Easy 30-Minute Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Mozzarella Topping Recipe
Introduction
Juicy chicken cutlets topped with sweet cherry tomatoes, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil create an irresistible Italian-inspired meal. This easy 30-minute recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn
- 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Lightly season the flour with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 2: Dredge the chicken cutlets in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Step 4: Cook the chicken cutlets for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 5: In a bowl, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Step 6: Preheat the oven broiler.
- Step 7: Place the cooked chicken cutlets on a baking sheet and top each with the tomato mixture and slices or torn pieces of fresh mozzarella.
- Step 8: Broil for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Step 9: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped basil, and drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.
- Step 10: Serve immediately while warm and melty.
Tips & Variations
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best melting and creamy texture.
- Roasting the cherry tomatoes briefly before topping adds extra sweetness.
- Substitute chicken thighs for breasts, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- For a dairy-free version, swap mozzarella with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Storage
Store leftover chicken cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispy edges and melty cheese texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs often take a bit longer to cook through.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the fresh mozzarella with your favorite plant-based cheese alternative and follow the recipe as usual.
Print
Easy 30-Minute Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Mozzarella Topping Recipe
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Juicy chicken cutlets topped with sweet cherry tomatoes, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil—an irresistible Italian-inspired meal perfect for weeknights or impressing guests. This recipe combines a flavorful garlic-seasoned flour crust on tender chicken breasts, topped with fresh tomato and mozzarella under the broiler for a deliciously melty finish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Topping
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn
- 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season the Flour: Lightly season the all-purpose flour with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring an even mix to coat the chicken with flavorful crust.
- Dredge the Chicken: Dip each chicken cutlet into the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess to avoid clumps and ensure a crisp crust during cooking.
- Heat the Skillet: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking, preparing for pan-frying the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the floured chicken cutlets in the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until the exterior is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and set aside to rest.
- Prepare the Topping: Toss the halved cherry tomatoes with 1 teaspoon olive oil, salt, and pepper to lightly season and add a touch of richness.
- Preheat Broiler: Turn on the oven broiler and let it heat up, ready to melt the mozzarella topping quickly.
- Assemble the Cutlets: Arrange the cooked chicken on a baking sheet, then evenly distribute the seasoned cherry tomatoes on top followed by slices or torn pieces of fresh mozzarella.
- Broil: Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely until the mozzarella melts nicely, bubbles, and develops a lightly golden appearance.
- Garnish: Remove the chicken from the broiler, sprinkle with fresh chopped basil leaves, and drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired for a sweet tangy finish.
- Serve: Serve the chicken immediately while warm and melty, ideal paired with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the skillet while cooking the chicken to ensure even browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Fresh mozzarella works best for melting and creamy texture, but plant-based cheese can be substituted for a dairy-free option.
- Leftover cutlets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.
- Cherry tomatoes can be roasted first for enhanced sweetness if desired.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying and Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Italian chicken cutlets, basil chicken, mozzarella chicken recipe, easy Italian dinner, chicken with tomato and cheese, quick chicken skillet recipe, broiled mozzarella chicken, weeknight Italian meal
