Description
Chicken Scallopini is a classic Italian-inspired dish featuring tender, pan-fried chicken breasts in a tangy lemon-caper sauce. This quick and easy recipe creates a flavorful and elegant meal perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Cooking Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season and Dredge Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Lightly dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to ensure an even coating.
- Heat Fat in Skillet: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until the butter has melted and the mixture is hot but not smoking.
- Cook Chicken: Place the floured chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan to incorporate those flavors into the sauce.
- Add Capers and Simmer: Stir in the drained and rinsed capers. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and concentrate in flavor.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon the lemon-caper sauce over the top. Cook together for an additional minute to warm the chicken through and meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the finished dish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot for the best taste.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcrowd the pan while cooking the chicken to promote even browning.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer the lemon and broth mixture a bit longer before adding the chicken back in.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a simple green vegetable side.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright, tangy flavor.
- Capers add a salty, briny note; rinse them thoroughly before use to control saltiness.
