Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets Recipe

Introduction

Italian basil chicken cutlets are a flavorful and crispy dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Infused with fresh basil and Parmesan, these tender chicken cutlets offer a delightful combination of herbaceous and savory flavors.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 beaten eggs
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the chicken cutlets on a cutting board, cover with plastic wrap, and gently pound with a meat mallet to an even thickness.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a basil marinade.
3. Step 3: Coat the chicken cutlets with the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly covered. Place them in a shallow dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Step 4: Prepare a breading station: place flour in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs in a second, and bread crumbs in a third.
5. Step 5: Dredge each marinated chicken cutlet in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, then press into bread crumbs until completely coated.
6. Step 6: Heat vegetable oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Fry chicken cutlets until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side.
7. Step 7: Remove from the skillet and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Step 8: Serve with lemon wedges and garnish with extra basil leaves if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, use panko bread crumbs instead of regular bread crumbs.
• Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle spicy kick.
• If you don’t have fresh basil, substitute with 1 tablespoon dried basil, though fresh is preferred.
• Use a cast iron skillet for even frying and a nicer crust.

Storage

Store leftover chicken cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the breading crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast cutlets?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. They may require slightly less cooking time and offer a juicier texture.

Can I bake the chicken cutlets instead of frying?

Absolutely. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the breaded cutlets on a greased baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked through.

Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets Recipe

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4.4 from 55 reviews

Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets are tender, flavorful chicken breasts marinated in fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. They are breaded and pan-fried until golden and crispy, creating a delightful Italian-inspired dish perfect for a comforting meal.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Breading Station

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 beaten eggs
• 1 cup bread crumbs

For Frying and Serving

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken cutlets on a cutting board, cover with plastic wrap, and gently pound with a meat mallet to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
2. Make the basil marinade: In a small bowl, combine chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a flavorful basil marinade.
3. Marinate the chicken: Coat the chicken cutlets thoroughly with the basil marinade. Place them in a shallow dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
4. Set up breading station: Prepare three shallow bowls—one with all-purpose flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with bread crumbs.
5. Bread the chicken: Dredge each marinated chicken cutlet in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, then press into the bread crumbs to ensure complete coating.
6. Fry the cutlets: Heat vegetable oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Fry the breaded chicken cutlets for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Drain excess oil: Remove the chicken cutlets from the skillet and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil, ensuring a crispy texture.
8. Serve: Serve the Italian basil chicken cutlets warm with lemon wedges and garnish with extra fresh basil leaves if desired for added freshness.

Notes

• For best results, use fresh basil and Parmesan cheese to maximize flavor.
• Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps it cook uniformly and remain tender.
• You can substitute bread crumbs with panko for an extra crispy texture.
• Adjust frying time depending on the thickness of the cutlets to avoid overcooking.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and can be reheated in an oven to retain crispiness.

Keywords: Italian chicken, basil chicken cutlets, fried chicken cutlets, chicken breast recipe, crispy chicken, Parmesan chicken, easy Italian dinner