Chicken Breast Cutlets with Cheese and Tomatoes

Welcome to a recipe that's a true star of Eastern European comfort food! Often called "Meat, French-style" (myaso po-frantsuzski), this dish of chicken breast cutlets with cheese and tomatoes is a beloved classic for family dinners and festive gatherings. Despite its name, it's a cherished local creation. Imagine tender, juicy chicken fillets, pounded thin and seared to perfection, then topped with a savory layer of sautéed mushrooms and onions, fresh tomatoes, and a generous blanket of melted, golden-brown cheese. It's simple, elegant, and packed with flavor—a perfect main course that's sure to win everyone over.

Cooking: 30 minutes
Quantity: 2 Servings
Per serving
Calories: 425 kcal
Proteins: 45 g
Fats: 22.5 g
Carbohydrates: 7.5 g

Ingredients for Chicken Breast Cutlets with Cheese and Tomatoes

  • 2 large chicken fillets
  • 1 onion
  • 100 g salted mushrooms (a type of preserved mushroom, can be substituted with fresh champignons or other canned mushrooms)
  • 50 g hard cheese
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 tomato
  • 30 ml dry white wine
  • 15 g butter
  • salt, olive oil, spices, fresh herbs

How to Make Chicken Breast Cutlets with Cheese and Tomatoes

First, cut two large fillets, about 1.5-2 centimeters (about 0.6-0.8 inches) thick, from the chicken breast. Gently pound the meat with a rolling pin, then season with salt and pepper.

Sear the pounded chicken breasts for 1 minute on each side in a hot skillet greased with olive oil.

Two chicken fillets being seared in a hot pan after being pounded.

Pound the chicken fillet and pan-sear it on both sides

Next, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the same skillet, then add the butter. Once the butter has melted, add one thinly sliced onion. Sprinkle the onion with salt and sauté until light brown. Finally, pour in the dry white wine and let it evaporate.

Sliced onions being sautéed in a pan until golden brown.

Sautéing the onion

Finely chop the canned salted mushrooms or fresh champignons and add them to the skillet. Cook the mushrooms with the onion over medium heat for 5 minutes.

Chopped mushrooms being added to the pan with sautéed onions.

Chop the mushrooms and fry them with the onion

While the mushrooms are cooking, grate the hard cheese on a fine grater. Press the garlic cloves through a garlic press and mix with the cheese.

A bowl of grated hard cheese mixed with minced garlic.

Mix the grated cheese and garlic

Take a small baking sheet or baking dish and grease it with olive or vegetable oil. Place the chicken breast cutlets on the baking sheet.

Divide the onion and mushroom mixture in half and spread an equal portion over each piece of meat.

Cooked mushroom and onion mixture being spread over seared chicken cutlets on a baking sheet.

Place the fried mushrooms and onions on the chicken cutlets

Slice the tomato into thin rounds and quickly sear them on both sides. Place two rounds of seared tomato on each chicken cutlet, then sprinkle everything with the cheese and garlic mixture.

Chicken cutlets topped with mushrooms, onions, tomato slices, and a generous layer of grated cheese.

Slice the tomatoes into rounds, fry them, and place them on the onion and mushroom mixture. Sprinkle with cheese and garlic

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and a golden-brown crust has formed.

A baking sheet with chicken cutlets baking in the oven, with the cheese melting and turning golden.

Bake the chicken breast cutlets for 6-7 minutes in the oven

Before serving, sprinkle the chicken breasts with fresh herbs and serve piping hot.

A close-up of a finished chicken cutlet 'French-style' with a golden cheese crust, tomatoes, and herbs.

Chicken breast cutlets 'French-style' with mushrooms, tomatoes, and cheese

And there you have it—a spectacular dish ready in under 30 minutes! These chicken cutlets are best served immediately, while the cheese is still gooey and the chicken is perfectly tender. They pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a simple green salad to balance the richness. Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or a sharp cheddar for a new twist. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful meal. It's more than just a recipe; it's a taste of warmth and celebration.