Burrata chicken brings together the creamy richness of burrata cheese with tender, juicy chicken for a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
We love how the burrata melts beautifully over the chicken, creating a luscious sauce that elevates every bite. With just a few fresh ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right at home.
Whether you’re a cheese lover or looking to impress guests, this burrata chicken recipe delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures. Let’s dive into making this delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to become a favorite in our kitchen.
Ingredients
To craft our Burrata Chicken Recipe, we use simple yet flavorful ingredients that perfectly balance richness and freshness. Let’s break down what you’ll need for each component of this dish.
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for searing
For the Burrata Topping
- 2 balls of fresh burrata cheese (about 8 ounces total)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to enhance creaminess and flavor
For the Sauce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh basil sprigs for aroma and color
- Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
- Lemon zest to brighten the dish
| Ingredient Group | Key Items | Quantity/Details |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | Chicken breasts, Italian herbs | 4 breasts, 2 tsp seasoning |
| Burrata Topping | Burrata cheese, olive oil | 8 oz cheese, 1 tbsp oil |
| Sauce | Tomatoes, garlic, wine, basil | 1 cup tomatoes, 3 cloves garlic |
| Garnishes (optional) | Basil, red pepper flakes, zest | To taste |
By assembling these carefully chosen ingredients, we guarantee an irresistible burrata chicken that melts in your mouth and pleases every palate.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Burrata Chicken recipe with precision and ease, assembling the right equipment is essential. Each tool plays a vital role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor of the dish.
Essential Cooking Equipment
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan
A heavy-bottomed skillet ensures even heat distribution so our chicken cooks uniformly. We prefer one with at least a 10-inch diameter to allow space for all ingredients without overcrowding.
- Cutting Board
A sturdy cutting board provides a clean surface for slicing chicken breasts and dicing garlic and cherry tomatoes.
- Chef’s Knife
A sharp, well-balanced chef’s knife helps us slice the chicken evenly — vital for consistent cooking times and flattering presentation.
- Measuring Spoons
Precision with seasoning like Italian herbs and garlic powder requires accurate measuring spoons to bring out balanced flavors.
Additional Tools for Perfect Presentation
- Tongs
Using tongs instead of a fork maintains the chicken’s juiciness as we flip or move pieces in the pan.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
For gently stirring cherry tomatoes and garlic without bruising or breaking them apart.
- Serving Platter
A wide serving platter or plate allows us to artfully arrange the finished burrata chicken and garnish.
Equipment Checklist Table
| Equipment | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Large Skillet | Even cooking of chicken and vegetables | 10-inch diameter recommended |
| Cutting Board | Safe surface for prepping ingredients | Preferably wood or plastic |
| Chef’s Knife | Slicing chicken and mincing garlic | Sharp and well-balanced |
| Measuring Spoons | Measuring herbs and spices accurately | Metric or standard units |
| Tongs | Handling chicken without piercing | Heat resistant preferred |
| Wooden Spoon/Spatula | Stirring without damaging ingredients | Silicone recommended |
| Serving Platter | Presentation of final dish | Large and attractive |
Equipping ourselves with these precise tools ensures our burrata chicken cooks beautifully every time, highlighting the creamy cheese and tender chicken with ease.
Prep Work
Proper preparation sets the foundation for the Burrata Chicken recipe. Let’s organize our ingredients and steps to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Preparing the Chicken
- Start with 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure even browning.
- Use a sharp knife to butterfly the breasts or slice horizontally to create even thickness, about 1/2 inch. This helps the chicken cook uniformly and stay tender.
- Season both sides generously with:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Let the seasoned chicken rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking. This allows flavors to penetrate.
| Seasoning | Amount |
|---|---|
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
Preparing the Burrata
- Remove the burrata cheese from the refrigerator just before starting the chicken, so it reaches room temperature, enhancing its creaminess.
- Gently unwrap the burrata from its packaging, being careful to keep the outer mozzarella shell intact, as the creamy center is the highlight of the dish.
- Set the burrata on a plate or bowl for easy access during plating.
- If desired, drain excess liquid from the burrata to avoid watering down the sauce or dish.
- Optionally, prepare any garnishes such as fresh basil leaves or lemon zest to pair with the burrata for final presentation.
Directions
Let’s bring together the flavors and textures step-by-step to perfectly prepare our Burrata Chicken. Follow each stage carefully for the creamy, savory results we’re aiming for.
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Place the seasoned boneless skinless chicken breasts into the skillet without crowding.
- Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on one side until golden brown and release easily from the pan.
- Flip the chicken breasts using tongs, then reduce the heat to medium.
- Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest on a plate tented with foil.
| Step | Time | Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sear first side | 5-6 minutes | Medium-high | Golden brown color |
| Cook second side | 5-7 minutes | Medium | Covered, until fully cooked |
| Rest chicken | 5 minutes | Room temp | Retains juiciness |
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add minced garlic (2 cloves) and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Toss in halved cherry tomatoes (about 1 cup) and sauté until they soften and start releasing juices, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth (¼ cup) to deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
- Let the sauce simmer gently until slightly thickened, around 2 minutes.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian herbs to taste.
- Optionally stir in fresh chopped basil leaves for a burst of herbal freshness.
Assembling the Burrata Chicken
- Return the rested chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- Tear the burrata cheese gently and place generous portions on top of each chicken breast.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit over low heat for 2-3 minutes to allow the burrata to soften and slightly melt.
- Remove the lid and sprinkle fresh lemon zest and additional basil leaves over the top for vibrant contrast.
- Serve immediately with the rich sauce spooned generously over the chicken and burrata.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate our Burrata Chicken into a complete meal, pairing it with complementary sides enhances both flavor and presentation. Here are our tried-and-true serving ideas to impress any guest or satisfy a simple family dinner.
Classic Side Pairings
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini balances the creamy richness of the burrata topping.
- Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes: The subtle garlic and cheese notes amplify the Italian flavors in our dish.
- Herb-Infused Rice Pilaf: Light and fluffy rice seasoned with parsley and thyme provides an earthy base.
Fresh & Light Options
- Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: A peppery arugula salad dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing zest.
- Grilled Peach Halves: Lightly grilled peaches bring a sweet contrast that complements the savory chicken and creamy burrata.
Bread and Pasta Accompaniments
- Crusty Baguette or Ciabatta: Perfect for soaking up the garlic-tomato sauce and melted cheese.
- Simple Angel Hair Pasta: Tossed with olive oil, fresh basil, and a pinch of chili flakes, pasta acts as a neutral balance to the dish’s richness.
Serving Temperature and Presentation Tips
- Serve Burrata Chicken immediately to enjoy the burrata at its melty, creamy best.
- Garnish each plate with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a twist of lemon zest for vibrant color and brightness.
- Arrange sides neatly beside or slightly beneath the chicken for visual appeal and easy combining of flavors on the fork.
Serving Suggestions Summary
| Component | Description | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Roasted Vegetables | Asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini | Adds texture and a fresh, natural sweetness |
| Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes | Creamy potatoes with a subtle garlic-cheese flavor | Enhances the Italian flavor profile |
| Arugula Salad | Peppery greens with lemon vinaigrette | Balances richness, refreshing palate cleanser |
| Crusty Bread | Baguette or ciabatta | Ideal for dipping and capturing sauces |
| Angel Hair Pasta | Light pasta with olive oil and herbs | Neutral base, complements creamy chicken |
“Serving suggestions make our Burrata Chicken Recipe not just a dish but a memorable dining experience.“
By selecting these sides we maximize the harmony of flavors and textures ensuring every bite is as satisfying as the last.
Make-Ahead Tips
To save time and maintain the delicious quality of our Burrata Chicken recipe, we recommend the following make-ahead strategies:
Prepare and Season the Chicken in Advance
We can season the chicken breasts with Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper up to 24 hours ahead. Place the seasoned chicken in an airtight container or a zip-top bag and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply for a more flavorful bite.
- Tip: Bring the chicken to room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking for even searing.
Pre-Chop Vegetables
Chop the garlic and halve the cherry tomatoes the day before or a few hours prior. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh and ready to add when cooking.
Burrata Handling
Do NOT unwrap or prepare the burrata more than 1 hour before serving. Burrata tastes best at room temperature right before use, so leave it wrapped in its original packaging in the refrigerator until close to cooking time.
Sauce and Garnishes
If we want to get even more ahead:
- Make the garlic-tomato sauce base up to 12 hours in advance and refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat gently before incorporating the chicken.
- Prepare garnishes such as fresh basil leaves and lemon zest early but keep basil loosely wrapped in a damp paper towel in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Storing and Reheating Cooked Burrata Chicken
If we prepare the entire dish ahead:
| Step | Method | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Store cooked chicken & sauce | Cool completely and refrigerate in airtight containers separately | Up to 48 hours |
| Reheating | Warm chicken and sauce gently in a skillet over low heat, then add burrata fresh | Until burrata melts |
Avoid reheating burrata cheese to maintain its creamy texture. Add it only at serving for the best melt and flavor.
“Planning ahead with these tips lets us enjoy a quick, effortless dinner without sacrificing the fresh and rich qualities of our burrata chicken.”
By following these Make-Ahead Tips we maximize convenience while ensuring our dish remains as luscious and flavorful as freshly made.
Conclusion
Burrata chicken is a dish that brings together simplicity and sophistication in every bite. With just a few quality ingredients and straightforward steps, we can create a meal that feels special without the fuss. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe delivers creamy, flavorful satisfaction.
By following the tips and techniques we’ve shared, you’ll enjoy a perfectly cooked chicken topped with luscious burrata that melts beautifully. Pair it with your favorite sides and garnishes to make every meal memorable. This recipe is sure to become a staple in our kitchen, offering both comfort and elegance whenever we crave it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is burrata chicken?
Burrata chicken is a dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts topped with creamy burrata cheese, cooked with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and herbs for a rich, flavorful meal.
What ingredients do I need to make burrata chicken?
You’ll need boneless skinless chicken breasts, burrata cheese, cherry tomatoes, garlic, Italian herbs, olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional garnishes like fresh basil and lemon zest.
How do I prepare the chicken for burrata chicken?
Pat the chicken dry, butterfly or slice for even cooking, then season with Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking.
When should I add the burrata cheese?
Add torn burrata cheese on top of the chicken in the skillet after cooking and simmering the sauce. Let it melt slightly before serving for creamy texture.
What sides go well with burrata chicken?
Serve with roasted vegetables, garlic parmesan mashed potatoes, herb rice pilaf, arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, grilled peaches, crusty bread, or angel hair pasta.
Can I prepare burrata chicken in advance?
Yes. Season the chicken up to 24 hours ahead, prep vegetables beforehand, but don’t unwrap burrata until just before serving to keep its freshness and creaminess.
What cookware do I need for this recipe?
You need a large skillet for cooking, a sharp chef’s knife for slicing, a sturdy cutting board, measuring spoons, tongs, and a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring.
How do I store and reheat burrata chicken?
Store cooked chicken separately in the fridge and reheat gently. Add fresh burrata cheese only when serving to maintain its creamy texture. Avoid reheating cheese directly.
Can I make burrata chicken for a special occasion?
Definitely. It’s an elegant, restaurant-quality dish that’s simple to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.