There’s something wonderfully special about chicken scallopini that makes it an elegant yet comforting choice for dinner. Imagine tender chicken breasts seared to a perfect golden brown, then generously coated in a tangy, buttery lemon-caper sauce enhanced with a splash of white wine. This dish is not only delicious but also has a beautiful presentation that will impress anyone at your dining table.

The balance of brightness from the lemon and the richness from the butter creates an irresistible symphony of flavors. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a celebration, chicken scallopini pairs wonderfully with your favorite pasta or a simple side of roasted vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Scallopini

• Quick Elegance: Despite showcasing a fancy restaurant-style presentation, you can have this dish ready in just 30 minutes or less, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Full of Flavor: The lively combination of lemon’s brightness, briny capers, and rich butter sauce creates a sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired taste that’s simply captivating.
• One-Pan Magic: Using the same skillet allows the delightful browned bits left from the chicken to flavor the sauce, plus it minimizes cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal.
• Wow Factor: The visual appeal of golden, crispy chicken cutlets draped in a glossy sauce garnished with herbs will surely earn you compliments.

Ingredients

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Thinly sliced or pounded for quick cooking.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides a light coating for a golden crust.
• Seasonings: A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
• Olive Oil and Unsalted Butter: Used together for a flavorful sear and a luscious sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for an aromatic base.
• Dry White Wine: Adds acidity and depth to the sauce.
• Chicken Stock: The flavorful base of the sauce that complements the chicken.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens up the dish with a citrus kick.
• Capers: Infuse the sauce with a tangy, salty punch.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a vibrant garnish and fresh flavor.

How to Make Chicken Scallopini

This delicious, restaurant-quality dish is surprisingly easy to recreate at home!

1. Prepare the Chicken

   Butterfly each chicken breast to create thin, even pieces. Alternatively, place each breast between plastic wrap and pound it to about 1/4-inch thick using a meat mallet for tender results.

2. Season and Dredge the Chicken

   In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.

3. Cook the Chicken

   In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove each piece and set aside on a plate.

4. Sauté the Garlic

   Lower the heat to medium, and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

5. Deglaze the Pan

   Pour in the white wine (or chicken stock) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.

6. Make the Sauce

   Incorporate chicken stock, lemon juice, and capers into the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce and intensify flavors. Afterward, remove from heat and whisk in the remaining butter for a silky finish.

7. Combine

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

8. Serve

   Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately over your choice of pasta, rice, or alongside some vibrant steamed vegetables.

Tips for the Best Chicken Scallopini

• Aim for Proper Thickness: For the best results, pound the chicken to precisely 1/4-inch thickness for maximum tenderness and even cooking.
• Try a Coating Technique: Let your flour-coated chicken rest on a wire rack for about 5 minutes before cooking. This helps the coating stick better during frying.
• Don’t Overcrowd! Cook the chicken in small batches. Overcrowding the skillet can lead to steaming rather than browning, which affects crispiness.
• Don’t Rush the Sauce! Take your time deglazing the pan. The browned bits (fond) are crucial for building rich flavor in the sauce.
• Get a Step Ahead: You can pound and flour-coat the chicken up to 4 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
• Try Tasty Variations: Add mushrooms or artichoke hearts to the sauce for extra flavor. For a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes just before serving.
• Make It a Feast: Serve your scallopini over angel hair pasta or linguine topped with extra sauce, or enjoy alongside roasted asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

How to Store

If you have leftovers, follow these tips to keep your chicken scallopini fresh and delicious.

• To Store: Place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Store the sauce separately to maintain optimal texture.
• To Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours before reheating. It’s best to freeze the dish with the sauce separately.
• To Reheat: Gently heat the chicken and sauce in a pan over low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging the chicken.

What type of wine should I use?

A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, works best as it adds the right acidity and flavor.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes! You can pound and flour-coat the chicken a few hours ahead. However, it’s best to cook it fresh just before serving for optimal texture.

What should I serve with chicken scallopini?

This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Roasted asparagus or garlic mashed potatoes also make great side options!