Description
Chicken Scallopini is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender, thinly pounded chicken breasts lightly coated in seasoned flour, pan-seared to a golden perfection, and served with a tangy and savory lemon-caper sauce. This quick and elegant stovetop recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, offering a delightful balance of flavors enhanced by fresh lemon juice, capers, and white wine.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
Dredging Mixture
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Sauce
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup capers
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Optional lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to about 1/4-inch thickness to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
- Dredge Chicken: In a shallow dish, combine the flour with salt and black pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess to create a light coating.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep warm.
- Make Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the white wine into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let the wine simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Broth and Flavorings: Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers to the skillet. Continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and reduce a bit.
- Finish and Serve: Return the chicken breasts to the pan, spoon the sauce over them, and simmer for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors. Garnish with chopped parsley and optional lemon slices before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or an additional pat of butter into the sauce at the end of cooking.
- Serve this dish alongside pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or sautéed vegetables to complete the meal.
- If you prefer not to cook with wine, simply replace the white wine with extra chicken broth without compromising flavor.
