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–+ servings
Italian basil chicken cutlets

Crispy Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Delightful Italian basil chicken cutlets bursting with flavor and a crispy texture, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 12 minutes
Servings: 4 cutlets
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets or chicken thighs for richer flavor
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped the main flavor component
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced opt for fresh for the best flavor
  • 1/4 cup olive oil can substitute with any neutral oil
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Pecorino is a great alternative
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice can substitute lime juice
  • to taste salt and pepper adjust to personal taste
For the Breading
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour use gluten-free flour for gluten-free option
  • 2 large beaten eggs consider egg alternatives for vegan option
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs panko for extra crunch
For Frying
  • 1 cup vegetable oil for frying canola or peanut oil are good substitutes
  • 1 plate lemon wedges for serving adds freshness and acidity

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • meat mallet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Shallow bowls for breading

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pound chicken cutlets between plastic wrap to an even thickness of ½ inch. Set aside.
  2. Make the Marinade: Combine chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour over chicken and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Set Up the Breading Station: Prepare three bowls with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
  4. Coat the Cutlets: Dredge each cutlet in flour, then dip in eggs, and roll in breadcrumbs. Ensure even coating.
  5. Heat the Oil: In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  6. Fry the Cutlets: Fry chicken cutlets for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  7. Drain and Serve: Transfer to paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve with lemon wedges and optional basil garnish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cutletCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 28gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For the best flavor and crunch, allow the chicken to marinate adequately and use panko breadcrumbs if preferred.

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