Chicken Scallopini is a timeless classic that combines tender, thinly sliced chicken breast with a luscious lemon butter sauce enriched by the briny punch of capers. This dish strikes a beautiful balance between bright acidity and rich, buttery comfort, making it a versatile meal that feels both sophisticated and approachable.
Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this recipe comes together quickly yet offers restaurant-quality flavor. Whether served alongside a fresh salad, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttered pasta, Chicken Scallopini delivers a satisfying dinner that will please any crowd.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
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Juice of 1 lemon
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2 tablespoons capers, drained
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound gently until about 1/4 inch thick.
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Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
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Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add chicken to the skillet in batches, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
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Lower heat to medium, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in white wine (or broth) and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced.
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Stir in capers and remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and sauce is smooth.
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Return chicken to the pan and coat with the sauce. Cook for 1 more minute to heat through.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Chicken Scallopini
Chicken Scallopini is a classic Italian dish beloved for its simplicity and elegant flavors. The name “scallopini” refers to thinly sliced meat, usually veal or chicken, that is lightly dredged in flour and quickly sautéed. This method allows the meat to cook rapidly while remaining tender and juicy. Chicken Scallopini showcases the beauty of straightforward cooking techniques combined with bright, fresh ingredients — especially the signature lemon butter sauce enriched with capers.
This dish is a perfect example of how a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s approachable enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough to serve guests on a special occasion. Its versatility and ease of preparation have made it a staple in many home kitchens worldwide.
Origins and History
While Chicken Scallopini is strongly associated with Italian cuisine, its roots come from a traditional Italian technique called “scaloppine.” Originally, scaloppine were made with veal, but chicken has become a popular alternative due to its mild flavor and accessibility. The dish evolved as a quick and efficient way to prepare meat by pounding it thin, which not only tenderizes but also reduces cooking time significantly.
The classic preparation involves dredging the thin meat slices in flour to create a slight crust and then cooking them in butter or oil. The sauce often includes ingredients like lemon, white wine, and capers, all of which are common in Mediterranean cooking. These ingredients add bright, tangy, and savory elements that complement the mild chicken perfectly.
Flavor Profile and Components
One of the defining features of Chicken Scallopini is its balanced flavor profile. The chicken is delicately seasoned and cooked to a golden brown, providing a subtle richness and slight crunch from the flour coating. The lemon butter sauce adds a luscious, silky texture paired with a refreshing citrus zing that cuts through the richness of the butter.
Capers play a crucial role in the sauce, delivering bursts of briny, salty flavor that elevate the dish and provide depth. Garlic adds a warm, aromatic undertone without overpowering the other flavors. When combined with white wine or chicken broth, the sauce develops a nuanced complexity while keeping the dish light and fresh.
Cooking Technique and Tips
The key to perfect Chicken Scallopini lies in the preparation and cooking technique. First, pounding the chicken breasts thin is essential to ensure even cooking and tenderness. If the slices are too thick, the meat may cook unevenly or become tough.
Dredging the chicken lightly in flour not only helps achieve a beautiful golden crust but also thickens the sauce as it cooks. Be careful not to over-flour, as too much coating can make the dish heavy or gummy.
Using a hot pan with a mix of olive oil and butter allows for a flavorful sear and prevents the butter from burning. Cooking the chicken in batches ensures the pan doesn’t overcrowd, which could cause steaming rather than searing.
When making the sauce, be patient while reducing the wine or broth to concentrate flavors. Stirring in cold butter at the end emulsifies the sauce, giving it a silky finish.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Scallopini is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. It pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that complement its bright and buttery flavors. Classic accompaniments include creamy mashed potatoes, risotto, or buttered pasta, which help soak up the luscious sauce.
For a lighter meal, serve it alongside roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or sautéed spinach. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also works well to balance the richness.
Bread lovers will enjoy crusty Italian bread or garlic bread on the side, perfect for mopping up every last bit of the delicious lemon butter sauce.
Variations and Adaptations
While the traditional Chicken Scallopini recipe is simple and delicious, there are many ways to adapt it to your tastes and dietary preferences. For instance, you can swap white wine with chicken broth or vegetable stock if you prefer to avoid alcohol. Adding fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil can introduce aromatic layers to the dish.
If you want a creamier sauce, stirring in a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone can make the dish even more indulgent. For a spicy kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes during sauce preparation adds a subtle heat.
You can also experiment with different proteins—veal, pork, or even fish like sole or tilapia can be prepared scallopini-style using the same method.
Nutritional Considerations
Chicken Scallopini is a relatively lean and healthy dish, especially when prepared with moderate amounts of butter and olive oil. Chicken breast is an excellent source of high-quality protein while being low in fat. The lemon juice adds vitamin C and antioxidants without adding calories.
To keep the dish lighter, consider using less butter or substituting with olive oil. Serving with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad increases fiber and nutrient intake, balancing the meal.
While this dish has moderate calories, portion control and balanced sides can make it a part of a nutritious, well-rounded diet.
Why Chicken Scallopini Is a Perfect Weeknight Dinner
One of the biggest advantages of Chicken Scallopini is its speed and simplicity. From prep to plate, it takes around 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy households. It requires minimal ingredients and equipment, and the technique is beginner-friendly.
Despite its simplicity, the flavors are sophisticated, making it a crowd-pleaser. It’s also adaptable to different dietary needs and customizable with side dishes you have on hand.
This dish proves that home-cooked meals can be quick, delicious, and impressive without the need for complicated recipes or exotic ingredients.
Conclusion
Chicken Scallopini is a timeless, elegant dish that highlights the power of simple ingredients and cooking techniques. With tender chicken, a vibrant lemon butter sauce, and the briny pop of capers, it delivers bold flavor without overwhelming complexity. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and delightful taste make it a favorite among home cooks and food lovers alike.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or a special gathering, Chicken Scallopini offers a beautiful balance of comfort and refinement. Paired with your favorite sides and fresh herbs, it’s sure to become a staple recipe in your kitchen repertoire.
This dish is a shining example of how classic culinary traditions continue to inspire and satisfy modern palates with fresh, bright flavors and uncomplicated preparation. Give it a try, and you’ll see why Chicken Scallopini remains a beloved recipe around the world.