Here’s a detailed recipe for Lemon Chicken Scallopine, a classic Italian-American dish that’s light, tangy, and full of flavor. It features thin chicken cutlets sautéed and finished in a vibrant lemon butter sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or an elegant meal.
Lemon Chicken Scallopine Recipe
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Chicken:
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper
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½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Sauce:
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
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½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
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Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
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Zest of 1 lemon
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for finishing)
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
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Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets.
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Place each cutlet between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment and pound with a meat mallet to about ¼-inch thickness.
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Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge the Chicken:
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Lightly dredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off the excess.
3. Sauté the Chicken:
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Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Cook chicken in batches (don’t crowd the pan) for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through.
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Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
4. Make the Lemon Sauce:
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In the same pan, lower heat to medium and add a bit more oil if needed.
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Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds (do not brown).
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Deglaze with white wine, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
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Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly reduced.
5. Finish the Sauce:
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Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter to create a smooth, glossy sauce.
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Taste and adjust with more lemon juice or salt if needed.
6. Return Chicken to the Pan:
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Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over each piece.
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Simmer gently for 1–2 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
7. Garnish and Serve:
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Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
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Serve over angel hair pasta, mashed potatoes, or with steamed vegetables.
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Pair with a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
🔁 Variations:
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Add capers for a piccata-style version.
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Add sliced mushrooms or artichokes during the sauce step for extra depth.
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Use gluten-free flour for a GF version