Parmesan-Basil Chicken Cutlets: A Crispy Delight Recipe

Introduction

Parmesan-Basil Chicken Cutlets are a crispy and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners. The combination of crunchy breadcrumbs, savory Parmesan, and fresh basil makes each bite deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: Prepare a breading station with three bowls: one with the flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil.
3. Step 3: Coat each chicken breast first in flour, then dip it into the egg, and finally press it into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
4. Step 4: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Fry the cutlets for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Step 5: Transfer the cooked cutlets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
6. Step 6: Serve the chicken cutlets hot with your favorite sides and enjoy the crispy, flavorful delight.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• Add garlic powder or dried oregano to the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.
• Use fresh basil for the best taste, but dried basil can be a substitute in a pinch (use about 1 tablespoon).
• Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright contrast to the richness of the Parmesan.

Storage

Store leftover chicken cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.

Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely! Bake the breaded cutlets on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Parmesan-Basil Chicken Cutlets: A Crispy Delight Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 145 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Parmesan-Basil Chicken Cutlets are crispy, flavorful chicken breasts coated in a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. Pan-fried to golden perfection, these cutlets make a delicious and easy main dish perfect for any weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Breading

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Seasoning & Cooking

• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for frying

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Instructions

1. Pound the chicken: Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly and remain juicy.
2. Season: Lightly season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
3. Prepare breading station: Set up three separate bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh basil.
4. Bread the chicken: Coat each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it into the beaten egg, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb-Parmesan-basil mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Heat the oil: In a large frying pan, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
6. Fry the cutlets: Place the breaded chicken cutlets in the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Drain excess oil: Transfer the cooked cutlets to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil, ensuring they remain crispy.
8. Serve: Serve the Parmesan-Basil Chicken Cutlets immediately with your favorite sides like a fresh salad, pasta, or roasted vegetables. Enjoy your crispy delight!

Notes

• The chicken breasts should be pounded evenly to about 1/2 inch thickness for the best texture and even cooking.
• Use fresh basil for the brightest flavor in the breadcrumb mixture.
• You can substitute plain breadcrumbs with panko for an extra crispy texture.
• Monitor the oil temperature to prevent burning and ensure the cutlets cook through.
• For a lighter version, baking the breaded cutlets at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes can be a good alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Parmesan Chicken, Basil Chicken Cutlets, Crispy Chicken, Fried Chicken Cutlets, Italian Chicken Recipe