Chicken scallopini is a delicious Italian-inspired dish that has become popular in restaurants and home kitchens But what exactly is scallopini, and how did it become such a beloved recipe? In this article, we’ll explore the origins, ingredients, and cooking techniques behind this tasty dish.
A Brief History of Chicken Scallopini
Chicken scallopini has its roots in Italian culinary tradition The term “scaloppine” refers to thin cutlets of meat that are quickly pan-fried. This cooking style allowed Italians to transform inexpensive ingredients like veal or chicken into an elegant, restaurant-quality dish
Italian immigrants brought scaloppine recipes like chicken scallopini to America. The dish evolved over the years, incorporating new ingredients and cooking methods. Today chicken scallopini is a menu staple at Italian-American restaurants across the country. Its popularity stems from the dish’s simplicity, convenience, and undeniable flavors.
Defining Chicken Scallopini
So what exactly makes a dish chicken scallopini? Here are the key components:
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Thinly sliced or pounded chicken breast: The chicken is sliced into cutlets about 1/4-1/2 inch thick. Pounding helps tenderize the meat and ensures quick, even cooking.
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Light dredging in flour: Before cooking, the chicken is lightly coated in flour, which creates a delicate crust when fried.
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Quick pan-frying: The chicken cutlets are sautéed in olive oil or butter over high heat for a few minutes per side.
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Flavorful lemon-butter sauce: The pan sauce usually consists of lemon juice, white wine, capers, and butter. This bright, tangy sauce is essential.
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Creamy texture: The sauce is enriched with Parmesan cheese or heavy cream.
These components come together to create the quintessential chicken scallopini experience – juicy chicken with a crispy crust bathed in a velvety, lemony sauce.
Key Ingredients in Chicken Scallopini
While variations exist, most chicken scallopini recipes call for a similar lineup of core ingredients:
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Chicken breasts: The most tender cut, pounded thin. Chicken thighs can also be used.
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Flour: All-purpose flour lightly coats the chicken before cooking.
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Butter and olive oil: These fats ensure tender chicken and a rich sauce.
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White wine: Adds acidity and brightness to the sauce.
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Lemon juice: Provides tartness to balance the richness.
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Capers: Briny capers offer hits of saltiness.
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Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley contributes flavor and color.
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Parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan lends nuttiness and creaminess.
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Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms provide an earthy, meaty flavor.
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Garlic and shallots: Aromatic alliums enhance overall flavor.
As you can see, it’s the synergy between these ingredients that makes chicken scallopini so crave-worthy. Their flavors marry harmoniously in each bite.
Step-By-Step Guide to Making Chicken Scallopini
While the ingredients are simple, proper technique is critical when cooking chicken scallopini. Here is an overview of the key steps:
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Pound the chicken breasts to an even 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet. This tenderizes the meat.
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Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper.
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Dredge the chicken in flour. Shake off any excess. The flour helps achieve a crisp exterior.
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Pan fry the chicken in a combination of butter and olive oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches.
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Make the pan sauce. Sauté aromatics like shallots and garlic, then deglaze with white wine.
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Finish the sauce by whisking in cold butter, lemon juice, capers, and Parmesan. The butter emulsifies the sauce.
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Return the chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over top. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Mastering the quick sautéing is key for chicken scallopini. You want tender chicken coated in a luscious lemon-caper pan sauce.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Scallopini
Chicken scallopini is versatile enough to serve on its own or paired with various side dishes:
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Pasta: Toss the chicken and sauce with spaghetti or linguine. The sauce clings to the noodles.
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Rice pilaf: As a lighter alternative to pasta, rice soaks up the lemony sauce.
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Crusty bread: Great for dipping in the pan sauce. Ciabatta or baguette work nicely.
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Steamed veggies: Bright green beans, broccoli or asparagus offset the richness.
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Simple salad: A green salad with vinaigrette balances the decadence.
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Roasted potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes are an easy, tasty accompaniment.
When in doubt, keep sides simple to let the flavors of the chicken scallopini shine through. A smattering of fresh parsley and lemon wedges finishes the plate beautifully.
Cooking Tips for Delicious Chicken Scallopini
Here are some helpful tips for achieving the perfect chicken scallopini every time:
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Use very cold butter when making the sauce. It will emulsify more smoothly.
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If the sauce breaks, add a splash of heavy cream while whisking vigorously.
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Don’t overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
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Make sure to dry the chicken well before dredging in flour. The coating will adhere better.
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Use a wide, shallow pan when cooking. Crowding the pan can make chicken steam instead of brown.
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Let the pan reheat between batches for consistent browning.
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Cook the mushrooms down until browned and caramelized to boost flavor.
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Zest the lemon before juicing to garnish the dish with lemon zest.
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Substitute parsley with basil, thyme, or tarragon for a flavor twist.
With high-quality ingredients and proper technique, chicken scallopini is a simple yet extremely satisfying dish for any occasion. The Italians certainly knew what they were doing when they devised this recipe! Give it a try and taste why chicken scallopini has become a cherished family favorite across the globe.
Using wine and lemon juice in a cream sauce
You need to make sure you cook the wine and lemon juice before adding the cream. Adding them to the sauce first cooks off the acid and alcohol, both of which can curdle cream. By heating them first, all you have left is the flavor to enhance and brighten the creamy dish without changing the texture.
I often use this to create creamy, flavorful pastas. You can also adjust the thickness of the sauce with cornstarch or flour. A good example of using cornstarch in the garlic chicken pasta, where the herb flavors come from garlic and bay leaf.
I have to say, chicken, pasta, and cream is probably one of my favorite combinations. And if you look at the recipe archives, you can certainly tell that. Pastas are a great base for quick, weeknight meals. And my family really likes a meat-based protein source. My favorite choice for that is chicken – possibly almost as much as I like salmon.
But let’s just look at how such similar ingredients can be used in so many different ways. You can keep the same ingredients around and always have something new for dinner! Perfect for busy people who like tasty food. Here are some of my favorites that take 40 minutes or less:
Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo – This one is very popular in my house. My husband loves it, I love it, and the children love the parts of it they have tried. Just a hint of paprika spices up the cream sauce for something truly unique.
Chicken Carbonara – It’s hard to go wrong with a classic like carbonara. I’ve added chicken and peas and made the sauce a little saucier, and it is so delicious.
Chicken Spaghetti with Parmesan Lemon Cream Sauce – This is probably my favorite for weeknights. Ready in just 25 minutes! Lots of lemon, lots of cheese, what’s not to love? Just remember to cook off that lemon acid before adding the cream!
Why you need to flatten the chicken
The great thing about flattening the chicken is how much faster it cooks. You can have this chicken scallopini on the table from start to finish in less than 30 minutes. Maybe even 20 minutes if you time it exactly right.
Flattening chicken also tenderizes it. As you crush the meat flat (it sounds unappetizing when you say it like that, doesn’t it?), you are separating the fibers in the meat. This makes it delicate and so easy to cut through. You might not even need a knife.
My Family is OBSESSED with this Chicken Scallopini Recipe
FAQ
What is Chicken Scallopini made of?
Chicken scallopini is a dish made from thin slices of chicken breast that are pounded until tender, dredged in flour, and then pan-fried.
What is the difference between Chicken Scallopini and chicken piccata?
Chicken scallopini and chicken piccata are related but distinct dishes. Scallopini refers to the preparation method of thinly slicing and flattening meat, while piccata specifically refers to a lemon-caper sauce.
What is the meaning of scallopini chicken?
What is Chicken Scallopini? Scallopini comes from the Italian word “scaloppine,” which means “small scallops.” In culinary terms, we take that to mean thinly sliced pieces of meat. In the case of chicken scallopini, it means thinly sliced chicken.
What does scallopini mean in cooking?
Scaloppine are lean slices of veal (though sometimes also pork or turkey), often lightly flattened with a meat pounder, cooked in a sauce that may feature wine or lemon. They make a very appealing second course that is easy to prepare.