Chicken Scallopini with Lemon Butter Sauce

If you’re craving a dish that is both quick to prepare and full of vibrant flavors, this Chicken Scallopini with Lemon Butter Sauce recipe is exactly what you need. Tender chicken cutlets are lightly sautéed and finished with a luscious, tangy lemon butter sauce that perfectly balances richness and brightness. It’s a simple yet impressive meal that works beautifully for weeknight dinners or when entertaining guests, bringing fresh, zesty notes to your plate with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings without sacrificing flavor.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The lemon butter sauce adds a vibrant, tangy touch that elevates the tender chicken.
• Impress Your Guests: Elegant enough for dinner parties but simple enough for family meals.
• Versatile Pairing: Works wonderfully with pastas, salads, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh lemons, so you don’t need fancy items to shine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chicken Scallopini with Lemon Butter Sauce calls for straightforward ingredients that each bring something special to the dish, from the tender texture of the chicken to the silky richness of the butter and the fresh zing of lemon juice.

• Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced or pounded cutlets ensure even cooking and tenderness.
• Flour: Light dusting for a delicate crust and to help thicken the sauce slightly.
• Butter: Adds creamy richness and helps create the signature sauce texture.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing to give a light, flavorful sear without burning the butter.
• Fresh lemon juice: The star ingredient, providing bright acidity and freshness.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and enhances the savory profile.
• Chicken broth or white wine: Creates a flavorful base for the sauce and adds complexity.
• Fresh parsley: For a burst of color and a mild herbal note at the finish.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors perfectly.

Variations for Chicken Scallopini with Lemon Butter Sauce

This classic recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to adjust based on what’s in your pantry or your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment and customize to make it your own.

• Add capers: Introduce a briny pop that complements the lemon and butter beautifully.
• Use turkey cutlets: A lean alternative that works just as well with the sauce.
• Include mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add earthiness and texture to the sauce.
• Swap lemon with grapefruit: For a unique citrus twist, grapefruit juice adds a different kind of tang.
• Dairy-free option: Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter, dairy-free sauce.

How to Make Chicken Scallopini with Lemon Butter Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets

Start by slicing the chicken breasts into thin cutlets or pounding them evenly until about a quarter-inch thick. This uniform thickness ensures quick, even cooking and a tender bite. Pat them dry with paper towels to help the flour adhere better.

Step 2: Dredge the Chicken

Lightly coat each chicken piece in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. This thin layer will create a delicate crust when sautéed and also help thicken the sauce later on.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Heat a combination of olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken cutlets for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set aside, keeping them warm.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

In the same pan, add more butter if needed, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant but not browned. Pour in chicken broth or white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer and reduce slightly, then stir in fresh lemon juice and a little extra butter until the sauce is smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Return the chicken to the pan briefly to warm it through and coat it in the luscious lemon butter sauce. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color and a bright herbal note before plating.

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Scallopini with Lemon Butter Sauce

• Choose thin cutlets: Pounding chicken evenly ensures quick cooking and tender results.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed to maintain a nice sear without steaming.
• Use fresh lemons: Fresh juice creates a brighter, fresher sauce than bottled lemon juice.
• Keep sauce warm: Heat the sauce gently and avoid boiling after adding butter to prevent separation.
• Deglaze wisely: Use chicken broth or dry white wine to build flavor and dissolve browned bits.

How to Serve Chicken Scallopini with Lemon Butter Sauce

Garnishes

Top with freshly chopped parsley to add a fresh herbaceous flavor and a pop of color that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. A few thin lemon slices on the side really emphasize the citrus theme beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, garlic butter pasta, or a crisp green salad. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans make excellent companions that add color and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve the chicken scallopini over a bed of risotto or alongside a colorful medley of quinoa salad. Drizzle extra lemon butter sauce over the top and add edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover chicken scallopini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the sauce separately if possible to prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken scallopini, but note that the sauce’s texture may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the butter sauce separate and leave the chicken rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful alternative, though they will need slightly longer cooking time.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for dredging the chicken.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Chicken scallopini cooks quickly; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C), and the meat should no longer be pink inside.

Can I substitute lemon juice with vinegar?

While vinegar can add acidity, it won’t provide the same fresh citrus flavor as lemon juice; use it sparingly or try lemon zest as an additional flavor boost.

What wine pairs best with Chicken Scallopini with Lemon Butter Sauce?

A crisp, light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the bright citrus flavors perfectly without overpowering the dish.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Scallopini with Lemon Butter Sauce recipe is a delightful combination of simple ingredients and elegant flavors that come together effortlessly. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or hosting friends with something impressive yet approachable, this dish brings warmth and brightness to the table in every bite. Give it a try to add a fresh new favorite to your recipe collection!

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