Crispy Parmesan-Basil Chicken Cutlets

If you’re searching for a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that combines crispy texture with bold flavors, look no further than Parmesan-Basil Chicken Cutlets. This recipe delivers tender, golden-brown chicken coated in a flavorful breading infused with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and fresh basil. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, buttery mashed potatoes, or a side of pasta. Ready in under 45 minutes, it’s both quick and satisfying. Let’s dive into how you can bring this delicious dish to life in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make four servings of Parmesan-Basil Chicken Cutlets:

• Chicken:
  4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• For the breading:
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• For coating:
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For frying:
  • Olive oil (enough to coat the pan)

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by placing each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

2. Set Up the Breading Station:
In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Mix well. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.

3. Bread the Chicken:
Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off before pressing the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure both sides are well-coated with the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the freshly chopped basil onto the breaded chicken, pressing it lightly to ensure it sticks. Repeat this process for all chicken breasts.

4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat about 2–3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking. You can test the readiness of the oil by dropping a few breadcrumbs into it; they should sizzle immediately.

5. Cook the Chicken:
Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the skillet, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to turn the chicken gently, being careful not to dislodge the breading. You may need to cook in batches, depending on the size of your skillet. Add more olive oil as needed for each batch.

6. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, transfer the chicken cutlets to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Let them rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Parmesan-Basil Chicken Cutlets are incredibly versatile. Serve them over a bed of spaghetti with marinara sauce for a classic Italian-inspired meal, or pair them with roasted vegetables for a lighter option. You can also slice them into strips and toss them into a fresh green salad for a hearty lunch.

Parmesan-Basil Chicken Cutlets are a surefire way to impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. The crispy breading, paired with the nutty richness of Parmesan cheese and the freshness of basil, creates a harmony of flavors that’s hard to resist. Plus, this recipe is easy to adapt—swap breadcrumbs for panko for an even crunchier texture or add a pinch of chili flakes for a bit of heat. No matter how you serve it, this dish is guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and savor the deliciousness of Parmesan-Basil Chicken Cutlets. Happy cooking!