If you’re looking for a meal that’s equal parts comforting, elegant, and bursting with flavor, Chicken Scallopini is your answer. This classic Italian-American dish is a celebration of tender chicken, tangy lemon, savory capers, and a rich buttery sauce that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or a special gathering, this is a party chicken recipe that always impresses. Today, we’re going to walk you through how to create the best Chicken Scallopini you’ve ever tasted — a dish that embodies the heart of Italian dish recipes while fitting beautifully into your collection of delicious chicken dishes.
What Is Chicken Scallopini?
Chicken Scallopini (sometimes spelled scaloppini) refers to thinly sliced cuts of chicken that are dredged in flour, pan-seared to golden perfection, and then simmered in a luscious sauce. The sauce is typically made with butter, lemon juice, white wine, and capers. The term “scallopini” is Italian in origin and refers to small scallops or medallions of meat, commonly veal or chicken.
Over the years, this dish has become a staple in Italian-American kitchens and restaurants, thanks to its rich flavor and impressive presentation. It pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, risotto, or even a fresh green salad — making it incredibly versatile.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Scallopini Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Crowd-pleasing: Perfect for weeknight dinners or hosting guests.
- Fits the Italian diet: Ideal for those following Italian diet recipes focused on fresh, whole ingredients.
- Flexible: Swap out proteins, herbs, or sides to suit your preferences.
- Restaurant-quality: A gourmet experience without leaving home.
Ingredients for the Best Chicken Scallopini
To make this recipe, you’ll need simple, accessible ingredients that you may already have on hand. These components come together to create a dish that’s bold in flavor and classic in style.
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or Italian chicken tenderloins
- Sal e pimenta a gosto
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 colheres de azeite
- 2 colheres de sopa de manteiga
Para o Molho:
- 3 dentes de alho, amassados
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 xícara de caldo de galinha
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 tablespoons butter (for finishing)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Optional Add-Ins (For Variety):
- Sliced mushrooms
- Artichoke hearts
- Cherry tomatoes
- Spinach
These additions make it easy to transition the dish from a chicken filet recipe dinner to something closer to chicken viola recipe style — with more vegetables and vibrant textures.
Passo-a-Passo
Passo 1: Preparar o Frango
Start with Italian chicken tenders or thin-sliced chicken breasts. If you’re using full breasts, slice them horizontally and pound to about 1/4 inch thickness using a meat mallet. This ensures even cooking and that golden crust we love.
Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off the excess. This step helps create a delicate crust that absorbs the sauce perfectly.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter until shimmering.
Add chicken in batches and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (but not browned).
Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up the flavorful brown bits from the bottom. Allow it to simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add lemon juice, lemon zest, chicken broth, and capers. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes, allowing it to reduce and concentrate in flavor.
Step 4: Finish with Butter
Return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer in the sauce for another 3–4 minutes, spooning sauce over the chicken.
Finish the sauce with 2 tablespoons of cold butter for a silky texture and a rich, glossy finish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Servindo Sugestões
Serve this scalloped chicken over:
- Angel hair pasta or spaghetti
- Creamy polenta
- Alho, purê de batatas
- Risotto
- Or alongside roasted vegetables and crusty Italian bread
This flexibility is what makes it a go-to for chicken filet recipe dinners or even more formal affairs. Want something truly crowd-pleasing? Try it with a side of grilled asparagus and a glass of crisp white wine for the ultimate party chicken recipe.
Dicas para o Sucesso
- Don’t skip the flour dredge – it helps thicken the sauce and create a golden crust.
- Use fresh lemon juice – bottled lemon juice just doesn’t give the same flavor depth.
- Cook in batches – overcrowding the pan will steam your chicken instead of searing it.
- Butter at the end – this last step enriches the sauce and makes it restaurant-worthy.
Variations on Chicken Scallopini
Want to mix things up? Here are a few inspired takes on this Italian classic:
- Chicken Viola Recipe Variation
Inspired by Olive Garden’s dish, add sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and a splash of cream to the sauce for a rich, vibrant twist. - Healthy Italian Diet Recipes Version
Skip the flour and use almond flour for dredging. Use low-sodium chicken broth and a bit of olive oil instead of butter. Serve over zoodles or quinoa. - Scalloped Chicken Casserole Style
Bake thin chicken slices in a creamy lemon sauce with mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Add breadcrumbs for texture — a baked version perfect for family-style dining. - Lemon Artichoke Chicken
Add canned or fresh artichoke hearts to the sauce for a briny depth that pairs beautifully with capers and lemon. - Italian Chicken Tenders for Kids
Use chicken tenders instead of breasts and cut them into strips for kid-friendly bites. Skip the wine and increase broth and lemon for a tangy, alcohol-free sauce.
Nutritional Notes
Chicken Scallopini fits easily into many dietary lifestyles. For those interested in Italian diet recipes, it can be tailored with fresh herbs, olive oil, and lean chicken to keep it light but satisfying. It’s high in protein, moderate in healthy fats, and low in carbs (especially if served without pasta).
Approximate nutritional information per serving (without pasta):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 6g
A Rich Italian Tradition
Dishes like Chicken Scallopini remind us of the deep connection between food and culture in Italy. This dish is a descendant of traditional veal scallopini — a recipe rooted in northern Italy where veal was more common than chicken. Over time, chicken became a popular substitute, making the dish more accessible and affordable while preserving its essence.
Whether you’re whipping up Italian chicken tenderloins on a weeknight or cooking a romantic meal for two, Chicken Scallopini proves that simple ingredients, when handled with care, can produce extraordinary results.
Perfect for All Occasions
What makes this one of the best Italian dish recipes is its adaptability. It’s just as at home in a weeknight rotation as it is in a celebratory feast. Serve it at a dinner party and you’ll have guests swooning — not just over the flavor, but over the sheer elegance of the dish.
If you’re someone who enjoys delicious chicken dishes that feel special but are easy to prepare, this is a must-try. And if you’ve been looking to expand your repertoire of chicken filet recipe dinners, this one is a game-changer.
Make It Ahead of Time
Hosting a dinner? This dish can be made ahead and reheated gently in a covered pan or low oven. In fact, some say it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
You can also freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months — perfect for those busy nights when you need a gourmet dinner fast.
Final Thoughts: Why Chicken Scallopini Is Worth Mastering
There’s something deeply satisfying about a meal that balances comfort with elegance. This Chicken Scallopini recipe is all about that balance — rich but light, bright but savory, simple yet refined.
Whether you’re aiming to expand your Italian dish recipes, looking for a perfect party chicken recipe, or craving something from the realm of Italian chicken tenders, this recipe is your golden ticket. With just a few pantry staples, fresh lemon, and a bit of technique, you’ll have a plate that rivals any Italian restaurant.
Try It Tonight!
Ready to bring some Italian magic to your kitchen? Bookmark this recipe, share it with friends, and enjoy a meal that delivers warmth, flavor, and a touch of indulgence.
Buon Appetito!
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