Bring the taste of Italy straight to your kitchen with this easy and delicious Chicken Scallopini recipe. This dish features tender, thinly pounded chicken breasts coated in a crispy, flavorful crust, all while swimming in a luscious lemon and caper sauce that is both bright and savory. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this meal is sure to impress with its perfect balance of tangy lemon, briny capers, and rich butter sauce. Serve it over your favorite pasta, rice, or vegetables for a meal that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor.
Chicken scallopini is a versatile dish that you can easily adjust to your taste preferences. The addition of capers provides a salty, piquant note that pairs beautifully with the citrusy lemon juice, while the garlic and white wine deepen the flavor profile. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal in no time.
Let’s dive into the ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions for this flavorful dish!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1⁄4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1⁄2 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) or chicken stock
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by butterflying each chicken breast to create thin, even pieces, or place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to about 1/4-inch thickness with a meat mallet.
- Coat the Chicken: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Set the chicken aside on a plate.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan: Add the white wine (or chicken stock) to the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Make the Lemon-Caper Sauce: Pour in the chicken stock, lemon juice, and capers. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes to reduce and intensify the flavors. Remove the pan from heat and whisk in the remaining butter until the sauce becomes silky and smooth.
- Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Allow the chicken to heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve and Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for an added burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately over your choice of pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes:
- Cooking Tips: To achieve a crispy, golden crust on the chicken, be sure not to overcrowd the pan while cooking the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Wine Options: Dry white wine adds complexity to the sauce, but you can substitute with chicken stock for a non-alcoholic version.
- Adjusting the Sauce: You can adjust the amount of capers and lemon juice to your liking—add more lemon for brightness or extra capers for a saltier kick.
This Chicken Scallopini is a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Enjoy the rich flavors and impress your guests with this classic Italian-inspired dish!
