Chicken Scallopini Recipe

A deliciously tender and flavorful dish, Chicken Scallopini is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This classic Italian-inspired recipe features thinly sliced chicken breasts, pan-fried to golden perfection, and served with a savory sauce made with lemon, capers, and white wine. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the rich, tangy sauce makes it an irresistible dish that everyone will love. In this article, you’ll learn how to prepare Chicken Scallopini from scratch, including tips for customizing the dish and making it your own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Scallopini is a meal that delivers both comfort and sophistication in every bite. The thinly sliced chicken breasts cook quickly, creating a juicy, tender texture that pairs wonderfully with the flavorful sauce. The sauce, made with lemon, capers, and white wine, is light yet packed with a zesty tang that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor. Whether you enjoy it with a side of pasta, rice, or vegetables, Chicken Scallopini will elevate any dinner table.

The best part about this recipe is how easily it can be customized. If you prefer a more pronounced lemon flavor, feel free to add extra lemon juice to the sauce. For an extra kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add some spice. This dish can also be made with veal or turkey for a different protein option, but the chicken version remains the most popular for its mild flavor and quick cooking time.

In addition to being incredibly flavorful, Chicken Scallopini is a versatile dish that works for a variety of occasions. It’s perfect for an elegant dinner party, but it’s also quick enough to prepare on a busy weeknight. With just a few simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can make this delicious dish in under an hour.

Recipe Details

The term “scallopini” refers to a dish where meat is sliced thinly and cooked quickly in a pan. Chicken Scallopini is one of the most popular variations of this dish, often found on Italian-American restaurant menus. The key to making this dish is the preparation of the chicken, which is pounded thin to ensure even cooking and a delicate texture. The chicken is then sautéed in butter and olive oil until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining tender and juicy inside.

The sauce for Chicken Scallopini is typically made with a combination of white wine, lemon juice, and capers. The acidity from the wine and lemon complements the richness of the chicken, while the capers add a salty, briny burst of flavor that brightens the entire dish. Often, the sauce is finished with a pat of butter to add richness and create a velvety texture. The dish is often garnished with fresh parsley or basil to add color and freshness.

Although Chicken Scallopini has its roots in Italian cuisine, it has become a beloved dish in many cultures, particularly in the United States, where it is often paired with a side of pasta or vegetables. The versatility of the dish makes it easy to adapt to different palates, and it can be served with a variety of side dishes to complement the bright and savory flavors.

Nutritional Information for Chicken Scallopini

Chicken Scallopini is a well-balanced dish, offering a good source of lean protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the olive oil and butter used in the sauce. A typical serving of Chicken Scallopini, without any sides, contains around 400-500 calories. The dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a suitable choice for those following low-carb or keto diets.

Chicken is a great source of protein, with about 25 grams of protein per serving. It’s also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including niacin, vitamin B6, and selenium, which help support metabolism and immune function. The lemon juice in the sauce provides vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports skin health and helps boost the immune system.

The white wine and capers in the sauce contribute small amounts of antioxidants and minerals, while the butter and olive oil provide healthy fats. However, it’s important to note that while the sauce is flavorful and rich, it’s not overly heavy, especially when compared to other creamy chicken dishes. To lighten the dish further, you can reduce the amount of butter or use a low-sodium version of the capers.

If you serve Chicken Scallopini with pasta, rice, or vegetables, you can increase the fiber and nutrient content of the meal. Adding a side of steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables will not only balance out the richness of the chicken but will also provide additional vitamins and fiber.

Ingredients for Chicken Scallopini

To make Chicken Scallopini, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

These ingredients come together to create a flavorful, satisfying meal. The flour is used to lightly coat the chicken, ensuring it develops a crispy crust while staying moist inside. The white wine and lemon juice form the base of the tangy, aromatic sauce, while the capers add a burst of briny flavor that enhances the chicken’s natural taste.

You can experiment with different types of white wine to create variations in flavor. Sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio are both excellent choices that won’t overpower the dish but will add a subtle depth to the sauce. As for the capers, make sure to drain them well before adding them to the pan so the sauce doesn’t become too salty.

Equipment Needed for Chicken Scallopini

To prepare Chicken Scallopini, you will need the following equipment:

• Large Skillet: A heavy-duty skillet or frying pan is ideal for cooking the chicken and making the sauce. A non-stick skillet can help prevent sticking, but a regular cast iron or stainless steel skillet will give the dish a lovely sear on the chicken.
• Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: To pound the chicken breasts thin, making them tender and quick to cook.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For trimming the chicken and slicing the lemon and parsley.
• Tongs or Spatula: For flipping the chicken and handling it in the pan.
• Serving Platter or Plates: To arrange the finished Chicken Scallopini and serve it to your guests.

With these tools, you’ll be able to prepare the chicken and sauce with ease. A skillet with a wide surface area helps ensure even cooking and prevents overcrowding, while a meat mallet makes it easy to achieve the perfect thin cutlets.

Pro Tips for Success

Here are some tips to ensure your Chicken Scallopini turns out perfectly every time:

• Pound the Chicken Evenly: To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, pound it to an even thickness. This will help the chicken cook quickly and stay juicy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to get a nice, golden-brown sear on each piece.
• Deglaze the Pan: After cooking the chicken, make sure to deglaze the pan with the white wine. This will lift all the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan, which will add extra depth to your sauce.
• Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice tends to be more acidic and lacks the fresh, bright flavor that makes this dish so special.
• Add Extra Seasonings: If you prefer a more robust flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes, garlic, or fresh thyme to the sauce. These additions complement the richness of the chicken and add an extra layer of flavor.

Instructions for Chicken Scallopini

• Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound them with a meat mallet until they are about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures that the chicken cooks quickly and evenly.
• Dredge the Chicken: Lightly dredge each piece of chicken in flour, shaking off any excess. This creates a thin, crispy crust when the chicken is pan-fried.
• Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
• Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the white wine and lemon juice. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a spatula. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Add the capers and stir to combine.
• Finish the Dish: Return the chicken to the pan and spoon some of the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reheat the chicken and absorb the sauce’s flavors.
• Serve: Plate the chicken and pour the sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Recipe Variations for Chicken Scallopini

• Chicken Scallopini with Mushrooms: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for a rich, earthy flavor that complements the chicken.
• Spicy Chicken Scallopini: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce to give it a little heat.
• Chicken Scallopini with Asparagus: Serve the chicken alongside sautéed asparagus for a vegetable-packed meal.

Storage Instructions for Chicken Scallopini

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat. You can also freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Scallopini

Chicken Scallopini pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, such as:

• Pasta: A simple pasta like spaghetti or linguine makes a great base for the chicken and sauce.
• Rice: Serve with a side of white rice or risotto to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, complement the richness of the dish perfectly.

FAQs About Chicken Scallopini

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well for this recipe and provide extra flavor.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
   While it’s best served fresh, you can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time and reheat before serving.
3. What should I serve with Chicken Scallopini?
   Pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables make great sides to accompany this dish.
4. Can I freeze Chicken Scallopini?
   Yes, freeze the chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Chicken Scallopini is a flavorful and elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, a tangy sauce, and delicious sides creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a quiet dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and experience the flavors of Italy in the comfort of your own home!

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