generously top each chicken cutlet with chopped fresh basil, a spoonful of marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese to create a flavorful melt.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the mozzarella cheese has melted completely and is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the Italian basil chicken cutlets hot. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired for an extra burst of herb aroma.
Notes
- For best results, pound the chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dryness.
- You can substitute Italian-style breadcrumbs with homemade seasoned breadcrumbs if preferred.
- Fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor, but dried basil works as a good alternative in the breadcrumb mixture.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, a green salad, or garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
