Chicken Scallopini – Your Quick, Elegant Lemon Butter Chicken Dinner

I remember watching my mom in the kitchen, pounding chicken breasts under wax paper with a wooden rolling pin. The rhythmic sound meant something good was coming. Now, years later, when I need a fast, flavorful dinner that feels special? Chicken Scallopini is my go-to. It’s fast, family-friendly, and built around a lemon-butter sauce that punches way above its weight.

Why This Garlic Butter Chicken Is a Must-Try

Ready in Under 30 Minutes

• Thin-sliced chicken cutlets = lightning-fast cooking
  
• One pan means quick cleanup
  

Loaded With Flavor

• Garlic, butter, lemon juice, white wine = flavor bomb
  
• Light dredge gives that golden, crispy texture that sauce clings to
  

Totally Flexible

• Use chicken thighs alternative for juicier results
  
• Sub in vegetable broth for a meatless twist
  
• Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for weeknights
  

Ingredients for Chicken in Lemon Sauce

For the Chicken

• 2 large chicken breasts (or chicken cutlets)
  
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
  
• Salt & pepper to taste
  

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 1/3 cup white wine (or more broth)
  
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  
• Juice of 1 lemon (freshly squeezed)
  
• 1 tbsp capers (optional, for chicken scallopini with capers)
  

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
  
• Lemon slices (optional)
  

Step-by-Step: How to Make Flour Dredged Chicken Scallopini

1. Pound and Season

Place chicken between sheets of plastic wrap. Pound until 1/2 inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper. (This step ensures even cooking — don’t skip it.)

2. Dredge in Flour

Lightly dredge chicken in flour. Shake off excess. This gives it that golden crust and helps the sauce stick.

3. Pan-Fry Chicken Breasts

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and half the butter. Once it’s shimmering, add the chicken. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and tent with foil.

4. Build That White Wine Chicken Sauce

In the same pan, add garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Deglaze with white wine, scraping up those golden bits (they’re flavor gold). Let it reduce by half.

5. Add Lemon Juice + Broth

Pour in lemon juice and chicken broth. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.

6. Finish the Lemon Butter Chicken Sauce

Turn off the heat. Swirl in remaining butter and capers. Taste and adjust seasoning.

7. Return Chicken to the Skillet

Add chicken back to the pan. Spoon sauce over. Let it warm through for 2-3 minutes.

8. Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately. That’s it — pan-fried chicken breasts perfection.

Variations & Twists for Herb Infused Scallopini

• Chicken thighs alternative: More forgiving, extra juicy
  
• Eggplant scallopini (vegetarian option): Works beautifully
  
• Herbs: Add thyme, basil, or parsley for herb-infused scallopini
  
• Spicy: Toss in some red pepper flakes
  
• Creamy scallopini sauce: Add a splash of heavy cream
  
• Garlic overload: Use 6 cloves instead of 3
  
• Nutty finish: Toasted almonds or pine nuts on top
  
• Citrus twist: Add orange zest for a unique note
  

Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Weeknights

• Chicken can be pounded and seasoned 24 hours in advance
  
• Pre-dredge in flour and store covered
  
• Sauce should be made fresh, but ingredients can be pre-measured
  

Storage & Reheating: Chicken Scallopini Tips

• Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 3 days
  
• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken without sauce up to 3 months
  
• Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop with a splash of broth to revive sauce
  

Expert Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken

• Pound evenly so the chicken cooks consistently
  
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet — or you’ll steam, not sear
  
• Deglaze like a pro — scrape those brown bits!
  
• Use fresh lemon juice — bottle stuff won’t cut it
  
• Finish with cold butter for silky sauce
  
• Add capers for that briny depth
  

FAQs About Chicken Scallopini

Related Chicken Recipes

• Try this creamy smothered chicken recipe if you love skillet-style comfort food like Chicken Scallopini.
  
• These garlic butter chicken bites are a perfect quick-fix dinner, much like Chicken Scallopini.
  
• If you’re craving another bold-flavored chicken dinner, this creamy honey pepper chicken is a must.
  
• For a tropical spin on weeknight chicken, try this Hawaiian crockpot chicken.
  
• This lemon pepper chicken shares the same citrusy flavor notes as a classic Chicken Scallopini.
  

Conclusion

That’s how you make chicken scallopini with confidence, speed, and plenty of flavor. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick dinner or dressing it up for guests, this lemon butter chicken will absolutely deliver.

Want more chef-style, home-cook friendly recipes? Follow my Pinterest board for more:

Now get in that kitchen and make something delicious. This is the chicken I want to eat.

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