If you’re searching for a delightful, flavorful dish that feels both elegant and comforting, you’ve got to try this Chicken Scallopini Recipe. It’s one of those meals that looks impressive but comes together quickly using simple ingredients. The tender, thin chicken breasts get that perfect golden crust, then swim in a tangy, buttery lemon and caper sauce that truly wakes up your taste buds. Every bite is a celebration of classic Italian-American flavors, making it a personal favorite that’s sure to become one of yours too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Scallopini Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the crisp coating on the chicken to the vibrant sauce, every item enhances the dish in its own delicious way.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin: Thinning the chicken ensures quick, even cooking and a tender bite.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Creates a light coating for that golden crust that seals in juices.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings out the natural flavors in the chicken and sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right touch of subtle heat and depth.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a rich, fruity base for frying the chicken to perfection.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds luscious creaminess and richness to the dish.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine: Introduces a crisp acidity that brightens the sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Builds a savory background, keeping the sauce flavorful yet balanced.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Infuses a fresh, zesty kick that lifts the entire dish.
- 1/4 cup capers: Offers bursts of briny tang that pair perfectly with the lemon and butter.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes just before serving.
- Optional lemon slices for garnish: Beautify the plate and add a little extra zing.
How to Make Chicken Scallopini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Pound the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Gently pound them to about a quarter-inch thickness. This step is crucial for ensuring your chicken cooks evenly and stays tender. It also helps the coating stick better, giving you that wonderful, crispy exterior everyone loves.
Step 2: Season and Dredge the Chicken
Next, in a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour with salt and black pepper. Dredge each pounded chicken breast in the seasoned flour, then gently shake off any excess. This creates the base for that signature golden crust that seals in all the juicy goodness.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts and starts to foam. Add the chicken breasts carefully, cooking for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until each piece turns a lovely golden brown and is cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a warm plate – don’t rush this step as keeping it warm helps the flavors meld later.
Step 4: Build the Flavorful Sauce
Lower the heat to medium, then pour the dry white wine into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits stuck to the pan – these little morsels pack a ton of flavor! Let the wine simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to allow some of the alcohol to cook off and the liquid to reduce slightly.
Step 5: Add Broth, Lemon, and Capers
Pour in the chicken broth along with the fresh lemon juice and capers. Let the sauce cook for another 3 to 4 minutes so it thickens just a bit. This combination delivers a bright, savory punch that complements the crispy chicken perfectly.
Step 6: Return Chicken to Pan and Finish
Put the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over them generously. Let everything simmer together for about 2 more minutes so the chicken absorbs those bold flavors. Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices if you like for an extra fresh look and taste.
How to Serve Chicken Scallopini Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh parsley and thin lemon slices not only make your dish visually stunning but also add bright herbal and citrus notes that enhance the overall flavor. Don’t skip this step because the colors and fresh taste really elevate the experience.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Scallopini Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery pasta provide a comforting base, while sautéed green vegetables add a fresh crunch. Consider something light like steamed asparagus or a crisp arugula salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner party, arrange the chicken scallopini on a platter, pool the sauce around the edges, and scatter capers on top. You can also plate each portion individually with a drizzle of sauce, a sprig of parsley, and a lemon wedge on the side. It creates an inviting, restaurant-quality presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken scallopini will keep well for up to three days, making it perfect for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save portions for future enjoyment. Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw thoroughly in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of chicken broth or a small knob of butter can help refresh the sauce and keep the chicken moist. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause uneven heating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Chicken Scallopini Recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and will add extra juiciness. Just make sure to pound them evenly to a similar thickness to ensure even cooking time.
What can I substitute for white wine if I prefer not to use alcohol?
No problem—simply replace the white wine with an equal amount of additional chicken broth. This will still give you a flavorful sauce without the wine’s acidity.
Is it okay to add cream to the sauce?
Yes! Stirring in a tablespoon of heavy cream or an extra pat of butter at the end creates a richer, silkier sauce that some find absolutely irresistible.
How long does it take to make this Chicken Scallopini Recipe from start to finish?
The entire process should take around 35 minutes, including preparation and cooking, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal.
Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?
You can certainly pound and flour the chicken breasts a few hours ahead and refrigerate them until ready to cook, which helps streamline the cooking process later on.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Scallopini Recipe is such a treasure—simple ingredients come together to create a dish that feels truly special without any fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, it strikes that perfect balance between bright, tangy, and comforting. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to chicken dinners!
Print
Chicken Scallopini Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low-Carb
Description
This classic Italian-American Chicken Scallopini features tender, thinly pounded chicken breasts sautéed to golden perfection and served with a flavorful lemon, white wine, and caper sauce. It’s a simple yet elegant dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, pairing beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Sauce
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup capers
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to about 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin to ensure even cooking.
- Coat the chicken: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess to prevent clumping.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm on a plate.
- Deglaze the pan: Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the white wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Make the sauce: Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers to the skillet. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and thicken.
- Finish the dish: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Simmer for 2 more minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with the chopped fresh parsley and optional lemon slices before serving. Enjoy with your choice of pasta, mashed potatoes, or sautéed vegetables.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or a pat of butter at the end of the sauce preparation.
- Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
- If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with additional chicken broth without compromising flavor.
