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
Scale
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.
