Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, crispy chicken cutlet that's so deliciously crunchy it practically sings when you cut into it. This Italian-inspired recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With a simple technique and just a few fresh ingredients, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by placing them between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even 1/4-inch thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- In a shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Create a uniform coating mixture that will give the chicken its crispy exterior.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere better.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure a complete and even coating on both sides.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with enough olive oil to generously coat the bottom (about 3-4 tablespoons).
- Carefully place the breaded chicken cutlets into the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken cooks, dice fresh tomatoes and chop fresh basil. Set aside for topping.
- Once chicken is cooked, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
- Plate the crispy chicken cutlets and top with fresh diced tomatoes and chopped basil. Optionally, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top.
- Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and crispy, accompanied by a side salad or your preferred side dish.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your skillet is properly heated before adding chicken to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Pat Chicken Dry: Always remove excess moisture from chicken breasts before breading to guarantee maximum crispiness.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and prevent steaming instead of browning.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
- Let the Chicken Rest: Allow the cutlets to rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain their juices and maintain their crispy exterior.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use freshly grated Parmesan and just-chopped basil to elevate the flavor of your dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
