Chicken Scallopini is a timeless classic—an Italian-American dish that offers elegance without complexity. Its golden, tender chicken cutlets and bright, zesty lemon butter sauce make it the perfect dinner for both weeknights and special occasions. This ultimate guide will take you from beginner to expert in making The Best Chicken Scallopini Recipe—entirely from scratch. Whether you’re cooking for your family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
🍋 What Is Chicken Scallopini?
Chicken Scallopini is an Italian-American dish made from thinly pounded chicken breasts that are lightly breaded or floured, quickly pan-fried, and served in a flavorful sauce—typically made with lemon, butter, wine, or broth. The word Scallopini comes from the Italian term scaloppine, meaning thin slices of meat. Traditionally, veal was used, but chicken has become the more accessible and popular choice.
The dish is beloved for its:
- Quick cooking time
- Tangy, buttery sauce
- Elegant yet comforting flavor
- Versatility in herbs, wines, and garnishes
🛒 Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s take a close look at each component and how you can personalize it.
✅ Chicken
- What to Use: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Tip: Pound to ½-inch thickness for even cooking and tenderness
✅ Dredging Mix
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps with a light crust and flavor
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Boosts savory depth
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning
- Breadcrumbs (Optional): For extra crisp texture
- Egg (Optional): Helps breadcrumbs stick if used
✅ Sauce
- Lemon Juice: Bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness
- Chicken Broth or White Wine: Adds umami and balances the acidity
- Butter: For richness and silky texture
- Capers (Optional): Adds briny contrast
- Parsley: Fresh and vibrant garnish
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
This dish can be completed in just 30 minutes, but let’s walk through the process in detail to ensure perfection every time.
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment.
- Gently pound with a rolling pin or meat mallet until each piece is about ½ inch thick.
- Pat dry with paper towels to help the coating stick.
Step 2: Season and Dredge
- Combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Optional: Prepare a separate bowl of beaten eggs and a third with breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.
- Dredge each chicken piece in flour (or the full egg and breadcrumb coating, if desired).
Step 3: Pan-Fry the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp should be 165°F / 75°C).
- Remove from skillet and place on a plate.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium.
- Add 2 tablespoons butter to the pan. Let it melt.
- Pour in ½ cup white wine or chicken broth and 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
- Optional: Add 1 tablespoon capers.
- Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce.
- Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices.
👨🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Scallopini
- Don’t skip pounding the chicken. It ensures even cooking and tender meat.
- Preheat the pan properly. A hot skillet gives you the best golden crust.
- Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled versions lack the vibrant acidity that makes this dish shine.
- Deglaze properly. Scraping the pan ensures a flavorful, concentrated sauce.
- Taste the sauce before serving. Adjust salt or lemon as needed for balance.
🧂 Variations to Try
1. Creamy Chicken Scallopini
- Add ¼ cup of heavy cream to the sauce for a velvety texture.
2. Mushroom Lovers’ Version
- Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms in the butter before adding broth.
3. Spinach and Artichoke
- Toss in fresh spinach and chopped marinated artichokes for a Mediterranean twist.
4. Dijon Mustard Sauce
- Stir 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard into the lemon-butter sauce for a tangy kick.
🥗 Perfect Pairings and Side Dishes
Chicken Scallopini is versatile and pairs beautifully with a range of sides:
- Linguine, Fettuccine, or Angel Hair Pasta
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Steamed Asparagus or Broccolini
- Arugula Salad with Parmesan and Lemon Vinaigrette
- Crusty Italian Bread
📦 Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating
- Best reheated in a skillet with a splash of broth or water.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, covered, to avoid drying out.
Freezing
- Chicken can be frozen without sauce for up to 2 months.
- Sauce with butter may separate when thawed—make fresh sauce after defrosting.
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Also, ensure your broth is certified gluten-free.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Thighs stay juicier and are more flavorful. Adjust cook time slightly.
What wine should I use?
A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay works best. Avoid sweet wines.
How do I know the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, cook the chicken and prepare the sauce separately. Combine and reheat when ready to serve.
📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Note: Based on using flour and broth instead of wine.
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Simple – 30 minutes start to finish.
- Elegant Yet Comforting – Perfect for dinner parties or casual meals.
- Family-Friendly – Mild flavors that both kids and adults enjoy.
- Customizable – Easily adapted with herbs, vegetables, or creamy sauces.
🔄 Summary at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | Italian-American |
| Diet | Dairy-Free or Gluten-Free Options Available |
📌 Final Thoughts
The Best Chicken Scallopini Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of simple ingredients elevated through smart cooking techniques. With a golden crust, tangy sauce, and the flexibility to adapt to your tastes, this dish belongs in every home cook’s recipe box. Whether you serve it with pasta, salad, or vegetables, it’s sure to win over hearts (and taste buds) at the table.
