The Best Chicken Scallopini Recipe

If you have been searching for a dish that combines elegance, simplicity, and incredible flavor, then look no further than The Best Chicken Scallopini Recipe. This delightful Italian-inspired meal features tender, thinly pounded chicken breasts sautéed to golden perfection and bathed in a lemony, garlicky sauce that will make your taste buds sing. It’s a perfect balance of rich and bright flavors that comes together quickly, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Every bite offers a burst of freshness with the zesty lemon and capers, while the buttery sauce ties it all together beautifully. Trust me, once you try The Best Chicken Scallopini Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering straightforward, quality ingredients is key to bringing out the best in this recipe. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s providing a crispy coating, a vibrant tang, or that comforting butteriness that coats every morsel.

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced and pounded thin: This ensures quick cooking and a tender texture perfect for soaking up the sauce.
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Basic seasoning that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken without overshadowing the sauce.
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour: Helps create a slight crust on the chicken when sautéed, adding a nice contrast to the sauce’s silkiness.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil: For a light, fruity sauté that kicks off the cooking process with a delightful aroma.
  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided: Adds richness and smoothness, especially when finishing the sauce.
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced: Gives a fragrant, savory base that complements the lemon perfectly.
  • ½ cup white wine (or chicken broth): De-glazes the pan, lifting the flavorful browned bits off the bottom and adding depth to the sauce.
  • 1 cup chicken broth: Creates a luscious base for the sauce, keeping it light yet hearty.
  • Juice of 1 lemon: Infuses the dish with bright, zesty notes that balance richness beautifully.
  • 1 tablespoon capers (optional): Brings a briny, salty punch that elevates the flavor profile.
  • Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma to finish the dish elegantly.

How to Make The Best Chicken Scallopini Recipe

Step 1: Pound and Season the Chicken

Start by slicing each chicken breast into manageable pieces and pounding them until they’re about a quarter-inch thick. This step is crucial because it helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly, giving you tender results every time. Once flattened, sprinkle salt and pepper generously on both sides, then dredge the pieces in flour to prepare them for that perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and half the butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until each piece turns a beautiful golden brown and is cooked through, usually about 3 to 4 minutes per side. This combination of oil and butter not only helps with browning but also adds a rich flavor layer. Once done, set the chicken aside on a warm plate while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Base

Using the same pan means you get to harness all the delicious browned bits left behind by the chicken. Add the minced garlic and sauté it quickly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up those flavorful bits, and let it reduce by half. This creates a concentrated flavor and removes any raw wine taste.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Lemon

Next, stir in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. These ingredients combine to form a tangy, flavorful base that brightens the dish. Allow the sauce to simmer gently so it reduces slightly and thickens, which will help it cling beautifully to the chicken.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Return the Chicken

Stir in the remaining butter and capers, which add bursts of saltiness. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for a couple more minutes so the chicken absorbs that luscious sauce. This final step ensures every bite is moist, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.

How to Serve The Best Chicken Scallopini Recipe

The Best Chicken Scallopini Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only adds a beautiful green contrast but also provides a fresh, herby note that cuts through the richness of the buttery sauce. For an extra touch of finesse, feel free to scatter a few extra capers on top, if you love that briny kick.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Classic options include creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the sauce perfectly, or a light arugula salad drizzled with balsamic for a peppery freshness. For something more substantial, roasted asparagus or buttered green beans offer a colorful, crisp balance that complements the tender chicken splendidly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more refined presentation, plate each chicken breast with a drizzle of sauce artistically pooled around it. Try garnishing with thin lemon slices or zest for an elevated look and a hint of extra citrus aroma. Serving on a bed of fluffy risotto or vibrant polenta can also make The Best Chicken Scallopini Recipe a centerpiece worth celebrating at any dinner table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover chicken scallopini in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will maintain its flavor and texture for up to three days, making it a great option for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep leftovers longer, consider freezing the chicken without the sauce for best texture results. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Properly stored, the chicken can last up to two months in the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, spooning reserved sauce over the top to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may dry out the delicate chicken slices and affect the sauce’s texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs adds a bit more richness and juiciness, though they will require slightly longer cooking times and may need to be pounded carefully to an even thickness.

What can I substitute for white wine in the sauce?

If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth works perfectly well as a substitute. It maintains the sauce’s flavor depth without adding alcohol, keeping it family-friendly and just as delicious.

Are capers necessary in this recipe?

Capers are optional but highly recommended. They bring a bright, salty punch that complements the lemon and butter beautifully, enhancing the overall flavor complexity of the dish.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or almond flour. These will still give you that light coating on the chicken, maintaining the intended texture.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is cooked through when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the meat is no longer pink in the center. Cooking thinly pounded slices usually takes just 3 to 4 minutes per side, but using a meat thermometer provides peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about The Best Chicken Scallopini Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. Its combination of tender chicken, tangy lemon, and rich buttery sauce is simply unbeatable. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself to a delicious dinner, this recipe delivers on flavor, elegance, and ease. So don’t wait—grab those ingredients and give this classic dish a try. Your taste buds will thank you!

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The Best Chicken Scallopini Recipe

The Best Chicken Scallopini Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 60 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

This Chicken Scallopini recipe is a classic Italian dish featuring thinly pounded chicken breasts sautéed to golden perfection and served in a tangy lemon and white wine sauce with capers. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an elegant, flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced and pounded thin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon capers (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pound and season the chicken: Flatten each chicken breast to an even thin thickness using a meat mallet. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the floured chicken breasts and sauté until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Deglaze the pan by pouring in the white wine (or chicken broth if preferred), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the chicken broth and lemon juice, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to reduce slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Finish the sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the capers (if using) until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately. Pair with your favorite sides such as pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
  • If you prefer a non-alcoholic sauce, replace white wine with additional chicken broth.
  • Ensure chicken breasts are evenly pounded to guarantee quick and even cooking.
  • Capers add a briny tang but are optional if you prefer a milder sauce.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.

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