Crispy Parmesan-Basil Chicken Cutlets

Ah, crispy Parmesan-basil chicken cutlets! Each bite takes me back to those cherished weeknight dinners with my family, where the aroma of seasoned chicken sizzling in the skillet filled our home, wrapping us in a warm embrace. It’s funny how something so simple can evoke so many memories, isn’t it? This recipe not only brings that nostalgia but also provides a delightful crunch paired with vibrant flavors. I can guarantee that once you try it, it will find its way into your meal rotation faster than you can say "delicious"!

Why you’ll love this recipe

Let’s talk about why you should whip this up tonight. First of all, the crunch! Imagine sinking your teeth into a golden, crispy coating, followed by the juicy tenderness of the chicken beneath—pure bliss! The romance of the fragrant basil dancing around in tandem with the nuttiness of Parmesan creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to beat. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Friends and family will be raving about your cooking skills faster than a hot knife through butter.

Not to mention, this recipe is incredibly versatile; serve it with a fresh salad, piled atop pasta, or tucked into a sandwich—whatever tickles your fancy! It’s quick to prepare but delivers that ‘wow’ factor that’s sure to impress anyone at the dinner table. If you’ve got a busy lifestyle, this dish fits seamlessly into a weeknight routine while still feeling a bit like a special occasion. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this on your list!

Gather these ingredients

Alright, let’s dig into what you’ll need for these delightful cutlets:

• 4 chicken cutlets: Look for those conveniently prepped breasts that are nice and thin, or you can take whole chicken breasts, slice them, and pound them to your desired thickness. It’s all about tenderizing that meat for a juicy finish!

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Go for the real stuff if you can. That rich umami flavor makes all the difference! You’ll get a lovely crispiness and flavor that pre-shredded cheese just can’t match.

• 1 cup breadcrumbs: I love using Italian-style breadcrumbs for their added spices and herbs. If you want to amp up the flavor even more, try mixing in some homemade or panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch.

• 1 tablespoon dried basil: Fresh basil is fantastic if you’ve got it, but dried works wonders as well—easy and no fuss! It adds a lovely fragrant note that pairs beautifully with the chicken.

• Salt and pepper to taste: You know your palate best. Give it a healthy sprinkle to elevate those flavors!

• 1 egg: This is your adhesive—what binds all that crunch to your chicken! Beat it well, and it’ll do its job to perfection.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: A bit of healthy fat here; it’ll help achieve that coveted golden-brown crust. Feel free to choose your favorite cooking oil if you’re looking for alternatives.

Preparing Crispy Parmesan-Basil Chicken Cutlets

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for captivating cutlets that could make even a restaurant chef jealous.

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that when you pop your chicken in, it gets the right temperature for that glorious crispiness.

2. In a bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, dried basil, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it well; it should feel like a summery Italian garden in a bowl!

3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg until it’s frothy and light. This helps create a nice, even coating on each cutlet.

4. Take each chicken cutlet and dip it in the egg, coating it thoroughly, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press it in gently so it adheres well—this is where the magic happens!

5. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. You’ll want it hot enough to give that sizzle but not too hot that it smokes.

6. Cook each cutlet for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for that beautiful golden color. Aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) ensures it’s cooked all the way through—use your instant-read thermometer if you have one!

7. Serve hot! Pair it with a lemon wedge for a pop of acidity—believe me, it’s delicious!

Best way to enjoy it

When it comes to serving these crispy cutlets, think freshness! A light arugula salad tossed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken beautifully. For those carb lovers, pile it high on a bed of spaghetti with marinara sauce or even tuck it into a crusty baguette as a tasty sandwich.

Feeling adventurous? Perhaps a drizzle of balsamic reduction across the top adds a touch of elegance. And don’t forget about roasted vegetables on the side or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that flavor!

How to store and freeze

Here’s how to keep those glorious cutlets fresh! If you have leftovers—and I can’t imagine you will, but just in case—let them cool completely before sealing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay in the fridge for up to three days.

For longer storage, freeze them! Simply place cooled cutlets in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat them in a 375°F (190°C) oven until heated through. You’ll lose a bit of crispiness, but don’t fret—a quick flash in the skillet during reheating can bring that crunch back!

Pro chef tips

• Don’t skip the olive oil! It’s essential for that beautiful crust.
• A little bit of lemon zest in the breadcrumb mixture can add a delightful zing!
• Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or oregano to the mix for a twist.
• If you prefer a whole grain option, substitute whole wheat breadcrumbs for a heartier texture.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Let’s jazz things up! Swap dried basil for thyme or even rosemary for a whole new flavor profile. Or, how about a spicy kick? Add crushed red pepper flakes to your breadcrumb mix to bring some heat.

If you’re aiming for some extra flourish, you could top these cutlets with a rich marinara and mozzarella cheese and bake them briefly until melty for a chicken Parmesan riff.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken cutlets
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions to follow

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, dried basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Beat the egg in another bowl.
4. Dip chicken cutlets in egg then coat in breadcrumb mixture.
5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
6. Cook cutlets for about 4-5 minutes each side until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Serve hot.

Your questions answered

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of cutlets? Absolutely! Just ensure they’re boneless and skinless for ease.

• How do I ensure the chicken is cooked through? Use a meat thermometer; check for 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part.

• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the cutlets in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

• What’s the best way to reheat these? A quick reheat in the oven keeps them crispy, or a quick pan-sear can reintroduce some crunch!

• Would it be okay to bake instead of frying? Yes, but keep in mind they won’t be as crispy. Lightly oil a baking sheet and bake at 400°F until golden, flipping halfway!

This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s the essence of comfort. It’s perfect for those busy nights or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. Try it, play around with flavors, and let me know how it goes! Can’t wait to hear about your delicious journey!

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Crispy Parmesan-Basil Chicken Cutlets

Cooking Method: Sauteing Courses: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food High Protein Non Vegetarian Quick Meals W Weeknight

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 20 mins

Cooking Temp: 400  F Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 400

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Enjoy these crispy Parmesan-basil chicken cutlets that bring back the nostalgia of family dinners, offering a delightful crunch with vibrant flavors. Perfect for any meal, whether served with salad, pasta, or in a sandwich.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 4 cutlets chicken (Boneless and skinless)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Real Parmesan for best flavor)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style preferred)
• 1 tablespoon dried basil (Fresh basil can be substituted)
• to taste salt and pepper
• 1 egg large (Beaten until frothy)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (For frying)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the Oven

   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
   Mark as complete

2. Mix Coating

   In a bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
   Mix well until evenly combined.
   Mark as complete

3. Prepare Egg Wash

   In a separate bowl, beat the egg until frothy.
   This will help the coating stick to the chicken.
   Mark as complete

4. Coat Chicken

   Dip each chicken cutlet in the egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
   Mark as complete

5. Heat Oil

   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   Ensure oil is hot but not smoking.
   Mark as complete

6. Cook Cutlets

   Cook each cutlet for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
   Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
   Mark as complete

7. Serve

   Serve hot, optionally with a lemon wedge.
   Enjoy with a side salad, pasta, or in a sandwich.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 400kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 6g30%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 200mg67%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 500mg15%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 1g

Protein 35g70%

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Vitamin A 5 IU

Vitamin C 0 mg

Calcium 350 mg

Iron 1.5 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 3 mcg

Thiamin 0.1 mg

Riboflavin 0.2 mg

Niacin 12 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 10 mcg

Vitamin B12 1 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 30 mg

Zinc 2 mg

Selenium 30 mcg

Copper 0.1 mg

Manganese 0.3 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For added flavor, incorporate fresh herbs or spices into the breadcrumb mixture.

Keywords: chicken, cutlets, Parmesan, basil, easy recipe