Okay, picture this: I’m What’s your favorite Comfort Food on a weeknight? I don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I have a lot of time. What is Chicken Scallopini? Is it similar to chicken nuggets? If you love the simplicity of a quick chicken piccata, but want something richer and creamier, try this recipe. What are some of the best recipes ever made? I swear, the aroma alone is enough to make everyone’s mouth water, and the first bite? Pure heaven.
What is chicken scallopini?
Chicken Scallopini is basically thinly sliced Chicken Breasts, dredged in flour, and pan-fried. To golden perfection. What really happens with sauce? What’s a lemony, buttery sauce, sometimes with white wine, that creates an luscious coating? What is a chicken? Think of it as a dressed-up version of pan-fried chicken – elegant enough for dinner party, but not too fancy. What’s simple enough for a Tuesday night? It’s Italian comfort food at its finest. Can you serve it with pasta, rice, vegetables, or even a simple salad? Is this a good pairing for anything?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What is the best chicken scallopini recipe I’ve ever made? How can I fail to impress?
- Flavor Explosion:What is the combination of lemon, butter, and white wine? Is it like a party in your mouth? What is that tangy, buttery goodness clinging to the tender chicken?
- SurprisinglyWhat are some of the easiest recipes to make? What are some of the best ways to cook a pasta dish in ten minutes? I have made this when I barely have the energy to boil water, and it still turns out fantastic.
- Budget FriendlyChicken breasts are a pretty affordable protein, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. You probably have most of them on hand already! Even though it’s economical, it feels like a restaurant-quality meal.
- Super Versatile:Can you customize this recipe to your liking? Add mushrooms, capers, or artichoke hearts to the sauce. Serve it over pasta, rice, and polenta. What are the possibilities? I’ve tried it with a splash of cream at the end and oh my goodness, that takes it to another level.
What I love about this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. What’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a culinary rockstar, even if you’re just throwing it. After a long day, we can go back together again. Plus, my kids actually ask for this, which is always a win in my book! Is it similar to my chicken francese?
How do I make Scallopini?
Quick Overview
What is the secret to a good chicken scallopini? You’ll pound the chicken thin, give it a light dredge, and then sear it quickly in hot pan. The sauce comes together in the same pan, capturing all those delicious browned bits. What’s the best way to make a dish that can be made in under 30 minutes? Is it easier to be scared?
Ingredients
For the Chicken: What is the best
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour. 1 cup s
- 1/4 teaspoon salt. 1 teaspoon pepper.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil. 1 tablespoon of salt.
- 2 tablespoons butter. 1 teaspoon salt
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth. 1 Tbsp.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice. 2 teaspoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into cubes.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley. 1 teaspoon chopped chives.
- 1 clove garlic, minced.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
How do I get thin chicken breasts? Place each Chicken Breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to roll it. What is the best way to pound it to 1/4-inch thickness? What is the best way to cook a chicken?
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly. How do I remove excess flour from chicken?
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Cook olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Set aside. Once the pan is hot and the butter is melted, add the chicken breasts and serve. Do I need to do this in batches? Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. If you overcrowd a pan, be careful not to overfill it, as this will lower the temperature and prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan. How do I brown my Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. How do you mix the white wine and chicken broth? What are some of the best ways to add flavor to a sauce? Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, or until it has reduced slightly.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Stir in the lemon juice and then whisk in butter, one cube at a time, until the sauce is smooth. How do you prepare a sauce for dipping your spoon? Season with salt and pepper. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes. If the broth is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or vegetables. I usually have it with Angel Hair Pasta!
What should I serve it with?
Chicken Scallopini is so versatile that it pairs well with almost anything!
- What is a good weeknight meal?Serve it over cooked pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair are great choices) with a side of cheese. Is steamed broccoli good for asparagus?
- For a More Elegant Dinner:Serve it over creamy polenta or risotto with a side of roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus. What is a good salad with lemon vinaigrette?
- For a Lighter Option: Serve it with a big salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. You could also add some grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
My family loves when I serve this Chicken Scallopini with some Crusty Bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. It’s also fantastic with a glass of crisp white wine. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Scallopini
Okay, so I’ve made this Chicken Scallopini more times than I can count, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way.
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: This is crucial for even cooking. Make sure the chicken is the same thickness throughout, or some parts will be overcooked while others are still raw.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: This will lower the temperature of the pan and prevent the chicken from browning properly. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out easily, so be careful not to overcook them. They’re done when they’re golden brown and cooked through, but still juicy.
- Use Real Butter: Don’t skimp on the butter! It adds so much flavor to the sauce.
- Taste as You Go: Taste the sauce as you’re making it and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more lemon juice, salt, or pepper to suit your taste.
- Get Creative with Add-Ins: Feel free to add other ingredients to the sauce, like mushrooms, capers, or artichoke hearts.
One time, I accidentally used salted butter instead of unsalted, and the sauce was way too salty. Now I always double-check! Also, if you want to make this ahead of time, you can cook the chicken and make the sauce separately, then combine them when you’re ready to serve.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover Chicken Scallopini (which is rare in my house!), you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Here’s how:
- In the Refrigerator: Place the Chicken Scallopini in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the Chicken Scallopini in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.
- Freezing: While you can technically freeze Chicken Scallopini, I don’t recommend it. The sauce can become watery and the chicken can become dry.
I usually just make enough for one meal, but if I do have leftovers, I love to chop up the chicken and add it to a salad or make a sandwich with it. It’s also great in a quesadilla!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Okay, so that’s my go-to Chicken Scallopini recipe! It’s a true lifesaver on busy weeknights, and it always impresses everyone who tries it. The flavor is just incredible, and it’s so easy to customize to your liking. If you’re looking for a simple, yet elegant dish that’s sure to become a family favorite, this is it!
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my Chicken Francese or my Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken. They’re all quick, easy, and bursting with flavor!
Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how your Chicken Scallopini turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, I’d love to hear about them too!
Chicken Scallopini Delight: 7 Tips for Perfectly Tender Meals
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Chicken breasts Pounded to 1/4 inch thickness
- 0.5 cup All-purpose flour For dredging
- 0.25 cup Olive oil
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 0.25 cup Chicken broth
- 0.25 cup Lemon juice Freshly squeezed
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley Chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken to 1/4 inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
- Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, garlic, and lemon juice to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir in the parsley and serve immediately.
