Okay, friends, let’s talk about comfort food. But not just ANY comfort foods. We’re talking about food that you like.Chicken ScallopiniWhat is that dish that always feels like a warm hug on tee? For me, it’s right up there with my grandma’s lasagna – that deeply satisfying, “I need this right now.” “now” kind of feeling. What is a chicken scallopini recipe? Is it possible to I swear, it’s faster than ordering takeout! If you eat a burger, you’ll never want to buy anything else. The tender chicken, the bright lemon sauce…it’s just a “chef’s kiss”

What is a chicken scallopini?

If you’re not familiar, let me tell you all about.Chicken ScallopiniWhat’s essentially thinly sliced chicken breasts, dredged in flour, and then pan-fried to golden brown. What is magic in sauce? What is a bright lemony, buttery sauce that just coats the chicken and makes your tastebuds sing. Think of it as a fancy Chicken Piccata‘s cousin, but maybe … more refined. The name “scallopini” refers to the way the meat is sliced – thin and wide, like scallops. It’s Italian-inspired, of course, and a dish that is both elegant enough for dinner party and is good enough to share with friends. What is easy to make for a weeknight meal? What is the most versatile dish you know?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Why am I obsessed with this recipe?flavorThe combination of the tender chicken, the tangy lemon, rich butter, and the salty capers (if possible) makes this dish delicious. Is it true that you’re into them? Is there a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue?simplicityI know it looks a little fancy, but honestly, it’s so easy to make. I make this on nights when I’m exhausted, and it still turns out amazing. The ingredients are also pretty pretty.cost-efficientChicken breasts are usually pretty affordable, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples.versatility. You can serve it with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even just a simple salad. Is it a cold the next day? What I love most about this Chicken Scallopini is that it always feels special, even though it’s so tender. And I can’t stop eating it. Is it like cooking in your own kitchen? What is better than a Olive Garden Chicken Piccata?

How do I make chicken scallopini?

Quick Overview

Making Chicken ScallopiniIs it easier than you think? How do you pound chicken breasts thin, then dredging them in flour? After a quick pan-fry to get golden and crispy, you’ll whip up that luscious lemon-butter sauce. Right in the same pan. What is a perfect weeknight meal? How do you cook chicken in a pan? I have messed up a lot, but trust me, even if I mess up (I have, plenty of times! Is it still going to be delicious?

Ingredients

For the Chicken: What is the best
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 6 ounces each.
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons butter

What is the recipe for lemon butter sauce?
* 1/4 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio, or chicken broth if you prefer)
* 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
* 1/4 cup chicken broth
* 2 tablespoons butter, cold and cut into small pieces.
* 2 tablespoons capers, drained (optional, but I highly recommend them!)
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable bag. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to about 1/4-inch thickness. What is the best way to get that tender scallopini texture? Just make sure you don’t pound it too thin, or it will fall apart when you cook it.

Step 2: Dredge the Chicken

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. How do you get the chicken to brown evenly when you fry it?

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Set aside. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts in a single layer, being careful not to overcook. How do you not overcrowd a pan? Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

How do you remove browned bits from the bottom of a skillet? What is the flavor of wine? Then, add the lemon juice and chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the cold butter until the sauce is smooth. Is it smooth and emul What makes this sauce so delicious? Be patient and don’t crank up the heat, or the sauce might break.

Step 6: Add Capers (Optional)

Stir in the capers and simmer for another minute. I usually add a pinch of salt and pepper at this point. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Don’t be afraid to add more lemon juice if you like a really tangy sauce!

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Let it simmer for a minute or two to heat through. How do I soak up the sauce?

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. I like to serve it over pasta or rice, but it’s also great with a side salad.

What should I serve it with?

Chicken Scallopini is so versatile that you can really serve it with almost anything! For a simple weeknight meal, I love serving it with:
* **Pasta:** Linguine or spaghetti are classic choices, but any pasta shape will work. Just toss it with some of the lemon-butter sauce.
* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or even risotto are all great options.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food pairing.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and sauce.

If you’re serving it for a more special occasion, you could try:
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans are all delicious roasted and served alongside Chicken Scallopini.
* **Garlic Bread:** Because who doesn’t love garlic bread? It’s perfect for soaking up all that extra sauce.
* **Wine:** A crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, is a perfect complement to the lemon-butter sauce. My family loves serving it with a side of steamed green beans. It’s all gone in 10 minutes!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Scallopini

Okay, I’ve made Chicken Scallopini countless times, so I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. Here are my top tips for perfecting your dish:
* **Pound the chicken evenly:** This is crucial for ensuring that the chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out. Take your time and make sure it’s all the same thickness.
* **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** If you overcrowd the pan, the chicken will steam instead of brown. Cook it in batches if necessary. I always do this when I’m making a big batch!
* **Use cold butter for the sauce:** This helps to emulsify the sauce and create that creamy texture. Make sure the butter is very cold and cut into small pieces before you start.
* **Don’t boil the sauce:** Boiling the sauce can cause it to break and become greasy. Keep the heat low and whisk gently until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.
* **Taste and adjust the seasoning:** Don’t be afraid to add more lemon juice, salt, or pepper to taste. The sauce should be bright and tangy, but not too sour.

Ingredient Swaps: I’ve tested this recipe a bunch. If you are out of white wine, you can substitute chicken broth, or even a little bit of apple cider vinegar for a similar tang. For the lemon, lime also works pretty well, though it changes the flavor profile slightly!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftover Chicken Scallopini (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat it:
* **Refrigerator Storage:** Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken slightly, but it will still be delicious.
* **Reheating Instructions:** Reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a little bit of chicken broth or water if the sauce is too thick. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as crispy.
* **Freezer Instructions:** I don’t recommend freezing Chicken Scallopini, as the sauce may separate and the chicken may become dry. If you do freeze it, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
* **Glaze Timing Advice:** It’s always best to add any fresh garnish (like parsley) right before serving, not before storing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the ingredients together. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

Do I need to use capers?

Nope! Capers are optional, but I highly recommend them. They add a salty, briny flavor that complements the lemon-butter sauce perfectly. If you’re not a fan of capers, you can leave them out or substitute them with a small amount of chopped green olives.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to pound the chicken thighs to an even thickness before dredging them in the flour mixture. The cooking time may be slightly longer, so check the internal temperature to make sure they’re cooked through.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can definitely prep the chicken ahead of time by pounding it and dredging it in the flour mixture. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook it. You can also make the sauce ahead of time, but I recommend adding the butter just before serving.

What can I use instead of white wine?

If you don’t have any white wine on hand, you can substitute it with chicken broth or even a little bit of apple cider vinegar for a similar tang.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my family’s favorite Chicken Scallopini recipe! It’s a dish that’s both elegant and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. I hope you love it as much as we do! If you’re looking for more easy and delicious chicken recipes, be sure to check out my Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken or my Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. Happy cooking, friends! And please, let me know how yours turns out in the comments below! I love hearing about your cooking adventures, and if you tweaked it, please share it with all of us!