The aroma of sizzling garlic and lemon wafts through the air as you prepare to dive into a plate of Chicken Scallopini. Each forkful promises a delightful burst of flavor that dances on your palate, making it hard to resist asking for seconds—or thirds! This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort and joy to any table.
I remember the first time I served this at a family gathering. My cousin Joe took one bite and exclaimed he’d never want anything else again. And honestly? Who could blame him? The combination of tender chicken, bright lemony sauce, and the warm embrace of fresh herbs makes this dish an ideal choice for everything from casual weeknight dinners to special occasions.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Scallopini recipe strikes the perfect balance between ease of preparation and gourmet flair
- The vibrant colors and aromas will impress your guests without overwhelming you in the kitchen
- It’s versatile enough for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering with friends
My friends still rave about how this dish made them feel like they were dining at an upscale restaurant right from my kitchen.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor in your sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth so you can control the overall saltiness of your dish.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Squeeze some bright lemons; this ingredient provides a refreshing zing that elevates the entire dish.
- Capers: They add a unique briny flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley not only adds color but also freshness to each bite.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for cooking; it adds richness and depth to your scallopini.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those wonderful flavors in your dish.
For the Sauce:
- Cornstarch: A little cornstarch helps thicken the sauce without altering its flavor profile.
- White Wine (optional): A splash of dry white wine gives your sauce an elegance that enhances its overall taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Chicken: Start by placing your boneless chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Gently pound them until they’re about half an inch thick; this ensures even cooking.
Season Generously: Sprinkle both sides of each chicken breast with salt and pepper. You want every bite to be packed with flavor!
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour in olive oil until hot but not smoking. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides—about 4-5 minutes per side.
Create That Luscious Sauce: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. In the same skillet (no need to clean it), add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—just about 30 seconds will do! Stir in chicken broth and lemon juice.
Thicken It Up: If you’d like a thicker sauce (and who wouldn’t?), mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth before stirring it into your pan juices along with capers.
Finish Strong: Return your beautifully cooked chicken back into the skillet along with fresh parsley. Allow everything to simmer together for another couple of minutes so that flavors meld beautifully.
Now plate up your Chicken Scallopini with a smile! Serve it over pasta or alongside roasted veggies for a complete meal that will have everyone coming back for more.
In conclusion, preparing this Chicken Scallopini recipe is straightforward yet feels luxurious—perfect for impressing family or friends without breaking a sweat! Enjoy every delicious bite!
You Must Know
- This Chicken Scallopini recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures
- It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The zesty lemon and savory chicken create a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first for a golden crust, then prepare the sauce while it cooks. This ensures your chicken remains juicy while the flavors meld beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different herbs like thyme or oregano for added flavor. You can also toss in capers or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on medium heat to keep the chicken tender and avoid drying it out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always pound the chicken to ensure even cooking; this prevents dry spots
- Use fresh herbs for vibrant flavor—dried just won’t cut it!
- Adjust seasoning to taste; everyone’s palate is different!
I remember the first time I made Chicken Scallopini for my friends. They couldn’t stop raving about how juicy and flavorful it was; I felt like a culinary superstar!
FAQ
What can I serve with Chicken Scallopini?
Pair this dish with pasta or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I make Chicken Scallopini ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep ingredients in advance but cook just before serving for best results.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Pound the chicken thinly and don’t overcook it; this keeps it moist and tender.

Delicious Chicken Scallopini Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in this quick and flavorful Chicken Scallopini, where tender chicken meets a zesty lemon sauce, perfect for impressing family and friends at any dinner gathering.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves fresh garlic
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts between plastic wrap until about half an inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Add chicken broth and lemon juice; stir.
- Mix cornstarch with water; add to the skillet to thicken the sauce. Stir in capers.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for an additional few minutes until heated through.
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley over pasta or alongside roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: Add fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for extra flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently on medium heat.