Name: The Best Chicken Scallopini Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional); Lemon slices for garnish (optional)

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Why You’ll Love The Best Chicken Scallopini Recipe

This Chicken Scallopini recipe is everything you want in a comforting, yet refined dish. The chicken is incredibly tender thanks to the quick sautéing, and the lemon butter sauce adds a perfect balance of tanginess and richness. The dish is quick to make, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish, so it’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something special. Additionally, the ingredients are easy to find, making this recipe accessible without any complicated steps.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup capers (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken until it’s about 1/2 inch thick. This helps tenderize the meat and ensures it cooks evenly.
Coat the chicken: In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated on both sides.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it slightly reduces.
Finish the dish: Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in the sauce. If using capers, sprinkle them over the chicken at this point. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2 minutes.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken just before serving for a burst of color and flavor.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add vegetables: You can add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for more texture and flavor.
Use different proteins: While this recipe uses chicken breasts, you can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier alternative, or even use pork or veal for a variation.
Herb twist: Experiment with adding fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil to the sauce for an extra layer of aromatic flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover chicken scallopini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to keep the sauce moist. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through.

FAQs

How can I make Chicken Scallopini crispy?

For extra crispiness, double-coat the chicken by dipping it in the flour mixture, then in beaten egg, and back in the flour mixture before cooking. This will create a thicker, crunchier crust.

Can I make Chicken Scallopini without capers?

Yes, capers are optional. If you don’t like them, simply omit them or substitute with green olives or a touch of extra lemon zest for a similar tang.

What side dishes pair well with Chicken Scallopini?

Chicken Scallopini pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it over pasta or rice for a more filling meal.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative. They will add more flavor and remain juicier than chicken breasts. Just make sure they are cooked through and tender.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend for coating the chicken. Be sure to check the labels on your chicken broth as well.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

This recipe is best made fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and combine them when you’re ready to serve.

What other herbs can I use in the sauce?

In addition to parsley, you could try thyme, oregano, or basil. Fresh herbs are a great way to customize the flavor profile to your taste.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s perfectly cooked.

Can I freeze Chicken Scallopini?

While the chicken itself can be frozen, the sauce may not freeze well due to the butter. If you decide to freeze it, store the chicken and sauce separately, and reheat both once defrosted.

Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?

Yes! It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for serving a group of 4 or more. It’s also easy to double or triple the recipe if you’re feeding a larger crowd.

Conclusion

The Best Chicken Scallopini Recipe is a simple yet sophisticated dish that delivers big on flavor. With tender chicken, a tangy lemon butter sauce, and the option for customization, it’s a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a special dinner with friends, this recipe will surely become a go-to favorite in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy the delicious, bright flavors of this easy-to-make dish!

The Best Chicken Scallopini Recipe

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This easy Chicken Scallopini recipe features tender, breaded chicken cutlets served in a delicious lemon-butter sauce with fresh herbs. It’s a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. Enjoy this restaurant-quality meal at home!

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-fried
Cuisine: Italian-American

Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch thick). Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Dredging: Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, place the breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken breast into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter and white wine (or chicken broth), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the lemon juice and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Finish the Dish: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon some of the sauce over it, and cook for another minute or so to warm the chicken through. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.

Notes

If you prefer, you can substitute chicken broth for white wine for a milder flavor.
For an extra creamy version, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the sauce.
The dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.