The Best Chicken Scallopini

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Scallopini is a simple yet impressive dish that packs a lot of flavor. The chicken is thinly pounded to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly, while the sauce, made with lemon, white wine, and capers, adds a burst of freshness and brightness. The creamy sauce and delicate chicken create a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving it to guests or making it for a cozy dinner at home, Chicken Scallopini is always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

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

For the chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the sauce:

• 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2-3 tablespoons)

• 2 tablespoons capers, drained

• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the chicken:

1. Pound the chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures quick and even cooking.

2. Season and dredge: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Dredge each piece lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.

Cook the chicken:

3. Sauté the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the sauce:

4. Deglaze the pan: In the same skillet, add the white wine and bring to a simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits add flavor to the sauce.

5. Add the broth and lemon juice: Once the wine has reduced slightly, add the chicken broth and lemon juice to the pan. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce reduces by about half.

6. Finish the sauce: Stir in the capers and heavy cream (if using) for a creamy texture. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly.

Assemble the dish:

7. Return the chicken to the pan: Add the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let the chicken heat through in the sauce for 2-3 minutes.

8. Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken and serve immediately. You can serve this dish with pasta, rice, or vegetables, making it a versatile and delicious meal.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Prep time is about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of about 15-20 minutes. The total time is approximately 30 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

• Add vegetables: For added flavor and nutrition, you can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes to the sauce. Simply cook them with the chicken before making the sauce.

• Use chicken thighs: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as they may take slightly longer to cook through.

• Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.

Storage/reheating

Store any leftover Chicken Scallopini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. You may need to add a little extra chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I make Chicken Scallopini without wine?

Yes, you can substitute the wine with more chicken broth or even water with a splash of lemon juice for a non-alcoholic version.

2. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs will work well in this recipe and will add more flavor, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately. Reheat the sauce, then cook the chicken and combine when ready to serve.

4. How do I get the chicken crispy?

Ensure the oil and butter in the skillet are hot before adding the chicken. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the chicken to steam rather than sear.

5. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.

6. Can I use a different type of broth?

You can use vegetable broth if you prefer a non-meat version, though chicken broth gives the sauce a richer flavor.

7. Can I skip the heavy cream?

Yes, if you want a lighter sauce, you can skip the heavy cream. The sauce will still be flavorful and tangy from the lemon and wine.

8. What kind of wine should I use?

A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, is ideal for this recipe. Avoid sweet wines, as they can overpower the dish.

9. Can I make Chicken Scallopini in advance?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately. Reheat the chicken and sauce when you’re ready to serve.

10. Can I serve Chicken Scallopini with something other than pasta?

Absolutely! Chicken Scallopini goes well with rice, mashed potatoes, or even a side of sautéed vegetables or a simple green salad.

Conclusion

The Best Chicken Scallopini is an elegant yet easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender, flavorful chicken and a tangy, creamy sauce, it’s sure to impress your guests or make a weeknight meal feel special. Serve it with pasta, rice, or veggies for a complete meal that’s rich in flavor but light on effort. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this dish will quickly become a go-to favorite!

The Best Chicken Scallopini

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• Author: Alice
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Simmered
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

The Best Chicken Scallopini is a tender, flavorful dish featuring thinly pounded chicken breasts sautéed in a creamy, lemony sauce. The combination of crispy chicken, tangy lemon, savory white wine, and capers creates an elegant meal that’s perfect for both special occasions and weeknight dinners. This simple yet impressive recipe is sure to become a household favorite!

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Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the sauce:

• 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2-3 tablespoons)

• 2 tablespoons capers, drained

• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

• Prepare the chicken:

  • Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin.

  • Season with salt and pepper on both sides. Dredge each piece lightly in flour, shaking off the excess.

• Cook the chicken:

  • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.

  • Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

• Make the sauce:

  • In the same skillet, add the white wine and simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

  • Add the chicken broth and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce reduces by about half.

  • Stir in the capers and heavy cream (optional) and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

• Assemble the dish:

  • Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Heat the chicken through for 2-3 minutes.

  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.

• Serve:

  • Serve immediately, paired with pasta, rice, or vegetables.

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Notes

If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute the wine with additional chicken broth or water with a splash of lemon juice.For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.You can skip the heavy cream for a lighter, tangier sauce.