Italian basil chicken cutlets are a must-try delight, featuring crispy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful mixture of fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs.
Author:Emma Rossi
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Dish
Method:Pan-frying
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
Begin by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, gently pound the chicken until it’s about 1/4 inch thickness. This ensures even cooking for each cutlet.
In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, and black pepper. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
Dredge each flattened chicken breast first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken cutlets and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Cover with foil to keep warm.
Toss the chopped basil over the chicken cutlets just before serving, adding a fresh and aromatic touch.
Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the cutlets.
Notes
For additional flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
Substitute panko breadcrumbs for regular ones if you prefer a lighter, crispier texture.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or pasta for a complete meal.
Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a perfect crispy crust.
Fresh basil can be swapped for dried basil if needed but do use less as dried herbs are more concentrated.