Chicken Scallopini

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is fast, flavorful, and feels restaurant-quality with minimal effort. The chicken cooks quickly, staying tender and juicy, while the sauce adds a perfect balance of richness and acidity. It’s versatile, pairs well with pasta or vegetables, and is ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

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

  • Chicken breasts, thinly sliced or pounded
  • Flour (for dredging)
  • Olive oil
  • Butter
  • Garlic, minced
  • Lemon juice
  • Chicken broth
  • White wine (optional)
  • Capers (optional)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. Cook the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, add garlic and sauté briefly.
  5. Pour in lemon juice, chicken broth, and white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits.
  6. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until slightly reduced.
  7. Stir in capers if using.
  8. Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over it.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Creamy version: Add a splash of cream to the sauce.
  • No wine: Substitute with extra broth.
  • Herb boost: Add thyme or oregano.
  • Extra tangy: Increase lemon juice or add lemon slices.
  • Different protein: Try with turkey or veal.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep the chicken moist.

FAQs

What does scallopini mean?

It refers to thinly sliced meat that is quickly cooked.

How do I get thin chicken cutlets?

Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness.

Can I skip the flour?

Yes, but it helps create a light crust and thickens the sauce slightly.

What can I serve with this?

Pasta, rice, or vegetables pair well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best served fresh.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour to make it gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, mushrooms or spinach work well.

What wine should I use?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works best.

How do I keep the chicken tender?

Avoid overcooking and use thin cuts.

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s not ideal, as the sauce texture may change.

Conclusion

Chicken Scallopini is a quick, elegant dish that combines tender chicken with a bright, flavorful sauce. Easy to prepare and full of classic Italian flavor, it’s a perfect go-to recipe for any occasion.

Print

Chicken Scallopini

Chicken Scallopini

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Chicken Scallopini is a quick and elegant dish featuring thin, tender chicken cutlets sautéed and served in a bright lemon butter sauce. It’s light, flavorful, and perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan Fry
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts, thinly sliced or pounded
  • Flour (for dredging)
  • Olive oil
  • Butter
  • Garlic, minced
  • Lemon juice
  • Chicken broth
  • White wine (optional)
  • Capers (optional)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge in flour and shake off excess.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. Cook the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, sauté garlic briefly until fragrant.
  5. Add lemon juice, chicken broth, and white wine if using, scraping up browned bits.
  6. Simmer the sauce for a few minutes until slightly reduced.
  7. Stir in capers if using.
  8. Return the chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over it.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Add a splash of cream for a richer version.
  • Substitute wine with extra broth if preferred.
  • Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of broth to keep the chicken moist.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 360 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments