The aroma of garlic sizzling in olive oil fills the kitchen as I recall the first time I made The Best Chicken Scallopini. It was a chaotic weeknight, and I desperately needed a dish that would impress my family without turning me into a frazzled chef. Spoiler alert: it worked!

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What is Chicken Scallopini made of?
- Can I use other proteins for Chicken Scallopini?
- How do I make Chicken Scallopini gluten-free?
- 📖 Recipe Card
tender chicken breast sautéed to golden perfection, drenched in a luscious lemony sauce that dances on your taste buds. This dish is not just food; it’s a culinary hug on a plate, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself after a long day.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The best chicken scallopini is quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners effortless.
- Its zesty flavor profile will brighten your meal experience.
- Visually stunning with its golden-brown crust and vibrant garnish, this dish impresses on any table.
- Versatile enough for pairing with pasta or vegetables, everyone will enjoy it!
One evening, as I served this dish to my family, their delighted expressions were worth every minute spent in the kitchen. They devoured it like it was the last meal on Earth and begged for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts for optimal portion sizes based on your crowd.
- Fresh Garlic: Don’t skimp here; fresh garlic elevates the flavor beautifully.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds zing; bottled won’t cut it!
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for tastier results.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth keeps the flavors balanced without overwhelming saltiness.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances freshness in flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for highlighting the other flavors in the dish.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to achieve that perfect silky texture.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients together on a clean workspace; trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you’re not running around looking for that elusive garlic clove! Then you can slice the chicken breasts into thin cutlets—aim for about half an inch thick—for even cooking.
Sear That Chicken!: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot but not smoking. Add the chicken cutlets to the pan one at a time without overcrowding them—golden-brown goodness needs space! Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until they reach that beautiful golden hue.
Add Flavor with Garlic and Lemon Juice!: Once your chicken is cooked through and resting on a plate (don’t let it get too comfortable), toss minced garlic into the same skillet. Sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds—and then pour in freshly squeezed lemon juice along with chicken broth to create that dreamy sauce.
Create That Silky Sauce!: Sprinkle cornstarch into the skillet while whisking (this is where we thicken things up). Bring it to a gentle simmer and watch as your sauce transforms from liquid to luscious! Let it cook for another minute until smooth and glossy.
Add Back Your Chicken!: Return those glorious chicken cutlets back into the pan and let them soak up all that flavorful sauce—just a couple of minutes should do the trick! Toss everything gently so each piece gets coated evenly.
Add Parsley for Freshness!: Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over your dish as you remove it from heat; this will add both color and freshness. Serve immediately while everything is still warm!
Now you’ve created The Best Chicken Scallopini right in your own kitchen! Don’t forget to serve with sides like pasta or steamed vegetables to make it truly delightful! Enjoy every bite as if you’ve just won a Michelin star at home!
You Must Know
- Always pound the chicken to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor impact.
- Let the sauce simmer a little longer for richer flavor.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first until golden brown, then remove it from the pan. Cook your sauce next, allowing flavors to develop before returning the chicken to finish cooking in the delicious blend.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or even eggplant for a vegetarian twist. You can also add capers or sun-dried tomatoes for extra zing and flavor depth in your dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat to maintain tenderness without drying out the chicken.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Elevate your Chicken Scallopini by using homemade broth instead of store-bought; it adds depth.
- Remember not to overcrowd the pan while searing; give each piece space to brown nicely.
- Always taste as you cook, adjusting seasoning as needed for perfection!
I remember making this dish for my family’s Sunday dinner and watching their expressions change from curiosity to delight with each bite. They couldn’t believe how simple yet delicious it was!
FAQ
What is Chicken Scallopini made of?
Chicken scallopini typically includes thinly sliced chicken breast, flour, and a flavorful sauce.
Can I use other proteins for Chicken Scallopini?
Absolutely! Turkey or even tofu can be used as alternatives for a unique twist.
How do I make Chicken Scallopini gluten-free?
Substitute regular flour with almond flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free option that works well!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
The Best Chicken Scallopini
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in this easy chicken scallopini featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 tbsp high-quality extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Slice each chicken breast into thin cutlets (about 1/2 inch thick) for even cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in lemon juice and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Sprinkle cornstarch into the sauce while whisking to thicken slightly. Allow it to simmer for 1 minute until smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, coating them in the sauce for a couple of minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, replace cornstarch with almond flour.
- Add capers or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve with pasta or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet (170g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 110mg