Discover the Best Chicken Scallopini Recipe for a Delicious Dinner

Chicken scallopini is a classic Italian dish that’s equal parts delicious and elegant. This Best Chicken Scallopini Recipe features tender chicken cutlets simmered in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce, making it the perfect weeknight meal or weekend indulgence. With just a few simple ingredients, you can elevate ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-worthy dish that’s sure to impress.

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Understanding Chicken Scallopini

Chicken scallopini, also known as chicken scalloppine, is a beloved Italian-American dish that originated in Italy. The term “scallopini” refers to the thin, pounded cutlets of meat that are the hallmark of this recipe. By pounding the chicken breasts into thin, even slices, they cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

The Best Chicken Scallopini Recipe differs from other chicken dishes, like chicken piccata, in a few key ways. While both feature pounded chicken cutlets, chicken scallopini is typically served with a creamy mushroom sauce, while chicken piccata is made with a tangy lemon-caper sauce. The sauce is what really sets this dish apart and makes it so irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients Breakdown

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8 oz. each): The foundation of the dish. Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the best results.
• 1¼ tsp kosher salt, divided: Seasons the chicken and the sauce.
• 1 tsp black pepper, divided: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour, plus 1 tsp for sauce: Helps create a light, crispy coating on the chicken and thickens the sauce.
• 3 tbsp olive oil: Used to cook the chicken, imparting a subtle richness.
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds creamy texture and flavor to the sauce.
• 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms: The star ingredient in the velvety mushroom sauce.
• 2 shallots, sliced (about ½ cup): Provides aromatic sweetness to the sauce.
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream: Gives the sauce its luxurious, silky texture.
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley: Brightens and freshens the dish with its vibrant flavor.
• ½ tsp grated lemon zest, plus extra for garnish: Adds a subtle citrus note to balance the richness.

Using high-quality, fresh ingredients is key to making the Best Chicken Scallopini Recipe truly shine. If you have dietary restrictions, you can try substituting gluten-free flour or dairy-free cream alternatives to accommodate your needs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Cutlets

Start by slicing each chicken breast horizontally to create two thin cutlets. Place the cutlets between two pieces of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan to pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This step is crucial for ensuring the chicken cooks quickly and evenly.

Season and Coat the Chicken

Season the pounded chicken cutlets with ¾ tsp of salt and ½ tsp of pepper. Dredge each cutlet in the ½ cup of flour, making sure to coat them evenly on both sides.

Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken cutlets and cook for about 4 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.

Prepare the Mushroom Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, shallots, and the remaining salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes, or until the mushrooms are nicely browned.

Finish the Sauce

Stir in 1 tsp of flour and cook for 1 minute. Then, pour in the heavy cream, parsley, and lemon zest, stirring to combine. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Serve

Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet, spooning the creamy mushroom sauce over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra lemon zest for a bright, fresh finish.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

The Best Chicken Scallopini Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or a fresh, crisp salad. For a heartier meal, pair it with roasted vegetables or a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce.

When it comes to wine pairings, a light, crisp white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, would complement the flavors perfectly. For a bolder pairing, a medium-bodied red wine, like a Chianti or Merlot, can also hold its own against the richness of the dish.

Leftover Best Chicken Scallopini Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to enjoy. You can also prepare the sauce in advance and keep it chilled until you’re ready to cook the chicken, making this an excellent option for meal prepping.

Nutritional Information

One serving of the Best Chicken Scallopini Recipe (1 chicken cutlet with sauce) contains approximately 461 calories, 32g of fat, 23g of carbohydrates, and 33g of protein. The dish is a good source of protein, as well as vitamins and minerals from the mushrooms, shallots, and parsley.

To make the dish a bit healthier, you can try using low-fat or non-fat dairy products in the sauce, and serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. Portion control is also key, as the rich, creamy sauce can make it easy to overindulge.

FAQs

What exactly is scallopini chicken?

Chicken scallopini, also known as chicken scalloppine, refers to thin, pounded chicken cutlets that are cooked quickly and often served with a sauce. The thin, even thickness of the chicken allows it to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

How do you cook scallopini?

To cook scallopini chicken, you first need to pound the chicken breasts into thin, even cutlets. This can be done by placing the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap and using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan to pound them to about ½-inch thickness. The cutlets are then seasoned, coated in flour, and quickly sautéed in a skillet until golden brown and cooked through.

What is the difference between chicken scallopini and chicken piccata?

The main difference between chicken scallopini and chicken piccata is the sauce. Chicken scallopini is typically served with a creamy mushroom sauce, while chicken piccata features a tangy lemon-caper sauce. Both dishes start with thin, pounded chicken cutlets, but the sauces provide a distinct flavor profile.

What makes something scallopini?

The term “scallopini” refers to the thin, pounded slices of meat, typically chicken or veal, that are the hallmark of this dish. By pounding the meat into an even, thin cutlet, it cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce more effectively.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Creamy Chicken Marsala
• Chicken Piccata with Capers
• Garlic Butter Chicken Breast

These similar recipes showcase the versatility of pounded chicken cutlets and offer unique flavor profiles to complement the Best Chicken Scallopini Recipe. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sauces and seasonings to find your personal favorite variation.

Conclusion

The Best Chicken Scallopini Recipe is a true Italian-American classic that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its tender chicken, creamy mushroom sauce, and bright, zesty notes, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Give it a try and let us know what you think!

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