Lemon Butter Chicken Scallopini with Capers Recipe
Chicken Scallopini is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender, thinly sliced chicken breasts cooked quickly in a tangy lemon-butter sauce infused with garlic and capers. This flavorful and elegant dish is perfect for a fast weeknight dinner that feels special.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced and pounded thin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
For the Sauce:
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon capers (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pound and season the chicken: Begin by flattening each chicken breast to an even thinness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures quick, even cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then dredge the pieces thoroughly in all-purpose flour, shaking off excess.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the floured chicken pieces and sauté until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant but not browned. Carefully pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan, then add the chicken broth and lemon juice. Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce slightly for about 5 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and capers, if using, to enrich the sauce and create a glossy finish. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer together gently for another 2 minutes so the chicken absorbs the sauce flavors.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken scallopini to plates, spoon additional sauce from the pan on top, and garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately alongside your favorite sides such as pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging.
- Capers add a lovely briny contrast but are optional based on taste preference.
- Use a good quality dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for best flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Keywords: Chicken Scallopini, Lemon Butter Chicken, Italian Chicken Recipe, Easy Weeknight Dinner, Quick Chicken Recipe