Chicken Scallopini

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4
Intensity Level: Medium

Introduction

If you’re craving a restaurant-quality chicken dish that strikes the perfect balance between richness and brightness, look no further than Chicken Scallopini. This Italian-American classic features thinly sliced chicken breasts sautéed to a golden finish, then coated in a tangy lemon-butter sauce with capers, white wine, and sometimes mushrooms or artichokes.

Not only does it cook quickly, but the flavors develop beautifully in the pan, making this dish ideal for a weeknight meal that impresses guests just as much as family. It’s versatile, elegant, and can be paired with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Let’s dive into this flavorful, slightly tangy, buttery, and utterly satisfying recipe.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 large ones sliced in half)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Scallopini Sauce:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
½ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons capers (drained)
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Optional: ½ cup sliced mushrooms or ½ cup canned artichoke hearts

Equipment Needed

Sharp knife or meat mallet
Large skillet (preferably stainless steel or non-stick)
Mixing bowls
Tongs or spatula
Zester or fine grater
Cutting board

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Chicken

Begin by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. If using thick pieces, slice each breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. You want pieces about ¼ inch thick. If needed, place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound them to even thickness with a meat mallet or rolling pin.

Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt and pepper.

2. Dredge the Chicken

Place the flour in a shallow dish or bowl. Lightly dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off the excess. This coating gives the chicken a lovely crust and helps the sauce adhere later.

3. Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once hot and shimmering, add the chicken in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan.

Cook for 3–4 minutes per side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a plate. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.

4. Make the Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

If using mushrooms or artichokes, add them now and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.

Pour in the white wine and stir, scraping up the brown bits at the bottom of the pan—these bits are packed with flavor. Let the wine simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and capers. Stir well and let simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt or more lemon juice if needed.

5. Return the Chicken to the Pan

Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Let them simmer for 2–3 minutes to reheat and absorb flavor. Spoon the sauce over the top of each piece.

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Scallopini is incredibly versatile when it comes to pairing. Here are some favorite options:

Pasta: Serve over angel hair, linguine, or fettuccine to soak up the lemony sauce.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer a comforting base.
Vegetables: Pair with steamed asparagus, roasted green beans, or a fresh arugula salad.
Crusty Bread: Don’t waste that sauce—have a warm baguette on hand to mop it up!

Recipe Intensity Level: Medium

While Chicken Scallopini is not overly complex, it does require some attention to timing and heat control—especially when making the sauce. The dredging and searing steps are straightforward, but balancing the lemon and wine flavors without overpowering the chicken takes a little finesse.

Ideal for intermediate home cooks or beginners who want to level up their pan sauce skills.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately a few hours in advance. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator, then reheat gently and combine just before serving.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Freezing: While it’s best fresh, you can freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimated)

Calories: 410
Protein: 36g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 520mg

Note: Nutritional values can vary based on portion size and optional ingredients like mushrooms or artichokes.

Introduction