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If you are on the lookout for a bright, zesty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then the Lemon Capers Chicken Scallopini Recipe is the answer you’ve been dreaming of. This classic Italian-American delight features tender, pan-seared chicken cutlets swimming in a tangy lemon and briny caper sauce that bursts with flavor from the very first bite. Perfectly balanced, easy to make, and incredibly satisfying, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a dinner that feels truly special, whether it’s a weeknight treat or a meal to impress your guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating that effortless but unforgettable flavor combination. From the lightly floured chicken that crisps just right to the punchy lemon juice and salty capers that elevate the dish, these simple ingredients work beautifully together to deliver a classic scallopini experience.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pounded thin to cook evenly and quickly, ensuring a tender bite every time.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the chicken a delicate crust that locks in moisture while creating a perfect base for the sauce.
- Fresh garlic: Adds a fragrant depth that complements the lemon and capers without overpowering them.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, silky finish to the sauce and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brings bright acidity that balances the buttery richness and piquant capers.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the flavorful, light sauce base while keeping the dish savory but not salty.
- Capers: These little bursts of briny, tangy goodness add unique character and elevate the overall taste.
How to Make Lemon Capers Chicken Scallopini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to about 1/2 inch thickness. This step ensures quick and even cooking, giving you tender cutlets that soak up all the wonderful flavors to come.
Step 2: Dredge in Flour
Next, coat each chicken breast lightly in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. This creates a delicate crust when cooked, helping the chicken turn golden brown and providing a perfect base for the sauce to cling to.
Step 3: Pan-Sear the Chicken
Heat the unsalted butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the floured chicken breasts and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a lovely golden crust on the outside while keeping the chicken juicy inside. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the minced fresh garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about one minute until fragrant but not browned. Then, pour in the chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice, making sure to scrape up the browned bits from the pan’s bottom. These flavorful bits add irresistible depth to the sauce.
Step 5: Add Capers and Return Chicken
Stir in the capers and nestle the chicken cutlets back into the skillet. Allow everything to simmer gently for an additional 2 minutes. This brief simmer melds the flavors beautifully and warms the chicken through while letting the sauce thicken slightly.
Step 6: Serve with Sauce Drizzled Over
Now for the best part — plate the chicken and spoon that luscious lemon-caper sauce over the top. This final flourish delivers a tangy, buttery, and slightly briny finish that makes every bite shine bright.
How to Serve Lemon Capers Chicken Scallopini Recipe
Garnishes
To give your Lemon Capers Chicken Scallopini Recipe the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top. A few thin lemon slices or zest shavings also add a pop of color and enhance the lemony aroma. These subtle garnishes not only beautify the dish but add a fresh brightness with every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the tangy sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery polenta, or even a light risotto work beautifully. For a fresher, lighter option, serve it alongside sautéed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp arugula salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests, consider plating the chicken scallopini over a bed of angel hair pasta that will catch every drizzle of sauce. Alternatively, lay the cutlets atop a fluffy mound of cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. Serving it family-style on a large, rustic platter surrounded by vibrant herbs turns this simple meal into a stunning centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Lemon Capers Chicken Scallopini Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the sauce and chicken together so the flavors continue to meld, but be mindful the chicken may absorb more liquid and become softer after refrigeration.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked chicken scallopini in a freezer-safe container. It will keep its best quality for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool the dish completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, covered, until warmed through. This helps maintain the tenderness of the chicken and prevents the sauce from separating. Avoid microwaving if possible, or use a lower power setting to keep the sauce silky and the chicken juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts are traditional and cook quickly when pounded thin, boneless skinless chicken thighs can add extra juiciness and flavor. Just be sure to trim excess fat and pound them evenly for the best results.
What can I substitute for capers if I don’t have any?
If you’re out of capers, chopped green olives make a great stand-in. They add a similar briny, tangy punch that complements the lemon beautifully. Just reduce the amount slightly to avoid an overly salty taste.
Is the lemon juice cooked or fresh in this recipe?
The recipe uses freshly squeezed lemon juice which is added during the sauce-making stage. This ensures the lemon flavor remains bright and vibrant without becoming bitter from overcooking.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for dredging the chicken. This way you maintain the delightful crust without compromising on texture or flavor.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
The Lemon Capers Chicken Scallopini Recipe is a speedy meal, ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something quick but impressively delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the bright, buttery, and flavorful combo in the Lemon Capers Chicken Scallopini Recipe that keeps me coming back again and again. It’s a fantastic example of how simple ingredients can combine to create a meal that feels both cozy and celebratory. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe next time you want a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
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Lemon Capers Chicken Scallopini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This classic Chicken Scallopini recipe features tender, thinly pounded chicken breasts dredged in flour and sautéed to golden perfection. Finished with a bright, tangy sauce made from fresh lemon juice, garlic, chicken broth, and capers, this dish is perfect for a quick yet elegant meal that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Sauce
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp capers
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking and tender texture.
- Dredge the chicken: Coat each chicken breast lightly in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to avoid a gummy crust.
- Sauté the chicken: Heat the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the floured chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice, scraping the pan to release any browned bits for added flavor.
- Add capers and simmer: Stir in the capers, then return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2 minutes so the chicken absorbs the bright, tangy sauce.
- Serve: Plate the chicken and spoon the sauce over the top. Serve immediately while hot, pairing well with your choice of sides like pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken breasts evenly.
- Be careful not to overcook chicken; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Fresh lemon juice is key for the bright acidity in this dish—avoid bottled lemon juice for best flavor.
- To add more richness, you can finish the sauce with a splash of white wine or a pat of additional butter.
