If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, you absolutely need to try the Crispy Chicken Caprese with Blistered Cherry Tomato Basil and Balsamic Glaze Recipe. This recipe masterfully combines the crispiness of perfectly fried chicken cutlets with the freshness of basil and cherry tomatoes, all crowned by a luscious balsamic glaze and creamy burrata. Every bite delivers a delightful contrast of crunchy, juicy, tangy, and creamy notes, making it a standout favorite for lunch, dinner, or entertaining guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Crispy Chicken Caprese with Blistered Cherry Tomato Basil and Balsamic Glaze Recipe lies in its straightforward and thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in building the layers of taste, texture, and color that define this dish, from the golden crust on the chicken to the bright pop of blistered tomatoes.
- Chicken breasts (pounded thin): Ensures quick, even cooking and a satisfyingly crispy exterior.
- Eggs (whisked): Helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken, creating that irresistible crunch.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the first coating for the chicken, assisting in crispness when fried.
- Italian panko breadcrumbs: Adds an extra crunch and a hint of herbaceous flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes: Blistered to perfection for sweetness and slight smokiness.
- Fresh basil leaves (chiffonade cut): Brings a fragrant, fresh note that brightens the dish.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing tomatoes and adding richness to the dish.
- Garlic (minced): Adds savory depth and aroma to the blistered tomato mixture.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors beautifully.
- Dry white wine: Deglazes the pan, adding acidity and complexity.
- Lemon juice and zest: Introduce a zesty freshness to balance the richness.
- Burrata: Creamy and indulgent, it melts beautifully over the chicken.
- Balsamic glaze: Adds a sweet, tangy finish that ties everything together.
- Oil for shallow frying: Essential for achieving that signature crispiness on the chicken.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Caprese with Blistered Cherry Tomato Basil and Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets
Start by placing each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic and pounding them evenly thin with a meat mallet. This not only tenderizes the meat but ensures every bite is perfectly cooked through without drying out. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to lay the foundational flavor.
Step 2: Breading the Chicken
Set up an assembly line with three bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with the Italian panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each cutlet first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Press gently so the crumbs adhere well, which is key for that golden, crispy crust you’re after.
Step 3: Frying the Chicken Cutlets
Heat about half an inch of oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully add the chicken cutlets one at a time, cooking each side for 2 to 3 minutes until beautifully browned and crisp. Use careful flips to avoid splashing oil. Drain on paper towels to keep them light and crunchy.
Step 4: Blistering the Cherry Tomatoes
In a cast iron or heavy skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and add the cherry tomatoes, letting them cook undisturbed to form those gorgeous blisters. After a couple of minutes, stir gently to continue cooking until the tomatoes are charred on the outside. Then toss in minced garlic and salt, sautéing just until fragrant.
Step 5: Deglazing and Flavor Boost
Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Let the liquid reduce by half to concentrate the flavors before removing from heat. Transfer the tomatoes and garlic mixture to a bowl for adding fresh ingredients.
Step 6: Finishing the Tomato Basil Mix
Add the chiffonade-cut fresh basil leaves and lemon juice to the warm tomatoes. This combination gives a burst of freshness and brightness that balances the richness of the chicken and burrata.
Step 7: Assembling the Dish
Place the crispy chicken cutlets on a serving platter, spoon the blistered tomato and basil mixture generously over the top, scatter torn burrata pieces across the chicken, add a sprinkle of lemon zest, and finish it all with a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze. To keep the chicken crispy, it’s best to add the tomato mixture just before serving.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Caprese with Blistered Cherry Tomato Basil and Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves and a light dusting of cracked black pepper add vibrant pops of color and herbal aroma that elevate the plate’s presentation and flavor profile. A few extra lemon zest shavings right before serving brighten the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Chicken Caprese with Blistered Cherry Tomato Basil and Balsamic Glaze Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like garlic roasted potatoes, a crisp green salad, or even a light pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs. Keeping the sides easy lets the star chicken shine!
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider plating each cutlet individually with a neat spoonful of the tomato basil mixture artfully spooned on top, and a small drizzle of balsamic glaze in a swirl around the edge of the plate. For a casual family meal, a large serving platter with all the components layered invites everyone to dig in and enjoy the rustic charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover crispy chicken cutlets and the tomato basil mixture separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the chicken from getting soggy and keeps the tomato mix vibrant and fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the breaded and cooked chicken cutlets by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. The tomato mixture and burrata are best fresh, so avoid freezing those components to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring leftover chicken back to life, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the chicken soggy. Add the tomato basil mixture and burrata fresh at serving time.
FAQs
Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?
Absolutely! While burrata offers that rich, creamy center, fresh mozzarella works beautifully as a milder, firmer substitute that still complements the flavors wonderfully.
What if I don’t have dry white wine?
In a pinch, you can substitute chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice with a teaspoon of vinegar to mimic the acidity and depth the wine brings to the blistered tomato sauce.
How do I keep the chicken crispy if making ahead?
Keep the fried chicken cutlets on a wire rack rather than stacking them. Wait to spoon the tomato basil topping until just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Can I bake instead of frying the chicken?
You can bake the breaded cutlets at 425°F on a wire rack for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method is healthier but may lack some crispiness compared to frying.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make the Crispy Chicken Caprese with Blistered Cherry Tomato Basil and Balsamic Glaze Recipe gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for certified gluten-free alternatives.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Chicken Caprese with Blistered Cherry Tomato Basil and Balsamic Glaze Recipe is a joyful celebration of textures and bright, fresh flavors that will have your family and friends asking for seconds. Give yourself the treat of cooking this vibrant, crunchy, and utterly satisfying dish soon – it might just become your new favorite weeknight winner!
Print
Crispy Chicken Caprese with Blistered Cherry Tomato Basil and Balsamic Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy Chicken Caprese is a delightful Italian-inspired dish featuring thinly pounded and breaded chicken cutlets fried to golden perfection. Topped with blistered cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, torn burrata cheese, lemon zest, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this recipe balances crispy textures with fresh and tangy flavors for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Cutlets
- 4 chicken breasts (pounded thin)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs (whisked)
- 1 1/2 cups Italian panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for shallow frying
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Blistered Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves (chiffonade cut)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Finishing Ingredients
- 1 burrata (torn into pieces)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Cutlets: Using a meat mallet or tenderizer, place each chicken breast under a plastic sheet and pound it uniformly thin without tearing. Season both sides of each cutlet with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Coat Chicken: Set up three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with Italian panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken cutlet first in the flour, tapping off excess, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat for all cutlets.
- Shallow Fry Chicken: Heat about ½ inch of oil in a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 325°F. Carefully place chicken cutlets in the hot oil (work in batches if needed), frying each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully to avoid splashing. Remove cooked cutlets and drain on paper towels. Repeat for all cutlets.
- Blister Cherry Tomatoes and Sauté Garlic: In a cast iron skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add cherry tomatoes and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes. Stir gently and cook for an additional 3 minutes until tomatoes are blistered and charred. Add minced garlic and kosher salt, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in 1/4 cup dry white wine to deglaze the pan, stirring and allowing the liquid to reduce by half over 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer the tomato mixture to a bowl.
- Combine Tomato Mixture: To the bowl of blistered tomatoes, add the chiffonade basil leaves and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Gently stir to combine.
- Assemble and Serve: Place crispy chicken cutlets on serving plates. Spoon the blistered tomato and basil mixture evenly over the chicken. Scatter torn burrata pieces on top, sprinkle with lemon zest, and drizzle with balsamic glaze. To maintain crispiness, add the tomato topping just before serving. Enjoy your Crispy Chicken Caprese!
Notes
- Use a meat mallet gently to avoid tearing the chicken cutlets.
- Maintain the oil temperature at around 325°F for optimal frying texture and to avoid burning.
- Drain fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep crispiness.
- Use fresh burrata or fresh mozzarella for best creaminess and flavor.
- To save time, prepare tomato topping while frying chicken cutlets.
- Balsamic glaze adds sweetness and tang, but can be substituted with reduced balsamic vinegar if needed.
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