Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Cutlets Recipe

Chicken cutlets are a versatile, quick, and easy meal that everyone loves. But what if you could take the simple chicken cutlet to a whole new level of flavor? Enter cheesy bruschetta chicken cutlets—a fresh and savory twist on a classic. This recipe combines the crispy texture of breaded chicken cutlets with the bright, herby flavors of bruschetta and a gooey layer of melted cheese.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight meal or preparing something special for a family dinner, these cheesy bruschetta chicken cutlets are sure to please. The combination of the crispy chicken, fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella creates an irresistible dish that’s both comforting and refreshing.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Cutlets

1. Quick and Easy: Chicken cutlets cook quickly, and the bruschetta topping is simple to prepare. This dish can be on the table in less than 30 minutes.
2. Burst of Fresh Flavors: The fresh tomato, garlic, and basil topping adds a burst of flavor, while the cheese adds creaminess and richness.
3. Crispy and Cheesy: The breaded chicken cutlets are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, while the cheese melts perfectly, creating a delicious contrast.
4. Customizable: You can adjust the bruschetta ingredients to suit your tastes. Add some balsamic glaze for extra flavor or switch up the herbs depending on what you have on hand.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Cutlets

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to make this delicious dish.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets

1. Pound the Chicken: For even cooking and tender chicken, start by placing the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy inside.
2. Set Up the Breading Station: Prepare three shallow bowls for the breading process:
   • In the first bowl, place flour and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper.
   • In the second bowl, beat eggs until smooth.
   • In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Bread the Chicken: Take each chicken breast and dredge it in the flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Next, dip it into the egg wash, and finally, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the breading sticks.
4. Fry the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F or 175°C), add the breaded chicken breasts. Cook each cutlet for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the chicken carefully to avoid losing the breading. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 2: Make the Bruschetta Topping

1. Prepare the Tomatoes: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the bruschetta topping. Start by dicing the tomatoes into small, bite-sized pieces. Place them in a medium mixing bowl.
2. Add the Basil and Garlic: To the diced tomatoes, add the fresh basil, minced garlic, and extra virgin olive oil. If you want an extra layer of flavor, add balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine. Set the mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Cutlets

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to melt the cheese on top of the chicken.
2. Add the Cheese: Once the chicken cutlets are fried and crispy, transfer them to a baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of the bruschetta topping onto each chicken cutlet. Make sure the tomato mixture is evenly spread across the chicken. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each cutlet.
3. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) when done.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve: Once the cheesy bruschetta chicken cutlets are out of the oven, let them rest for a minute before serving. Garnish with extra chopped basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavor, if desired.
2. Side Dish Suggestions: These chicken cutlets pair wonderfully with a variety of sides:
   • Garlic bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is a great side to mop up the bruschetta juices.
   • Pasta: A simple pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs complements the flavors of the chicken.
   • Salad: A light, green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances out the richness of the cheese.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Cutlets

1. Pounding the Chicken: Don’t skip the pounding process. This step not only ensures even cooking but also helps tenderize the chicken, keeping it juicy and moist.
2. Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. If you prefer a finer texture, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the panko will give you the best crispy coating.
3. Cheese: You can experiment with different types of cheese for variation. Try provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile.
4. Customize the Bruschetta: Feel free to customize the bruschetta topping. Add red onion, oregano, or even a bit of feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
5. Grilling Option: For a lighter version, you can grill the chicken cutlets instead of frying them. Just grill them until cooked through, then top with the bruschetta and cheese, and broil to melt the cheese.

Conclusion

Cheesy bruschetta chicken cutlets are a delightful twist on a classic chicken dish. With their crispy, golden exterior and the refreshing, herby tomato topping, these cutlets are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.

Yield: 4

Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Cutlets Recipe

Print

Chicken cutlets are a versatile, quick, and easy meal that everyone loves. But what if you could take the simple chicken cutlet to a whole new level of flavor? Enter cheesy bruschetta chicken cutlets—a fresh and savory twist on a classic. This recipe combines the crispy texture of breaded chicken cutlets with the bright, herby flavors of bruschetta and a gooey layer of melted cheese.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Cutlets:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), pounded to even thickness
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
• For the Bruschetta Topping:
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Cheese:
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bruschetta:
   Make the Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, garlic, basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together and set aside to marinate while you prepare the chicken.
   
2. Prepare the Chicken Cutlets:
   Season the Flour: In a shallow dish, mix the flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
   Prepare the Breading: In another shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
   Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken cutlet first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breading sticks.
   Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
   
3. Assemble the Dish:
   Top with Bruschetta: Spoon the prepared bruschetta mixture generously over each chicken cutlet.
   Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the bruschetta-topped chicken.
   Melt the Cheese: Transfer the chicken to the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
   
4. Serve:
   Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with extra fresh basil. Serve with a side of your favorite vegetables, pasta, or a green salad.

Notes

For extra flavor, drizzle a little more balsamic vinegar over the chicken before serving.

You can use chicken thighs for a juicier option.

If you prefer a lighter version, skip the breadcrumbs and bake the chicken in the oven instead of frying.