Place cooked chicken on a serving plate Recipe

If you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to something wonderfully fresh and flavorful, this Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets with Tomato and Creamy Stracciatella Topping is a fantastic choice. What really makes this dish shine is the way you Place cooked chicken on a serving plate, transforming simple sautéed chicken breasts into a beautiful canvas for vibrant cherry tomatoes and the luxuriously soft, creamy stracciatella cheese. The combination of colors, textures, and aromas makes this meal feel effortlessly elegant yet comfortingly familiar—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and freshness. Each ingredient is essential, bringing a unique flavor or texture that works in harmony with the others. From juicy cherry tomatoes to fragrant basil and creamy stracciatella, every element plays a starring role.

• Chicken breasts: Pounded thin to ensure quick, even cooking and tenderness in every bite.
• Salt, black pepper, garlic powder: Basic seasonings that elevate the chicken’s natural flavor without overpowering it.
• Olive oil: Used in both cooking the chicken and sautéing the tomatoes, offering richness and healthy fats.
• Cherry tomatoes: Bursting with sweet acidity, they add freshness and vibrant color.
• Balsamic vinegar (optional): Adds a subtle tang to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Stracciatella cheese: The creamy star that melts slightly atop the chicken, creating a luscious texture contrast.
• Fresh basil: Adds herbaceous brightness and fragrance, tying all the flavors together perfectly.
• Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a salty, nutty sprinkle for a finishing touch.

How to Make Place cooked chicken on a serving plate

Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken

Begin by pounding your boneless, skinless chicken breasts until they are evenly thin—this helps them cook quickly and stay juicy. Season each cutlet generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. These simple spices give the chicken a well-rounded savory base that pairs beautifully with the toppings to come.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the chicken cutlets in the hot oil and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You want a beautiful golden crust to develop that adds color and extra flavor. This step ensures your chicken stays moist inside while developing a lovely texture outside.

Step 3: Sauté the Cherry Tomatoes

After removing the chicken, use the same skillet for the tomatoes—this allows them to pick up any flavorful bits left behind. Add another splash of olive oil along with the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices. Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar if you like a subtle sweet tang. This tomato topping is what makes the dish feel fresh and vibrant.

Step 4: Place cooked chicken on a serving plate and Assemble

This is the moment everything comes together. Place cooked chicken on a serving plate in a single layer to prepare for the grand finale. Spoon the warm sautéed tomatoes generously on top of each cutlet. Then, delicately dollop the stracciatella cheese over the tomatoes. The residual heat will gently melt the cheese creating an indulgent creamy topping that compliments the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.

How to Serve Place cooked chicken on a serving plate

Garnishes

Once you Place cooked chicken on a serving plate with all the toppings, it’s time to add those finishing touches. Sprinkle fresh chopped basil leaves for an herby burst of flavor that brightens the entire dish. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, grate some Parmesan cheese over the top to add a salty, nutty dimension that complements the creamy stracciatella beautifully.

Side Dishes

This chicken dish pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides to balance the richness. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or simple steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans. A side of garlic buttered crusty bread is also fantastic for soaking up any leftover tomato juices and melted cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this with a bed of creamy polenta or over a fluffy mound of risotto. You can also invite guests to assemble their own plates by placing cooked chicken on a serving plate alongside bowls of the tomato topping and stracciatella, allowing everyone to customize their portions. This adds an interactive and casual touch perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra chicken cutlets or toppings, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will help maintain their freshness and texture without the cheese becoming too runny. The chicken cutlets should be eaten within 3 to 4 days for optimal flavor and safety.

Freezing

While fresh is best for this dish, you can freeze cooked chicken cutlets without the toppings for up to 2 months. Be sure to wrap them tightly or place in freezer-safe containers. Avoid freezing the tomato and cheese toppings, as their textures don’t reheat well after freezing.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the chicken cutlets in a skillet over low heat to keep them moist. Once warmed through, Place cooked chicken on a serving plate and reheat sautéed tomatoes separately before spooning over the chicken. Add fresh stracciatella right before serving to recreate that lovely creamy finish.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese besides stracciatella?

Absolutely! If you can’t find stracciatella, burrata cheese works wonderfully as a substitute because of its creamy, soft texture. Alternatively, fresh mozzarella can be used, though it may be less creamy.

What can I substitute if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?

Grape tomatoes or even small diced regular tomatoes can be used. If using larger tomatoes, try to cut them into bite-sized pieces so they warm through quickly and complement the cutlets nicely.

Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?

Yes, you can bake the chicken cutlets at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes or until cooked through. However, pan-frying imparts a lovely golden crust that adds extra flavor and texture.

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

From start to finish, including prepping, cooking, and assembling, it should take about 25 to 30 minutes. It’s a great quick meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or presentation.

Can I prepare any parts of this dish in advance?

You can season the chicken and prep the tomato topping ahead of time. Just keep the cheese fresh to add at the very end. This makes the final assembly quick and stress-free.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely can’t recommend this recipe enough for anyone craving a dish that is both comforting and elegant without complicated steps. Placing cooked chicken on a serving plate and layering it with fresh tomatoes and creamy stracciatella is a simple step that elevates this meal to something truly special. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation!