The Perfect Crispy Chicken Caprese Recipe: Fresh & Flavorful

Crispy chicken caprese sparks a delightful culinary adventure that merges classic Italian flavors with modern cooking techniques.

Fragrant basil leaves and melted mozzarella create a mouthwatering combination on perfectly golden chicken.

Every bite promises a symphony of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Fresh ingredients elevate this simple dish into something spectacular.

Mediterranean influences shine through in the harmonious blend of chicken, tomatoes, and herbs.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe offers a quick escape to Italian countryside kitchens.

You’ll fall in love with how effortlessly these ingredients come together to create magic on a plate.

Crispy Chicken Caprese FAQs You’ll Appreciate

• Why use a meat mallet to pound chicken?

Pounding chicken ensures even thickness, helps it cook uniformly, and tenderizes the meat, making it more flavorful and easier to eat.

• Can I use different types of breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can use panko, Italian-seasoned, or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Each will provide a slightly different texture and flavor to the crispy coating.

• What's the purpose of deglazing with white wine?

Deglazing helps release delicious browned bits stuck to the pan, adding rich, complex flavor to the tomato basil mixture and preventing any burnt residue.

Why Crispy Chicken Caprese Is A Flavor Bomb

• Breeze Through Breading: Master a simple three-station coating process that guarantees perfectly crispy chicken every single time, making you feel like a professional chef.
• Transform Weeknight Dinners: Elevate your regular meal routine with restaurant-quality flavors that impress family and guests without requiring complicated techniques.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adapt this recipe for various occasions from casual family suppers to elegant dinner parties, ensuring everyone from kids to food enthusiasts will love the vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Quick Flavor Explosion: Create a mouthwatering meal packed with fresh ingredients like blistered tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy burrata that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Grab These Ingredients For Crispy Chicken Caprese

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein that serves as the base of the crispy Caprese dish.
• Burrata: Soft, creamy cheese that adds rich and luxurious texture to the final presentation.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bright and sweet tomatoes that create a vibrant sauce for the chicken.

• Flour, Breadcrumbs: Dry ingredients that provide a crispy and golden exterior for the chicken.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps the breading adhere to the chicken surface.

• Olive Oil, White Wine, Balsamic Glaze: Liquid ingredients that add depth and complexity to the dish.
• Garlic, Basil Leaves, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Aromatic seasonings that provide layers of flavor.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Citrus elements that brighten and balance the overall taste profile.

Simple Steps To Make Crispy Chicken Caprese

Step 1: Flatten Chicken

Grab chicken breasts and place them between plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken until thin and even.

Generously season both sides with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Create Breading Setup

• First bowl: flour
• Second bowl: beaten eggs
• Third bowl: breadcrumbs

Step 3: Coat Chicken

Dip each chicken piece through the breading stations.

First, coat completely in flour, then dunk into eggs, finally roll in breadcrumbs. Press gently to help crumbs stick firmly.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden

Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high temperature. Carefully place chicken pieces into hot oil.

Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until they turn beautiful golden brown. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Create Tomato Sauce

Warm olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add cherry tomatoes and let them sizzle without moving for 2 minutes.

Stir and continue cooking for another 3 minutes.

Step 6: Build Flavor Base

Introduce minced garlic and kosher salt to the tomato mixture.

Cook for one minute until fragrant and aromatic.

Step 7: Enhance Sauce

Pour white wine into the skillet, scraping up delicious browned bits from bottom of pan.

Allow sauce to reduce by half. Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil leaves and bright lemon juice.

Step 8: Assemble Dish

Arrange crispy chicken cutlets on serving plate. Generously spoon tomato basil mixture over chicken.

Scatter torn burrata pieces across the top.

Step 9: Add Final Touches

Sprinkle fresh lemon zest over the dish.

Drizzle balsamic glaze for a stunning and delicious finish.

Tips For Golden, Juicy Crispy Chicken Caprese

• Pound chicken evenly for uniform cooking and tender texture, preventing dry spots during frying.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness, ensuring a golden, crunchy exterior that stays crisp even after adding sauce.
• Control oil temperature carefully between 325-350°F to achieve perfect golden-brown chicken without burning or undercooking.
• Select ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the sauce, allowing them to naturally caramelize and release maximum flavor during blistering.
• Choose fresh burrata at room temperature for the most creamy, luxurious topping that melts beautifully over warm chicken.

Delicious Variations For Crispy Chicken Caprese

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed herbes de Provence and add dried oregano for an aromatic Mediterranean-style coating.
• Spicy Jalapeño Caprese: Mix finely chopped jalapeños into breadcrumbs and add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat and kick.
• Parmesan Crusted Version: Blend grated parmesan cheese into breadcrumbs for a rich, nutty crust that adds depth and crunch to the chicken.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Substitute flour and traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour and gluten-free panko for a lighter, celiac-friendly option.

Pair It Right With Crispy Chicken Caprese

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, acidic Italian white like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino to complement the crispy chicken's richness and cut through the creamy burrata.
• Serve with Fresh Caprese Salad: Create a side salad using fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil leaves drizzled with olive oil to echo the dish's Caprese-inspired flavors.
• Match with Herbal Cocktail: Mix a basil-infused gin cocktail with lemon juice to mirror the recipe's bright, herbaceous notes and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Recommend Crusty Artisan Bread: Offer a slice of rustic Italian bread to soak up the flavorful tomato and wine reduction, providing a perfect textural contrast to the crispy chicken.

How To Store Crispy Chicken Caprese Without Losing Crunch

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crispiness.
• Freeze: Wrap individual chicken cutlets tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to restore crispiness. Heat for 10-12 minutes until warmed through and crisp.
• Skillet Reheat: Warm chicken in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. This method helps maintain the crispy exterior while heating the chicken evenly.

Crispy Chicken Caprese Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent crispy chicken caprese brings Italian summer flavors to your dinner table with golden chicken, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil. Juicy tomatoes and herbed seasonings create a perfect balance of crisp textures and rich Mediterranean-inspired tastes you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts (pounded thin)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 burrata (torn into pieces)
• 1 ½ cups fresh basil leaves (chiffonade cut)

Coating Ingredients:

• 3 eggs (whisked)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups Italian panko breadcrumbs

Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ cup dry white wine
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• Oil for shallow frying

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Instructions

1. Tenderize chicken breasts between plastic wrap, flattening to uniform thickness using a meat mallet. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Create three distinct breading zones: flour, whisked eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs in separate shallow containers.
3. Carefully coat each chicken piece first in flour, ensuring complete coverage. Dip into egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then thoroughly coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to create an even crust.
4. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet to 325°F. Carefully lower chicken cutlets into hot oil, frying 2-3 minutes per side until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. In a separate skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add cherry tomatoes, allowing them to develop a beautiful char without movement for 2 minutes. Gently stir and continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes.
6. Introduce minced garlic and kosher salt, sautéing until aromatic and fragrant, approximately one minute.
7. Deglaze the pan with white wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape accumulated browned bits. Reduce liquid by half within 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, incorporating fresh basil leaves and bright lemon juice.
8. Plate crispy chicken cutlets, generously top with vibrant tomato basil mixture, and strategically place torn burrata pieces across the surface.
9. Elevate the dish with a delicate sprinkle of lemon zest and an artistic drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sophisticated finish.

Notes

• Choose tender chicken breasts with even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and crispy coating.
• Pat chicken completely dry before breading to help breadcrumbs adhere better and create maximum crunchiness.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispy texture, which provides a lighter and more delicate crunch compared to traditional breadcrumbs.
• For gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain the recipe’s integrity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 160mg