Description
These Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets are tender, flavorful chicken breasts marinated in a fresh basil and garlic mixture, coated with a crispy breadcrumb crust, and pan-fried to golden perfection. Perfect for a quick dinner with a zesty lemon finish.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Cutlets: Place the chicken cutlets on a cutting board, cover them with plastic wrap, and gently pound them with a meat mallet until they are an even thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
- Make the Basil Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are blended into a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Coat each chicken cutlet thoroughly with the basil marinade. Place the coated cutlets in a shallow dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Set Up the Breading Station: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with bread crumbs. This will make the breading process smooth and organized.
- Bread the Chicken Cutlets: Remove chicken from the marinade and dredge each piece in the flour, shaking off the excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, followed by pressing into the bread crumbs until fully coated for a crunchy exterior.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken cutlets and fry for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Drain the Excess Oil: Remove the fried chicken cutlets from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the Italian basil chicken cutlets hot with lemon wedges on the side. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves if desired for added aroma and color.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures even cooking and tender results.
- Marinating for at least 30 minutes enhances the basil and garlic flavors deeply into the chicken.
- Use fresh bread crumbs for a lighter, crispier crust or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Monitor oil temperature to avoid burning the breading; medium heat works best.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure doneness (165°F).
- This dish pairs well with a light salad or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian chicken cutlets, basil chicken, fried chicken cutlets, crispy chicken, garlic chicken recipe
