Crispy Chicken with mozzarella basil and cherry tamatoes

 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