The sound of chicken sizzling in a cast-iron skillet always takes me back to Julia’s kitchen, where fresh basil from her windowsill garden perfumed the air. These Parmesan Basil Chicken Cutlets are pure comfort on a plate. They’ve become our go-to weeknight dinner when we need something that feels both fancy and familiar.
This dish transforms simple chicken breasts into golden, crispy cutlets coated in a dreamy blend of Parmesan cheese and fragrant basil. The secret is pounding the chicken thin so it cooks fast and stays incredibly tender inside that crunchy coating. It’s like having restaurant-quality chicken at home, but easier than you’d think. Full details in the blog!
I’ve been making variations of this recipe since my daughters were little, tweaking Julia’s original handwritten notes until we found the perfect balance of herbs and cheese. The lemon butter finish was my own addition after a trip to Italy years ago. I tested it dozens of times, and trust meyou’ll love how the basil brightens everything.
PrintParmesan-Basil Chicken Cutlets: Easy and Delicious Recipe
Parmesan-Basil Chicken Cutlets make a delicious family meal featuring crispy basil-coated chicken with fresh lemon butter flavors. Perfect for an easy dinner, these Crispy Parmesan Basil Chicken Cutlets bring together Italian Parmesan Basil Chicken and juicy Easy Parmesan Basil Chicken. Enjoy a quick Parmesan Basil Chicken Dinner that’s golden and flavorful every time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
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
- Even out the thickness of the chicken breasts using a meat mallet to promote uniform cooking.
- Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides to season well.
- Prepare three separate bowls with flour, beaten egg, and the mix of breadcrumbs Parmesan and basil for breading.
- Dip each piece of chicken first in the flour then in the egg and then thoroughly coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat and cook the chicken cutlets for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
- Transfer cooked cutlets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any extra oil.
- Serve while hot alongside your preferred side dishes and enjoy your meal.
Notes
- For an extra crunch, consider adding crushed nuts to the breadcrumb mixture
- These cutlets freeze well
- ensure they’re wrapped tightly for up to 3 months
- Experiment with different cheeses to discover your favorite flavor combinations
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cutlet
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Why You’ll Love These Parmesan Basil Chicken Cutlets
This recipe checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight dinnerquick enough for busy evenings yet special enough to serve when friends stop by unexpectedly. The nutty Parmesan combined with fresh basil fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that brings comfort to your table.
What truly makes these cutlets shine is the pounding technique, which transforms ordinary chicken breasts into tender, restaurant-quality pieces cooking in just minutes. Pro Tip: Thinner cutlets cook faster and offer more surface area for that beautiful golden crust we all love.
- Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish
- Uses simple ingredients you likely already have
- Creates the most satisfying crispy coating
- Perfect for meal prep and freezes beautifully
Ingredient Breakdown and My Kitchen Tips
Every ingredient in these Easy Parmesan Basil Chicken cutlets plays an important role, and I’ve picked up a few tips along the way that make all the difference. Fresh basil is especially keydried just can’t deliver that bright, summery flavor that makes this dish sing.
For Parmesan cheese, I always grate it fresh whenever possible. Pre-grated works in a pinch, but freshly grated melts better and offers more flavor. Note: Don’t skip the flour stepit helps the egg adhere properly, ensuring your beautiful coating stays intact while cooking.
| Ingredient | Kitchen Tip | Easy Swap |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh basil | Chop just before using to prevent browning | Fresh parsley or oregano |
| Parmesan cheese | Grate fresh for best melting | Romano or aged cheddar |
| Breadcrumbs | Panko creates extra crunch | Crushed crackers or cornflakes |
| Olive oil | Heat until shimmering, not smoking | Vegetable or avocado oil |
Step-by-Step: Creating Golden Crispy Basil Chicken Cutlets
The magic begins with the meat malletdon’t be timid! Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap or parchment paper and give it gentle but firm taps until it’s about ½ inch thick all over. This guarantees even cooking and keeps every bite juicy and tender.
Set up your breading station like an assembly line for a smooth workflow. Arrange three bowls in order: flour seasoned with salt and pepper, beaten egg, then the mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and chopped basil.
- Step 1: Pound chicken to even thickness, then season with salt and pepper
- Step 2: Dredge in flour, dip in beaten egg, coat with breadcrumb mixture
- Step 3: Fry in heated olive oil for 5-7 minutes per side until golden
- Step 4: Rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil
Troubleshooting Your Chicken Cutlets
After many attempts, I’ve learned what can go wrong and how to fix it! The most common issue is the coating falling off, usually because the oil isn’t hot enough or the cutlets are flipped too soon.
Pro Tip: Test oil temperature by dropping in a small breadcrumb piece; it should sizzle immediately. If the cutlets brown too quickly but aren’t cooked through, lower the heat slightly and allow more cooking time.
| Problem | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Coating falls off | Oil not hot enough or flipped too soon | Wait for proper sizzle; don’t rush flipping |
| Dry chicken | Overcooked or not pounded thin enough | Use a meat thermometer (165°F internal temp) |
| Soggy coating | Oil temperature too low | Increase heat; test with breadcrumb |
| Uneven browning | Cutlets of varying thickness | Pound to uniform ½-inch thickness |
Serving Ideas and Storage Tips
These juicy Parmesan herb chicken cutlets pair beautifully with nearly anythingroasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. My daughters love them sliced over pasta with a drizzle of good olive oil.
For storage, let the cutlets cool completely before wrapping each individually in plastic wrap. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Note: To reheat without losing the crispy coating, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes instead of using the microwave.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Thaw overnight, then oven reheat |
| Room temperature | 2 hours maximum | Best served immediately |
Expert Says
When preparing Parmesan basil chicken cutlets, ensure your chicken is pounded evenly for consistent cooking. This simple technique promotes even heat distribution, yielding juicy, tender cutlets. Additionally, the umami-rich flavor of Parmesan pairs beautifully with fresh basil, naturally elevating the dish.
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The Journey to My Perfect Parmesan-Basil Chicken Cutlets
After countless attempts and a few kitchen mishaps, I finally perfected these Parmesan-Basil Chicken Cutlets. I learned that timing is everythingthe golden crust forms at just the right moment. Now, every bite brings back memories of sharing dinner with family, laughter filling the room.
FAQs ( Parmesan-Basil Chicken Cutlets )
How do I get my chicken cutlets crispy?
For crispy cutlets, ensure you pat the chicken dry before coating. Use a mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan for a flavorful crunch, and fry in hot oil to create that golden crust. Cooking in batches helps maintain the oil temperature.
Can I use boneless chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts work perfectly for this recipe. Just slice them into even cutlets for uniform cooking. Alternatively, you can pound them to achieve a consistent thickness.
What should I serve with Parmesan-Basil Chicken Cutlets?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad. Garlic mashed potatoes or a light pasta dish can also complement the flavors beautifully, making for a well-rounded meal.
How do I store leftover cutlets?
Store any leftover cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to maintain crispness, rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy.
Can I freeze Parmesan-Basil Chicken Cutlets?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked cutlets. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months; reheat them directly from frozen.
You’ll absolutely love how these Parmesan Basil Chicken Cutlets turn outgolden and crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside. In just 35 minutes, your kitchen will be filled with the incredible aroma of herbs and cheese, creating pure comfort on a plate. It’s the kind of dinner that draws everyone to the table with genuine smiles.
Here’s a little tip from my kitchen: try adding a pinch of garlic powder to your breadcrumb mixture for extra depth of flavor. These cutlets look stunning served over buttery pasta or alongside roasted vegetables. Storage tip: Wrap cooled cutlets individually and freeze for up to three monthsperfect for busy weeks when you need dinner fast.
I’d love to see your golden cutlets! Share your photos and tell medid your family have a special chicken recipe growing up? There’s something magical about passing down these simple, satisfying meals. Save this recipe for your next family dinner and watch it quickly become a beloved tradition in your kitchen.
