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
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic and sauté briefly.
- Pour in lemon juice, chicken broth, and white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits.
- Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until slightly reduced.
- Stir in capers if using.
- Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over it.
- 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.
PrintChicken Scallopini
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.
- 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
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge in flour and shake off excess.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic briefly until fragrant.
- Add lemon juice, chicken broth, and white wine if using, scraping up browned bits.
- Simmer the sauce for a few minutes until slightly reduced.
- Stir in capers if using.
- Return the chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over it.
- 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