Who can resist the allure of a plate heaped with golden-browned chicken scallopini? The tang of fresh lemon and the savory delight of capers merge beautifully with the succulent chicken, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on the palette. Making this dish is like playing an edible symphony – every ingredient is a note and together they form a harmonious flavor that is hard to resist.
Can you believe that such a decadent dish can be so easy to make? Indeed, it’s one of my favorite recipes when I want to impress my guests without spending the whole day in the kitchen. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of technique, this Chicken Scallopini can turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience. Are you ready to learn how to make it?
Understanding the Art of Chicken Scallopini
Chicken Scallopini, originally from Italy, is a dish that involves thin slices of meat (chicken, veal, or pork) that are dredged in flour, sautéed, and served in a sauce. The term ‘scallopini’ comes from the Italian word ‘scaloppa’ which means a small scallop, referring to the thin slices of meat used in the dish.
When done right, a good Chicken Scallopini should be tender, with a golden-brown crust, and a sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The lemon-caper sauce is arguably the heart of this dish, creating a balance of flavors that complements the chicken perfectly.
Choosing Your Ingredients Wisely
The quality of your ingredients can make or break this dish. Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They need to be pounded thin to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce. For the sauce, fresh lemon juice is preferable to bottled for its fresh, tangy flavor. Capers, a crucial element, add a burst of briny flavor that pairs well with the lemon.
Other ingredients include chicken broth, white wine, and garlic. The chicken broth and wine form the base of the sauce, with the wine adding a rich, fruity flavor that enhances the dish. Garlic is just the cherry on top, adding its unique aroma and flavor to the mix.
Mastering the Preparation
Begin by pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness – this not only tenderizes the meat but also ensures it cooks evenly. Once that’s done, dredge the chicken in flour. This creates a delicious golden crust when you sauté it and also helps thicken your sauce.
Next, it’s time to cook your chicken. A hot pan is crucial here to achieve that perfect golden brown color. Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and start building your sauce in the same pan to capture all those delicious chicken flavors left behind.
Let’s Get Cooking: Ingredients and Instructions
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup capers
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then pound them to even thickness.
- Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth, white wine, lemon juice, and capers. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes until the sauce is reduced by half.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over it. Cook for another couple of minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the butter until melted and incorporated into the sauce. Serve the chicken scallopini with extra sauce spooned over the top.
Time and Nutrition Breakdown
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 2
- Calories: 490
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 30g