When it comes to weeknight dinners that are both comforting and irresistibly delicious, few dishes can compete with the classic charm of parmesan basil chicken cutlets. This recipe blends the rich, nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese with the brightness of fresh basil, creating a crispy coating that turns simple chicken breasts into something extraordinary. Whether you’re preparing a relaxing family meal or planning an easy-to-do quick Valentine’s dinner, these chicken cutlets are elegant, simple, and incredibly satisfying.

Chicken cutlets have long been a beloved staple across various cuisines, especially Italian and Italian-American cooking. Their appeal lies in their versatility—fried, baked, layered with sauce, topped with cheese, served with salads, or paired with pasta. This version, featuring basil and Parmesan, offers a savory, aromatic twist that elevates the traditional recipe into something wonderfully fragrant and flavorful.

The texture of these cutlets is truly where the magic happens. Each cutlet is pounded thin to ensure tender, even cooking. Once breaded, they crisp beautifully in the pan, forming a golden crust that crackles under your fork while the inside remains juicy and tender. The combination of grated Parmesan and fresh chopped basil in the breading creates a balance of savory richness and herbaceous freshness. It’s the kind of dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but requires no complicated techniques—just a few staple ingredients, a frying pan, and 35 minutes from start to finish.

This recipe is also ideal for home cooks who want reliable results every time. Even beginner cooks will feel confident making these chicken cutlets, thanks to the straightforward breading process and clear step-by-step instructions. If you’ve ever been intimidated by breading chicken, this recipe will quickly become your go-to method.

Pair these cutlets with nearly anything, depending on your mood or the occasion. For a cozy dinner, serve them with creamy mashed potatoes or pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic. For something lighter, try a crisp arugula salad topped with cherry tomatoes and a squeeze of lemon. And if you’re pulling together a romantic dinner that’s easy to do for a quick Valentine’s dinner, these golden cutlets shine wonderfully beside a glass of chilled white wine and roasted vegetables.

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Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for frying

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Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken
   Place each chicken breast between two sheets of parchment and gently pound them using a meat mallet until they reach an even thickness—about ½ inch. This ensures they cook evenly and remain tender.
2. Season the Meat
   Sprinkle both sides of each chicken cutlet with salt and pepper. This simple step adds critical flavor before the breading process.
3. Prepare the Breading Station
   Set out three shallow bowls:
   • Bowl 1: all-purpose flour
   • Bowl 2: beaten egg
   • Bowl 3: breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil
4. Bread the Chicken
   Working one piece at a time, dredge each chicken breast in the flour, coating it completely. Shake off excess, dip thoroughly into the beaten egg, then press firmly into the breadcrumb-Parmesan-basil mixture until evenly coated.
5. Pan-Fry the Cutlets
   Heat a generous swirl of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken cutlets, cooking each one for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Do not overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed.
6. Drain and Serve
   Transfer cooked cutlets to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb extra oil. Serve immediately while they’re hot and crisp.

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Pro Tips

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and richer flavor.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice over the finished cutlets for extra brightness.
• To lighten the recipe, bake instead: 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
• For ultra-crispy leftovers, reheat in an air fryer instead of the microwave.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic butter pasta, roasted broccolini, or a cool cucumber salad.
• Pair with Pinot Grigio, sparkling water, or iced herbal tea.
• Drizzle with a simple marinara or basil aioli for dipping.

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