Sensational Chicken Scallopini Recipe: Crispy, Tender Bliss

Whipping up a delectable chicken scallopini brings pure culinary magic to your kitchen.

Tender meat transforms into a mouthwatering masterpiece with minimal effort.

Italian-inspired techniques create an elegant dish anyone can master.

Delicate chicken cutlets dance with vibrant lemon and herbs, promising a restaurant-quality experience at home.

Crispy edges and succulent centers make this recipe a crowd-pleaser for casual dinners or special occasions.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of flavors that will make you feel like a professional chef.

Let’s unlock the secrets to this simple yet impressive meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Chicken Scallopini a Classic Favorite

• Crush Complexity: No culinary degree needed! This recipe breaks down complicated restaurant-style cooking into simple, manageable steps anyone can master at home.
• Quick Kitchen Conquest: Delivering restaurant-quality chicken in minutes, this dish transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal without consuming hours of preparation.
• Family-Pleasing Perfection: Packed with classic flavors of garlic, lemon, and herbs, this chicken scallopini appeals to both adventurous eaters and picky family members, making mealtime a delightful experience.
• Versatile Meal Champion: Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or impressing guests, this recipe adapts easily to different side dishes and can elevate your cooking repertoire with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Chicken Scallopini

• Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts of white meat that form the centerpiece of this classic Italian-inspired dish.
• Flour: A coating that helps create a golden, crispy exterior for the chicken.
• Olive Oil: A flavorful cooking fat that helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear.

• Garlic, Parsley: Fresh herbs and aromatics that add depth and brightness to the dish.
• Chicken Broth, Lemon Juice: Liquid ingredients that create a light, tangy pan sauce.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, silky sauce to complement the chicken.

How to Cook Chicken Scallopini

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Cutlets

Lay chicken breasts between plastic wrap sheets. Use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken until it reaches a uniform 1/2-inch thickness.

This helps ensure even cooking and tender meat.

Step 2: Season and Coat Chicken

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.

Dredge each cutlet in flour, carefully shaking off any excess to create a light, crispy exterior.

Step 3: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chicken cutlets in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and the chicken is fully cooked through.

Step 4: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Minced garlic
• Chicken broth
• Fresh lemon juice

Stir and scrape up the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan to build deep flavor.

Step 5: Finish with Luxurious Sauce

Add butter to the pan, swirling until completely melted and incorporated. The sauce will become rich and slightly thickened.

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer chicken to serving plates and generously drizzle the vibrant sauce over the top.

Pair with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal that will impress family and friends.

Tips for Chicken Scallopini Perfection

• Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to create uniform chicken thickness, ensuring even cooking and tender results.
• Pat chicken dry before dredging to help flour adhere better and create a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
• Wait until oil is hot but not smoking to achieve perfect searing without burning the chicken.
• Work fast when deglazing to capture maximum flavor from browned bits stuck to the skillet's bottom.
• Sprinkle chopped parsley just before serving to add bright, fresh flavor and beautiful color to the dish.

Variations on Chicken Scallopini

• Vegetarian Scallopini: Replace chicken with portobello mushrooms or eggplant slices, maintaining the same cooking technique and sauce.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch for dredging, ensuring crispy exterior for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Mediterranean Style: Add capers, sun-dried tomatoes, and swap lemon juice with white wine for a richer, more robust Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use olive oil instead of butter and coconut cream or dairy-free margarine to create a similar creamy sauce consistency.

Best Pairings for Chicken Scallopini

Select a crisp, light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the delicate chicken and bright lemon flavors.

Toss mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette and toasted pine nuts to echo the scallopini’s citrusy notes and add refreshing crunch to the meal.

Serve roasted garlic herb potatoes or lemony Israeli couscous to enhance the dish’s Mediterranean-inspired profile and provide a hearty, flavorful base.

Sprinkle extra chopped parsley and add lemon wedges to brighten the plate, offering diners a fresh, tangy element that lifts the entire meal.

Storage Advice for Chicken Scallopini

• Store leftover chicken scallopini in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Chicken scallopini can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• What is the purpose of pounding the chicken breasts?

Pounding chicken breasts to 1/2 inch thickness ensures even cooking, tenderizes the meat, and helps create a uniform texture for consistent and delicious results.

• Why dredge the chicken in flour?

Dredging chicken in flour creates a light, crispy exterior that helps seal in moisture, prevents sticking to the pan, and adds a golden-brown color when sautéed.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has a golden-brown exterior. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness and ensure food safety.

Chicken Scallopini Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful Chicken Scallopini brings Italian elegance to dinner tables with tender chicken breasts bathed in a luxurious lemon-butter sauce. Crisp, golden cutlets paired with capers create a restaurant-quality meal you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dry Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare a clean workspace and arrange all necessary ingredients within reach for efficient preparation.
2. Create uniformly thin chicken cutlets by gently pounding between plastic wrap sheets until approximately 1/2 inch thick, ensuring consistent cooking.
3. Coat each chicken piece thoroughly in flour, carefully removing excess to prevent clumping during cooking.
4. Preheat a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat, reaching around 375°F for optimal searing.
5. Carefully place floured chicken into hot skillet, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Immediately introduce minced garlic to the pan, sautéing for 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors without burning.
7. Deglaze the skillet by pouring chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, using a wooden spoon to scrape up caramelized cooking remnants.
8. Incorporate cold butter into the liquid, swirling until completely melted and creating a smooth, rich sauce.
9. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken, providing a vibrant garnish and complementary herbaceous note.
10. Transfer scallopini to serving plates, drizzling remaining pan sauce over the top for maximum flavor infusion.

Notes

• Choose thin, evenly sized chicken breasts to ensure uniform cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Pat chicken dry before pounding to help flour coating adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
• Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound chicken gently, preventing tearing and maintaining even thickness.
• Opt for fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for brighter, more vibrant flavor in the sauce.
• Select a heavy-bottomed skillet to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning during sautéing.
• Add a splash of white wine alongside chicken broth for extra depth and complexity in the sauce.
• Substitute gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version without compromising crispy coating.
• Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain moisture and ensure tender meat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 271 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 101 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 81 mg