Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets
When it comes to quick and flavorful weeknight dinners, Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets are always a hit in my household. This recipe is packed with the fresh and vibrant flavors of basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that can be served with a side of pasta or a crisp green salad. Let me share with you my personal recipe that never fails to impress!
Why You’ll Love This
I make this dish when I need a dinner option that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. The combination of tender chicken cutlets coated in a golden breadcrumb crust and topped with a vibrant basil sauce is simply irresistible. My family goes crazy for this because it’s packed with flavor and feels like a special treat, even on busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the chicken cutlets:
– 4 chicken breast cutlets
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for frying
For the basil sauce:
– 2 cups fresh basil leaves
– 1/4 cup pine nuts
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves of garlic
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Coat each chicken cutlet in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken cutlets and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cutlets from the skillet and set aside.
3. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pulse until smooth and well combined.
4. Serve the chicken cutlets with a generous spoonful of the basil sauce on top. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
I’ve found that using fresh basil leaves really makes a difference in the flavor of the sauce. If you don’t have pine nuts on hand, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds for a slightly different taste. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and Parmesan cheese in the sauce according to your preference.
Variations
If you’re looking to change things up a bit, you can try using different herbs in the sauce. Fresh parsley or cilantro can add a unique twist to the dish. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone, for a gooey and melty topping on the chicken cutlets.
Equipment
While not essential, a food processor can make preparing the basil sauce much easier and quicker. If you don’t have one, you can still make the sauce by finely chopping the basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic, and then mixing them with the grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Storage Information
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Though honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day! To reheat, simply place the chicken cutlets in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
I personally love serving these Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with a side of spaghetti tossed in a light tomato sauce. The flavors complement each other perfectly, and it makes for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also serve the cutlets on a bed of fresh arugula or alongside roasted vegetables for a healthier option.
Pro Tips
Don’t rush the cooking process of the chicken cutlets. Cooking them over medium heat allows them to develop a crispy and golden crust while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. I once tried rushing this step and regretted it because the cutlets turned out dry and lacked the desired texture.
When making the basil sauce, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Every batch of basil can have slightly different flavors, so it’s always a good idea to adjust the salt, pepper, and garlic according to your taste preferences.
FAQ
Q: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
A: While dried basil can be used as a substitute, I highly recommend using fresh basil for the best flavor. Dried basil tends to have a more muted taste and can’t match the vibrant and fragrant notes of fresh basil.
Q: Can I bake the chicken cutlets instead of frying them?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the coated chicken cutlets in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown. You may need to lightly spray the cutlets with olive oil to help them crisp up.
Q: Can I freeze the basil sauce?
A: While it’s technically possible to freeze the basil sauce, I find that the texture and flavor can be affected once thawed. Basil tends to lose some of its vibrancy and freshness after freezing. It’s best to enjoy the sauce freshly made for the best taste experience.
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious flavors of Italy right in your own kitchen. Buon appetito!
Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets
Tender chicken cutlets coated in a golden breadcrumb crust and topped with a vibrant basil sauce, packed with the fresh and vibrant flavors of basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breast cutlets
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves of garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Directions
-
In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Coat each chicken cutlet in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken cutlets and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cutlets from the skillet and set aside.
-
In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pulse until smooth and well combined.
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Serve the chicken cutlets with a generous spoonful of the basil sauce on top. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.