Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bit of Italy tonight? Craving something proper tasty but can't be arsed with a massive effort? Then get ready for my Italian basil chicken recipe.

Honestly, the fragrant basil and crispy coating make it irresistible.

Brief Overview

This dish is inspired by the simple, heartwarming flavors of Italian home cooking. It’s super easy, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish.

It makes 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner or a cheeky date night. You know what I mean?

Main Benefits

The Italian basil chicken is relatively healthy and packed with protein. It's amazing for a quick weeknight meal, especially when you're after something comforting.

What makes it special? The fresh basil and garlic, give the chicken cutlets that little extra flavour.

Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:15 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170g each)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup (90g) Italian-style breadcrumbs (or plain breadcrumbs + 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs)
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

• Pound chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness. Season generously with salt and pepper.
• Place flour in the first shallow dish. Place beaten eggs in the second. Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and basil in the third dish.
• Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Coat evenly with breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
• Add breaded chicken cutlets to the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd.
• Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Transfer cooked cutlets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with lemon wedges. Enjoy your Italian basil chicken !

Nutrition Facts

Calories:375

Fat:17.5g

Fiber:1.5g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Italian

Let's Talk Ingredients: What You'll Need

To make the Italian basil chicken , gather:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• Lemon wedges

Honestly, this Easy chicken recipe is a game-changer, especially if you are bored of making the same old meals. Why not bake your cutlets to give a chicken parmesan alternative ?

Ingredients & Equipment for Awesome Italian Basil Chicken

Alright, let's talk about what you need to make this Italian basil chicken dish sing! Trust me, it's all super straightforward.

And remember, nonna didn't have fancy gadgets. It's all about good ingredients and a little bit of love, okay?

Main Players: The Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to knock this garlic basil chicken recipe out of the park.

• Chicken cutlets : You'll need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Each one should be about 6 oz (170g) . Look for chicken that's pink and firm to the touch, not slimy.
• Flour: 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour.
• Eggs: 2 large eggs, lightly beaten.
• Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (90g) Italian-style breadcrumbs. Or use plain and add 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs.
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan, the real deal !
• Fresh Basil: 2 tablespoons , chopped. (Or 1 teaspoon dried if that's all you've got, but fresh is so much better!).
• Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons for frying.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
• Lemon Wedges: For serving (because a little zing is always good, right?).

Seasoning: The Secret Weapon

Now, let’s chat about flavor. Honestly, this is where the magic happens in any basil parmesan chicken recipe.

The winning combo? Salt, pepper, basil, and garlic. Simple, but amazing. For a little extra oomph, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture! Seriously, game changer.

No fresh basil? A teaspoon of dried works too, it won’t be the same but don’t worry.

Essential Gear: What You Really Need

You don't need a whole lot to make these crispy chicken cutlets , promise!

• A Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: To pound the chicken.
• A Large Skillet: For frying up the goodness.
• 3 Shallow Dishes: For your breading stations.
• Paper Towels: For draining that extra oil.

You can absolutely use a rolling pin if you don't have a mallet! Also, if you are looking for an easy chicken recipe , this one is definitely it.

Seriously, get ready for some delicious Italian chicken recipes .

Honestly, this recipe will be ready in a blink! Now that we know what we are using, Let's get cooking!

Cooking Method: Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets, Bellissimo!

Okay, let's whip up a keyword strategy that's as delightful as a plate of nonna's basil chicken!

These Italian basil chicken cutlets are the answer. Honestly, it's like chicken parm 's cooler, less fussy cousin. This dish brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen table.

We're talking crispy, flavorful, and ready in a flash. Forget spending hours in the kitchen. This is the perfect quick chicken dinner!

Prep Steps: Mise en Place is Your Amico!

First things first: get organized! This is our mise en place . Chop your basil , grate your Parmesan , and get those ingredients lined up like tiny Italian soldiers ready for action.

It's all about efficiency, baby! Remember to wash your hands before you start. We don't want any unwanted guests at our Italian feast, you know?

Step-by-Step to Crispy Chicken Perfection

1. Pound those chicken breasts to about ½-inch thickness. This helps them cook evenly.
2. Set up your breading station: flour, beaten eggs, then breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan and basil.
3. Dredge each cutlet in flour, then egg, then the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently, make sure all the surface is covered.
4. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves. Sautee for about 30 seconds .
5. Fry for 3- 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
6. Serve with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of extra basil.

Pro Tips: Secrets From My Kitchen!

Want to level up your Italian breaded chicken game? Here’s a little secret: Let the breaded cutlets rest for 10 minutes before frying.

This helps the breading stick like glue, trust me.

And listen up! Avoid overcrowding the pan. This will bring the temperature down. It will leave you with soggy cutlets .

Instead, cook in batches. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .

You can also bake these at 400° F ( 200° C) for 20- 25 minutes . And voila, Italian basil chicken cutlets that taste like they came straight from a trattoria.

Enjoy your crispy chicken cutlets !

Recipe Notes for the Best Italian Basil Chicken

Okay, let's chat about making this Italian basil chicken even more amazing. Honestly, these notes are what separate good food from great food.

Think of it like this: the recipe is the map, and these notes are your insider tips from a friendly local!

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Plate

How you serve this Italian breaded chicken can totally change the vibe. Plating it simply on a white plate with a lemon wedge is always classic.

But why not get a little fancy?

I love to fan the Italian basil chicken cutlets over a bed of fresh arugula with a balsamic glaze drizzle.

Looks super professional, tastes divine! For sides, think simple and fresh. A classic is pasta with tomato sauce, but also try a grilled asparagus or zucchini.

A crisp glass of Pinot Grigio is the perfect finishing touch.

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

So, you've got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the cooled Italian basil chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days .

Honestly, though, it's best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing isn't ideal, as the breading can get a little soggy. But if you must, wrap each cutlet individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.

They'll keep for about 1 month .

To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through and crispy again. Microwaving is an option, but it'll lose some of that lovely crisp.

You know?

Variations: Making It Your Own

This Easy chicken recipe is super versatile. Want to make it gluten-free? Simply swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones and use a gluten-free flour.

Want to pack a bit of heat in your Basil parmesan chicken ? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.

For a more seasonal twist, in the summer, try using fresh tomatoes and basil in a simple pan sauce to serve alongside the chicken.

Nutrition Basics: Good for You, Good for the Soul

Let's be real. I am no nutritionist, but this Italian basil chicken recipe is a winner in the health department! It provides a good amount of protein.

Plus, basil has anti-inflammatory properties! It's tasty and nutritious. A good recipe all in all. A 3.5oz serving (approx.

100g) will give you 200-300 kcal, 25g of protein, 10g carbs and 10g of fats. It is healthy

See what you can make with the help of this Quick chicken dinner guide.

Making Crispy chicken cutlets from scratch is so much easier than you might think. I promise, once you try this recipe, you'll ditch the store-bought stuff for good.

So, get in the kitchen and have fun!