Crispy Chicken with Mozzarella, Basil, and Cherry Tomatoes
Golden, crispy chicken cutlets topped with melted mozzarella, fresh basil, and blistered cherry tomatoes. Think of it as a lighter, fresher cousin of chicken parmesan — no heavy sauce, just bright Mediterranean flavors.
⏱ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken:
2 large chicken breasts, sliced into cutlets (or 4 chicken cutlets)
½ cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for pan-frying
For the Topping:
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 ball fresh mozzarella, sliced (or 1 cup shredded mozzarella)
Fresh basil leaves
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prep Chicken:
Season chicken with salt and pepper.
Dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat in breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.
2. Cook Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Fry chicken cutlets 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
3. Prepare Tomato Topping:
In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
Add cherry tomatoes, cook 2–3 minutes until softened and slightly blistered.
Season with salt and pepper.
4. Melt Mozzarella:
Place crispy chicken on a baking sheet.
Top with mozzarella slices.
Broil (or bake at 400°F / 200°C) for 3–4 minutes until cheese melts.
5. Assemble Dish:
Spoon blistered tomatoes over cheesy chicken.
Add fresh basil leaves on top.
Drizzle with extra olive oil if desired.
Notes & Tips
Serve with pasta, roasted potatoes, or a fresh arugula salad.
For extra depth, drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Use air fryer instead of pan-frying for a lighter version (400°F / 200°C, 12–15 minutes).
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I prep ahead?
Yes—bread chicken in advance and refrigerate, then fry or air fry just before serving.
Q: Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of fresh?
Yes—fresh melts softer, shredded gives more of a stretch.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Nutrition information
Calories: ~520
Protein: 42g
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 26g
Fiber: 2g