Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Burst Cherry Tomatoes and Herbed Farro — A Flavorful One-Skillet Dinner

JUMP TO RECIPE

When you’re craving a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing, this recipe for crispy chicken cutlets paired with burst cherry tomatoes and herbed farro will quickly become your new favorite. It’s a dish that balances textures and flavors perfectly — from the golden, crunchy chicken to the juicy, sweet tomatoes and the earthy, aromatic farro. Best of all, it’s cooked almost entirely in one skillet, meaning less mess and more time to enjoy your delicious dinner.

Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or entertaining guests with something a little special but not complicated, this recipe fits the bill. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to master this dish — from choosing your ingredients to perfecting your cooking technique. By the end, you’ll feel confident recreating this flavorful feast anytime you want.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

---

Why This Recipe Works: Flavor, Texture, and Simplicity

Before you dive into the steps, it’s worth understanding what makes this recipe so appealing — and why it’s a winner in your kitchen.

• The Texture Contrast: Crispy chicken cutlets are always a crowd-pleaser, but pairing them with burst cherry tomatoes adds a juicy surprise with every bite. The tomatoes soften and release their juices while cooking, creating a natural sauce that complements the chicken beautifully.
• Nutty, Herbed Farro: Farro is a whole grain that’s not only hearty and filling but also lends a satisfying chewiness. Infused with fresh herbs, it carries the flavors of the pan perfectly and adds a nutritious touch packed with fiber and protein.
• One-Skillet Cooking: You’re going to love how everything comes together in one skillet (plus one pot for cooking the farro). This technique layers flavors and reduces the cleanup — perfect for busy weeknights.
• Balanced Nutrition: This meal offers lean protein from the chicken, antioxidants and vitamins from the tomatoes and herbs, and slow-digesting carbohydrates from the farro. It’s filling without feeling heavy.

Understanding these aspects will help you appreciate each step as you prepare this dish and encourage you to experiment with it in your own way.

---

Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Burst Cherry Tomatoes and Herbed Farro

Before you start, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand. Using fresh herbs and quality produce will elevate the flavors and make your dish shine.

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Farro	1 cup, rinsed	Base grain, hearty texture
Kosher salt	To taste	Seasoning
Fresh parsley	2 sprigs (for cooking) + 1 tbsp chopped (garnish)	Flavor enhancer
Olive oil	1/4 cup	Cooking tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes	1 pound	Juicy burst of sweetness
Chicken cutlets	4 cutlets (~1.5 lbs total)	Main protein
All-purpose flour	3/4 cup	For dredging chicken
Eggs	2, beaten	Binding for dredging
Butter	8 tbsp (divided)	Cooking and sauce richness
Garlic	2 cloves, minced	Aromatic for sauce
Honey	1 tbsp	Adds sweetness to sauce
Lemon juice	Juice of 1 lemon	Bright acidity
Fresh oregano	2 sprigs	Herbaceous flavor
Fresh basil leaves	6 leaves, torn	Garnish

---

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Burst Cherry Tomatoes and Herbed Farro

1. Cook the Farro

Start by bringing about 2 quarts of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add a generous pinch of kosher salt and two sprigs of fresh parsley — this infuses subtle herbal notes into the farro while it cooks. Stir in the rinsed farro and let it simmer for around 25 minutes, or until tender but still slightly chewy. When it’s done, drain the farro and set it aside, reserving the saucepan for browning butter later.

Why farro?
Farro is an ancient grain known for its nutty flavor and chewy texture. It’s packed with nutrients like fiber, protein, and magnesium, which helps keep you full and energized after your meal.

---

2. Prepare the Burst Cherry Tomatoes

While the farro cooks, place a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add 1/4 cup of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add your cherry tomatoes along with a pinch of kosher salt. Cook them undisturbed for about 6 minutes until they start to burst. Then reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for another 6 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until the tomatoes become soft and release their juices. This creates a natural, flavorful sauce.

Remove the tomatoes from the skillet and set them aside. The cooking juices will be absorbed later, giving the whole dish a lovely sweetness and depth.

---

3. Prep and Cook the Chicken Cutlets

Next, take your chicken cutlets out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature for even cooking. Meanwhile, prepare two shallow bowls: one with the flour seasoned lightly with salt, and the other with the beaten eggs.

To achieve that perfect crispy coating, you’ll dredge each chicken cutlet first in flour, then dip into the eggs, and finally back into the flour once more. This double dredge locks in moisture and creates a golden, crunchy crust.

Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and hot, place the chicken cutlets into the pan. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until they develop a beautiful golden color and are cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.

---

4. Make the Garlic Lemon Sauce with Herbed Farro

In the same skillet, add 2 more tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic, a tablespoon of honey, and the juice of one lemon. Toss in two sprigs of fresh oregano and allow the mixture to simmer gently for about one minute. The honey balances the acidity of the lemon while the oregano adds a fragrant herbaceous note.

Next, add the cooked farro to the skillet and toast it in this luscious sauce for about two minutes. Stir occasionally to coat every grain. Season with kosher salt to taste.

---

5. Prepare the Brown Butter Herb Drizzle

Return to your reserved saucepan and melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Swirl the pan frequently to encourage even browning. You’re looking for a nutty aroma and a golden-brown color — be careful not to burn the butter.

Once browned, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley. This brown butter herb sauce will add richness and a beautiful fresh finish when drizzled over the plated dish.

---

6. Combine and Serve

Finally, return the chicken cutlets and burst cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the herbed farro. Gently toss everything together and heat through for 1 to 2 minutes to meld the flavors.

Serve this vibrant, satisfying meal warm with a generous drizzle of the herbed brown butter. Finish by garnishing with torn fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of fragrance and color.

---

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crispy Chicken Cutlets and Burst Tomatoes

• Bring the chicken to room temperature: This ensures even cooking and juicier meat.
• Double dredging is key: The flour-egg-flour method creates a thick, crunchy crust that holds up to the saucy tomatoes and farro.
• Use a cast iron skillet: Its even heat retention helps achieve a perfect sear and cooks everything evenly.
• Handle tomatoes gently: Stir often but carefully to keep some tomatoes intact while releasing their juices for the sauce.
• Brown butter slowly: Keep your eye on the butter to avoid burning; browned butter adds a complex, nutty flavor that elevates the whole dish.

---

Nutritional Information and Serving Suggestions

This recipe serves four and packs about 610 calories per serving. It’s balanced with lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the olive oil and butter, and fiber-rich whole grains and vegetables.

You can round out the meal with a simple green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables. It’s equally excellent as leftovers and reheats beautifully for next-day lunches.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I substitute farro with another grain?

Absolutely! Barley, quinoa, or even brown rice can work as substitutes. Each will bring a slightly different texture but maintain the wholesome grain element.

How do I store leftovers?

Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet to keep the chicken crispy and prevent the farro from drying out.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for dredging the chicken. Be mindful of any cross-contamination if you have severe gluten intolerance.

What’s the best way to keep chicken cutlets crispy after cooking?

After cooking, place the chicken on a wire rack instead of a plate. This prevents steam from making the crust soggy. When reheating, a quick sear in a hot skillet or a few minutes in a hot oven will restore crispiness.

---

Conclusion: Your Next Favorite One-Skillet Meal Awaits

You’ve just discovered a dinner recipe that’s equal parts flavorful, comforting, and nourishing — all while being surprisingly easy to prepare. Crispy chicken cutlets with burst cherry tomatoes and herbed farro offer a satisfying texture contrast and a beautiful medley of fresh, vibrant flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

So, why wait? Gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and give this recipe a try. You can customize it with your favorite herbs or pair it with sides you love, making it your own signature dish.

Once you’ve mastered this recipe, don’t forget to share your experience and any personal twists in the comments below. Your kitchen adventure starts here — and it tastes incredible.

Print