5 Easy Chicken Scallopini Recipes You'll Love

Welcome to a culinary journey where ease meets elegance with our collection of 5 Easy Chicken Scallopini Recipes You'll Love. Chicken scallopini is a dish that offers the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication, making it an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a refined meal for guests. In this blog post, we'll delve into the art of preparing chicken scallopini, sharing recipes that cater to various tastes while ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious meal without fuss.

What is Chicken Scallopini?

Chicken scallopini is essentially a method of preparing chicken where thinly sliced or pounded chicken breasts are quickly sautéed, often in butter or oil, and then usually served with a sauce. The Italian term “scallopini” refers to the way the meat is sliced or pounded into thin cutlets. This technique ensures a tender, evenly-cooked piece of meat that can absorb flavors well. Here are the key elements of a traditional chicken scallopini:

• Thin Slices: The chicken breast is either sliced horizontally into thinner pieces or pounded to an even thickness.
• Quick Cooking: The thin nature of the chicken allows for a quick sauté, which keeps the meat moist and tender.
• Variety of Sauces: From lemon butter sauce to creamy mushroom, chicken scallopini can be paired with numerous sauces to match different taste preferences.

Recipe #1: Classic Lemon Butter Chicken Scallopini

This classic recipe brings together the tang of lemon with the richness of butter, creating a sauce that is both refreshing and indulgent.

Ingredients:

• 4 thin chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lbs)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• All-purpose flour for dredging
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup chicken broth
• Juice of one lemon
• 2 tbsp capers (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter to the pan.
3. Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until nicely browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer while scraping the pan to loosen any browned bits.
5. Stir in the remaining butter to enrich the sauce. Add capers if using.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the sauce. Simmer for another minute.
7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.

🍋 Note: For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of butter or substitute some with olive oil.

Recipe #2: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Scallopini

This recipe adds the robust flavors of garlic and Parmesan, elevating the simple chicken scallopini to a new level of savory delight.

Ingredients:

• 4 thin chicken breasts
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ¹⁄₂ cup white wine or chicken stock
• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Mix bread crumbs with Parmesan and minced garlic.
2. Dip each chicken piece in egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture.
3. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet. Cook chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. Remove chicken. Add white wine to deglaze the pan, then simmer for a minute or two.
5. Add cream, stir to combine, and reduce the sauce slightly.
6. Return chicken to the pan, heat through, and garnish with parsley before serving.

Recipe #3: Mushroom Marsala Chicken Scallopini

Combining the earthiness of mushrooms with the sweet warmth of Marsala wine, this recipe offers a depth of flavor that is both comforting and luxurious.

Ingredients:

• 4 thin chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• All-purpose flour for dredging
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 8 oz sliced mushrooms
• ¹⁄₄ cup Marsala wine
• ¹⁄₂ cup chicken stock
• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream
• Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken, dredge in flour.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter. Brown the chicken on both sides, then set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add mushrooms, cook until browned.
4. Add Marsala wine, chicken stock, and cream. Stir and simmer until slightly thickened.
5. Return chicken to the pan, heat through, garnish with thyme.

🍄 Note: Marsala wine adds a unique flavor; however, you can substitute with sherry or Madeira if needed.

Recipe #4: Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Chicken Scallopini

This version infuses the chicken with the vibrant flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan, all bound together in a velvety pesto sauce.

Ingredients:

• 4 thin chicken breasts
• ¹⁄₂ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• ¹⁄₃ cup prepared pesto
• ¹⁄₄ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• ¹⁄₄ cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook chicken until browned on both sides.
3. Remove chicken, then in the same skillet, add sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, cream, and broth. Stir to combine.
4. Return chicken to the pan, heat through, and serve with sauce over the top.

Recipe #5: Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Scallopini

Pairing the beloved flavors of spinach and artichokes with chicken, this recipe brings together a creamy, comforting dish that’s both healthy and indulgent.

Ingredients:

• 4 thin chicken breasts
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• ¹⁄₂ cup artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• ³⁄₄ cup cream cheese
• ¹⁄₄ cup milk
• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet, melt butter, cook chicken until browned on both sides, then remove.
3. Add spinach and artichokes to the skillet, cook until spinach is wilted.
4. Stir in cream cheese, milk, and Parmesan, cook until smooth.
5. Return chicken, coat with sauce, and serve immediately.

🌿 Note: This dish can be paired with a side of pasta or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

From these five recipes, you can see how versatile and appealing chicken scallopini can be. Each dish brings its unique flavor profile, ensuring there's something for every palate. Whether you're looking for something light and zesty or rich and creamy, chicken scallopini adapts to your culinary whims with ease. The thin slices cook quickly, the sauces are simple yet luxurious, and the combinations of flavors can be both traditional and innovative. Next time you're pondering what to make for dinner, remember these recipes, and let the simplicity of chicken scallopini win you over with its flavors and elegance.