Chicken Scallopini Recipe

Posted by Fitzroy Neville June 8, 2024

Background and History

Chicken Scallopini, or “Scaloppine” in Italian, is a classic Italian-American dish. “Scaloppine” refers to thinly sliced meat, usually veal, chicken, or pork, that is dredged in flour and sautéed. This technique allows the meat to cook quickly and retain its tenderness. The dish often features a light, tangy sauce made with ingredients like lemon, capers, white wine, or butter. Chicken Scallopini has become a favorite in many households and restaurants due to its delicious flavor and relatively quick preparation time.

Recipe Guide

Serves

  • 4 people

Time

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time

  • 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1/4 cup capers, drained
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions

Preparation

  • Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to about 1/4 inch thickness.
  • In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, and black pepper.

Coat the Chicken

  • Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

Cook the Chicken

  • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the chicken breasts to the skillet, cooking for about 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

  • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the white wine or chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the lemon juice and capers. Simmer for another 2 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the butter until melted and the sauce is smooth.

Combine and Serve

  • Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it cook for another 2 minutes to warm the chicken through.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
  • Serve immediately with your choice of side, such as pasta, rice, or vegetables.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 600mg

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour.
  • You can substitute chicken broth for white wine if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
  • Serve with a light side dish, such as steamed vegetables or a simple salad, to complement the rich flavors of the scallopini.

Allergy Warning

  • Contains gluten (from flour).
  • Contains dairy (butter).
  • Ensure all ingredients are free from cross-contamination if you have specific allergies.

Enjoy your Chicken Scallopini, a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a tangy, flavorful sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an elegant dinner party.

What is chicken scallopini made of?

Chicken Scallopini is made of thinly sliced chicken breasts that are dredged in flour and sautéed, often served with a light sauce made from lemon, capers, white wine, and butter.

What’s the difference between chicken scallopini and chicken piccata?

The main difference is the sauce: Chicken Scallopini can have a variety of sauces, while Chicken Piccata specifically features a sauce made with lemon juice, capers, and white wine or broth.

What is chicken scallopini whole food?

Chicken Scallopini at Whole Foods refers to a prepared dish or meal kit featuring thinly sliced chicken breasts cooked with a tangy lemon-caper sauce, available in their deli or ready-to-eat section.

Where did chicken scallopini originate?

Chicken Scallopini originates from Italy, where the technique of preparing “scaloppine” involves thinly slicing meat, dredging it in flour, and sautéing it quickly.

What is the difference between cutlet and scallopini?

A cutlet refers to a piece of meat that is sliced thinly and may or may not be breaded, while scallopini specifically refers to very thin slices of meat that are quickly sautéed and often served with a sauce.

What does scallopini mean in cooking?

In cooking, scallopini means thin slices of meat that are dredged in flour and sautéed quickly, typically served with a sauce.

What is scallopini in Italy?

In Italy, scallopini refers to thin slices of meat, such as veal, chicken, or pork, that are lightly floured and sautéed, often accompanied by a light sauce.

What is scallopini in Italian to English?

In Italian to English, “scallopini” translates to “small scallops” or “thin slices,” referring to the method of preparing thinly sliced meat.

What is chicken called in Italy?

In Italy, chicken is called “pollo.”

How to cut chicken breast into scallopini?

To cut chicken breast into scallopini, place the chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound it to about 1/4 inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Then, slice the pounded chicken into thin, even pieces.

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Fitzroy Neville, the culinary maestro behind this site, boasts the impressive title of Cooking Prodigy. With a natural flair for the culinary arts, Fitzroy brings innovation and expertise to the world of pet cuisine. His site is a haven for pet owners seeking imaginative and nutritious recipes to delight their furry companions. Fitzroy's passion for transforming pet meals into culinary experiences is evident in the creative and delectable content he shares. For those looking to elevate their pets' dining experience, Fitzroy Neville's site is a testament to the artistry and skill of a true cooking prodigy dedicated to pampering our four-legged friends.