Description
Chicken Scallopini is a classic Italian-inspired dish featuring tender, lightly floured chicken breasts sautéed to a golden brown and served with a tangy lemon, caper, and chicken broth sauce. This quick and flavorful recipe makes a perfect weeknight dinner that feels elegant yet comes together in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season and Dredge Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Lightly coat each piece with all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a thin, even layer.
- Heat Fat in Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil along with the butter. Allow the butter to melt and the mixture to become hot but not smoking.
- Sear Chicken: Add the floured chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until they turn a beautiful golden brown color and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make Sauce Base: In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan; these add great flavor to the sauce.
- Add Capers and Simmer: Stir in the drained and rinsed capers. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes until it reduces slightly, concentrating the flavors.
- Return Chicken and Heat Through: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the top and cook for an additional 1 minute to warm everything through and meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken breasts in lemon juice and olive oil for 15 minutes before cooking.
- If chicken breasts are very thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.