If you’ve ever craved a dish that feels both elegant and comforting, this Chicken Scallopini Recipe is an absolute must-try. Tender chicken breasts are quickly pan-seared to a golden perfection and then bathed in a bright, tangy lemon-caper sauce that lifts every bite with vibrant flavor. With just a handful of simple ingredients and about 20 minutes, you can bring a restaurant-worthy meal to your table that never fails to impress. This Chicken Scallopini Recipe combines ease and sophistication effortlessly, making it the perfect go-to for busy weeknights or special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is your first step toward creating a delicious Chicken Scallopini Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from bringing rich savoriness and a silky sauce to adding the perfect hint of citrus zing.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that cooks up tender and juicy when treated gently.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Used for a light dredge to create a subtle crust and help thicken the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a smooth, fruity base for sautéing the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce and helps brown the chicken evenly.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: The liquid base that softens browned bits to build a flavorful sauce.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Offers bright acidity that beautifully balances the richness of butter and chicken.
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed: These little bursts of briny tang elevate the sauce to another level.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbal finish and a pop of color.
How to Make Chicken Scallopini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry and seasoning them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Then, lightly dredge each breast in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any extra. This coating will help you achieve that irresistible golden crust and also give your sauce some body later on.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the chicken breasts and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes per side, allowing a beautifully browned crust to form. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest — this keeps the meat juicy.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
With the skillet still warm, pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the pan — they’re where so much flavor lives. Then, stir in the capers and let the sauce simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes to let it thicken just a bit and meld all the zesty, buttery notes together.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them gently into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top and cook everything together for another minute or so, just until the chicken is warmed through and the flavors marry. Now you’re ready to plate and bring this vibrant dish to the table.
How to Serve Chicken Scallopini Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Chicken Scallopini Recipe look as delightful as it tastes, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top just before serving. The green freshness not only adds a pop of color but brightens every forkful with subtle herbal notes.
Side Dishes
This bright and flavorful dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up the luscious lemon-caper sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes, garlic-infused roasted vegetables, or a light pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs all complement the scallopini perfectly without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, slice the chicken breasts thinly and fan them out on the plate with the sauce drizzled artistically on top and around. Alternatively, serve the scallopini atop a bed of sautéed spinach or a bed of buttery risotto to turn this straightforward meal into a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Chicken Scallopini Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the chicken and sauce together so the meat stays moist and flavorful.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken scallopini in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. When freezing, it’s helpful to separate portions for easy defrosting later.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave in short bursts to avoid drying the chicken out. Adding a splash of chicken broth or lemon juice during reheating can refresh the sauce’s brightness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Chicken Scallopini Recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will offer a slightly richer flavor and more juiciness, though the texture will be a bit different. Just adjust cooking time to ensure thighs are cooked through.
Is there a substitute for capers if I don’t have any on hand?
If you’re out of capers, chopped green olives or a small splash of brine from the olive jar can provide a similar briny tang, though capers are definitely the ideal choice for authenticity.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for dredging. This keeps the chicken crispy and allows the sauce to thicken nicely without gluten.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Using thin, evenly sized chicken breasts and not overcooking them is key. Also, letting the chicken rest briefly after searing before adding sauce helps retain juices, delivering tender results every time.
What wine pairs well with Chicken Scallopini Recipe?
A crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or a light Chardonnay complements the bright lemon and capers perfectly without overwhelming the dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Chicken Scallopini Recipe—simple ingredients transforming into a dish bursting with flavor and elegance that feels near-magical. Whether you’re new to cooking or a kitchen pro, this recipe is a delightful way to brighten your dinner routine. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a cherished favorite in your home.
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Chicken Scallopini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Chicken Scallopini is a classic Italian-inspired dish featuring tender, thinly pounded chicken breasts lightly dredged in flour and sautéed to a golden perfection. Served with a bright and tangy lemon-caper sauce, this recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that looks and tastes impressive.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Sauce and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season and dredge chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Lightly dredge each breast in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a thin, even coating that will help create a golden crust when cooked.
- Heat fat in skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil along with butter. Allow the butter to melt completely and the mixture to become hot but not smoking, creating a flavorful base for cooking the chicken.
- Cook chicken breasts: Add the floured chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. The chicken should develop a golden-brown crust and be cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, pour in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any flavorful browned bits left from the chicken. This mixture will form the base of your sauce.
- Add capers and simmer: Stir in the drained and rinsed capers. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes so it slightly reduces and concentrates in flavor.
- Reheat chicken in sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the lemon-caper sauce over the top. Cook for 1 more minute to heat the chicken through and allow it to absorb some of the sauce flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the chicken to serving plates, spoon additional sauce over the top, and garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately to enjoy this bright and flavorful dish at its best.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, you can pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before dredging in flour.
- If chicken broth is unavailable, vegetable broth or white wine can be substituted for the sauce base.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your taste preference for more tanginess.
- Serve with a side of pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
