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Chicken Scallopini with Lemon Butter Sauce

Chicken Scallopini with Lemon Butter Sauce

Tender, thinly sliced chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection and smothered in a bright, silky lemon butter sauce that balances richness with refreshing citrus zest. This quick and elegant Chicken Scallopini with Lemon Butter Sauce is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, offering a flavorful, family-friendly meal that pairs well with various sides.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 4 thinly sliced chicken breasts (about 1/4-inch thick)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thinness, about 1/4-inch thick, to ensure even cooking and tenderness. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper, then dredge each slice in flour, shaking off any excess.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the floured chicken slices in batches to avoid overcrowding and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
  3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, taking care not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth or white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Allow the liquid to simmer and reduce slightly.
  4. Finish the Sauce and Plate: Stir in fresh lemon juice and zest. Swirl in more (cold) butter to enrich the sauce and create a velvety texture. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the lemon butter sauce over each piece to coat thoroughly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound chicken slices evenly, preventing overcooking.
  • Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure a golden crust.
  • Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for a brighter, fresher sauce.
  • Tent cooked chicken with foil to keep it warm and moist while making the sauce.
  • Deglaze the pan thoroughly, scraping up all browned bits for maximum flavor in the sauce.
  • Stir in cold butter at the end off the heat to keep sauce creamy and avoid breaking.
  • For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend.
  • Butter can be replaced with dairy-free margarine or olive oil for a dairy-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken scallopini, lemon butter sauce, quick chicken recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, gluten-free chicken, elegant chicken dish