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A plate of delicious Chicken Scallopini is showcased as the featured image.

Easy Chicken Scallopini

This Chicken Scallopini recipe offers a quick and flavorful Italian-American classic. Thinly sliced chicken breasts are sautéed to perfection and bathed in a bright, tangy lemon-butter sauce, creating a restaurant-worthy meal ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained optional

Equipment

  • cutting board
  • sharp knife
  • shallow dish
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Lemon zester
  • Lemon juicer
  • tongs
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin (optional)
  • Plastic wrap or resealable bag (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prep the Chicken: Pound or slice the chicken breasts thinly to about ¼-inch thickness. Slightly freezing the chicken breasts for 15-20 minutes before slicing makes them easier to handle.
  2. Dredge the Chicken: Season flour with salt and pepper in a shallow dish. Dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
  3. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. Make the Sauce: Add garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds. Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up browned bits. Let the wine reduce by half. Stir in lemon juice and remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add lemon zest and capers (if using). Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  5. Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. Taste the sauce as you go and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve with pasta, rice, vegetables, or a simple salad. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.