Nora
Golden, crispy chicken breasts cloaked in a garlicky basil-tomato sauce, this Italian Basil Chicken is what weeknight dinner dreams are made of. A harmony of textures and vibrant flavors, it’s a dish that walks the line between comfort food and fresh Italian elegance.
Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner at home or a family-style Sunday spread, this recipe satisfies every craving. Picture juicy chicken cutlets, fried to perfection, then topped with bursting cherry tomatoes, torn basil, and a drizzle of herby olive oil. It’s simple yet irresistibly bold.
What Is the Italian Basil Chicken?
Italian Basil Chicken is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that features breaded chicken cutlets, lightly pan-fried until golden, then finished with a fresh tomato and basil topping. Think of it as a Caprese salad met a chicken Milanese. The result? Crispy, juicy, herb-splashed bliss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Bomb: Each bite balances tangy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and savory, crunchy chicken.
- Fast & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crowd Favorite: Looks impressive, tastes even better—ideal for guests.
- Customizable: Add mozzarella, swap herbs, or serve over pasta. Endless options.
Ingredients for Italian Basil Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup olive oil (for frying)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, sliced or torn
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup mozzarella (optional, for melting)
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
How To Make the Italian Basil Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Pound the chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken breast in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Press gently to adhere.
Step 3: Fry Until Golden
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add breaded chicken and fry 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4: Make the Tomato Basil Topping
In the same pan, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then toss in cherry tomatoes. Cook 2–3 minutes until slightly blistered. Remove from heat and stir in basil and red pepper flakes.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Top each chicken cutlet with mozzarella (if using) and spoon over the warm tomato-basil mixture. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and serve immediately.
What to Serve with Italian Basil Chicken
Italian Basil Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Try it with buttery mashed potatoes or a crisp arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette. Crusty ciabatta bread helps soak up every last bit of the herby tomato oil. Or keep it classic with a side of garlic spaghetti.
Top Tips for Perfecting Italian Basil Chicken
- Even Thickness: Pound the chicken evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly.
- Breadcrumb Coating: Press the breadcrumbs in firmly for a crispier crust.
- Fresh Basil: Use fresh, not dried, for that signature herbaceous punch.
- Tomato Timing: Don’t overcook the cherry tomatoes—you want them blistered, not mushy.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent soggy breading. The tomato-basil topping can be stored separately and reheated gently on the stove.
FAQs
Absolutely. Basil pairs beautifully with chicken, adding a fresh, peppery, and slightly sweet note that complements savory flavors. It’s especially delicious in Mediterranean-style recipes like Italian Basil Chicken.
Basil is a top contender, especially in Italian cuisine. Other great herbs include thyme, rosemary, oregano, and parsley, each enhancing chicken’s mild flavor in unique ways.
Yes. Basil brings a vibrant aroma and flavor, and it’s often used to brighten up chicken dishes. It’s also packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Italian basil is used in sauces, dressings, marinades, and as a fresh garnish. It’s a key ingredient in pesto and Caprese salads and is ideal for pairing with tomatoes and olive oil.
They can. Basil is safe for chickens in small amounts and may even offer mild antimicrobial benefits. Always feed in moderation and ensure it’s fresh and clean.
Besides chicken, basil complements pork, beef, and fish beautifully. It shines in dishes like Thai basil beef or grilled salmon with herb sauces.
Want More Dinner Ideas?
If you loved this herby twist on crispy chicken, you might enjoy the Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs, a bite-sized hit with serious crunch. Or try the Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells—perfectly cozy and melty.
Looking for more tomato-forward mains? The Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna delivers layers of umami and comfort. And for something rustic and spoonable, the Hearty and Comforting Tuscan Bean Soup balances beautifully with herby dishes like this one.
Need a second chicken idea? You can’t go wrong with the Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken for a cheesy upgrade.
Save and Share This Italian Basil Chicken
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If you make this Italian Basil Chicken, let me know how it turned out! Did you add mozzarella? Maybe stirred in balsamic glaze? Your tips and variations help others get creative too.
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Italian Basil Chicken
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 0.25 cup olive oil for frying
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves sliced or torn
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 0.5 cup mozzarella optional, for melting
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Pound chicken to even thickness and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
- Prepare a breading station: flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Coat each breast in order.
- Heat olive oil and pan-fry chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- In the same pan, cook garlic and cherry tomatoes until blistered. Stir in basil and red pepper flakes.
- Top chicken with mozzarella and spoon over tomato mixture. Drizzle with olive oil and serve.