Introduction
If you’re looking for a hearty and delicious meal that combines crispy chicken, rich marinara sauce, and creamy burrata, look no further! This Burrata Chicken Parmesan is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, bringing an exciting freshness with the addition of basil and a choice of either baby spinach or pasta. Perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its combination of flavors and textures.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded and cut into 4 thin cutlets
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cups baby spinach or 8 ounces cooked pasta
8 ounces burrata cheese
1 cup fresh basil leaves
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Place the beaten eggs in a separate shallow dish. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish. Dredge each chicken cutlet first in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Dip the floured cutlet into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the cutlet with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken cutlets to the skillet. Cook each cutlet for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Marinara Sauce: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the sauce, cover, and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
4. Assemble the Dish: If using baby spinach, spread it out on a serving platter. If using cooked pasta, place it on the platter instead. Arrange the cooked chicken cutlets on top of the spinach or pasta. Spoon the marinara sauce over each chicken cutlet. Tear the burrata cheese into pieces and distribute evenly over the chicken and sauce. Tear the fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the top.
5. Serve: Serve the Burrata Chicken Parmesan immediately, ensuring each portion includes chicken, sauce, burrata, and basil. Enjoy this delightful dish that brings together the best flavors in a festive presentation!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
– In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.
– Place the beaten eggs in a separate shallow dish.
– Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish.
– Dredge each chicken cutlet first in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
– Dip the floured cutlet into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
– Finally, coat the cutlet with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Cook the Chicken
– Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
– Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken cutlets to the skillet.
– Cook each cutlet for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
– Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Marinara Sauce
– In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
– Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
– Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the bay leaf.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.
– Stir the sauce, cover, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
– Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
– Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Assemble the Dish
– If using baby spinach, spread it out on a serving platter. If using cooked pasta, place it on the platter instead.
– Arrange the cooked chicken cutlets on top of the spinach or pasta.
– Spoon the marinara sauce over each chicken cutlet.
– Tear the burrata cheese into pieces and distribute evenly over the chicken and sauce.
– Tear the fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the top.
Serve
– Serve the Burrata Chicken Parmesan immediately, ensuring each portion includes chicken, sauce, burrata, and basil.
Notes
Chicken Preparation
– Pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and tenderness.
Cooking Method
– Ensure the oil is sufficiently heated before adding the cutlets to achieve a crispy coating.
Marinara Sauce
– Simmering enhances the flavors of the sauce; adjust seasoning to personal preference.
Serving Options
– Either baby spinach or cooked pasta can be served as a base; choose based on your preference or dietary needs.
Burrata Cheese
– Burrata adds creaminess; handle gently when tearing to maintain its texture.
Basil
– Fresh basil can enhance the flavor profile; add it just before serving to maintain its freshness.
Cook techniques
Coating Chicken Cutlets
To ensure a crispy texture, properly coat the chicken cutlets by dredging them first in seasoned flour, then in beaten eggs, and finally in panko breadcrumbs. Each layer helps create a delicious crunch.
Cooking Chicken
Fry the breaded chicken cutlets in olive oil over medium heat. This temperature allows for even cooking and prevents the exterior from burning before the inside is fully cooked. Aim for a golden brown color on both sides.
Making Marinara Sauce
Sauté minced garlic in olive oil to release its flavor, then add crushed tomatoes and a bay leaf. Let the mixture simmer, allowing flavors to meld and deepen. Remove the bay leaf before serving for a clean taste.
Assembling the Dish
Layer baby spinach or cooked pasta on a platter, top it with cooked chicken cutlets, and spoon marinara sauce over them. Finish with torn burrata for creaminess and fresh basil for added flavor.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used, but cooking times may vary slightly since they are usually thicker and can take longer to become tender.
What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs can be used in place of panko, though the texture may be less crunchy. You could also crush crackers or use crushed cornflakes for a similar effect.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with eggplant or a plant-based protein, and the burrata can be replaced with a vegan cheese alternative.
How can I make the marinara sauce spicier?
Add red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing or incorporate diced jalapeños to the sauce to increase the heat level.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can prepare the chicken cutlets and marinara sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat before assembly to maintain freshness.
Conclusion
The Burrata Chicken Parmesan offers a delightful combination of crispy chicken cutlets, rich marinara sauce, creamy burrata, and fresh basil, all served atop a bed of baby spinach or pasta. This dish is not only beautiful to present but also bursting with flavor, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Its versatility allows for simple adjustments based on your preference or what you have on hand, ensuring a satisfying dining experience every time.
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