Lemon Chicken Scallopini

There’s something special about cooking with chicken that brings me back to family gatherings and sunny days spent in the kitchen. Today, I’m excited to share my love for Lemon Chicken Scallopini, a dish that perfectly balances the bright zest of lemon with tender slices of chicken. I still remember the first time I tasted this dish; the creamy sauce made every bite a celebration of flavors!

On a warm spring evening, I whipped this up for dinner, and the delightful aroma filled my house, instantly making my family curious about what I was cooking. With a few simple ingredients, the Lemon Chicken Scallopini transforms a weekday meal into an extraordinary experience. You can almost hear the laughter echoing through the kitchen as we gathered around the table, excited to dig into a plate of golden-brown chicken drizzled in a luscious lemony cream sauce. It’s this kind of cooking that creates memories.

The best part? This dish is incredibly versatile! Whether you serve it over a bed of pasta or alongside steamed vegetables, each bite is an explosion of flavor that brightens any meal. So let’s dive into the world of Lemon Chicken Scallopini and bring a bit of that joy to your table!

Ingredients Required for Lemon Chicken Scallopini

Each ingredient in Lemon Chicken Scallopini plays a vital role in creating the rich and flavorful dish. The combination of fresh chicken, zesty lemon, and creamy sauce makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser. Here’s what you need to make it happen:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts – halved horizontally to make 4 pieces
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds a lovely depth of flavor
• 1 teaspoon salt – essential for enhancing taste
• 1 pinch cracked pepper – for a slight kick
• 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice – freshly squeezed, juice of half a lemon
• 4 tablespoons flour – all-purpose or tapioca; optional, for dredging
• 1 tablespoon butter – for frying
• 2 teaspoons oil – for cooking the chicken
• 1 brown onion – medium-sized, adds sweetness
• 2 tablespoons garlic – minced, or 6-8 cloves
• 1¼ cup chicken broth – for the sauce base
• 2/3 cup light cooking cream – for a creamy texture
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch – mixed with 1 tablespoon of water for thickening
• 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice – adjust to your taste
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian mixed herbs – for a burst of flavor
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish
• 2 lemon slices – for serving

The Method for Lemon Chicken Scallopini

Making Lemon Chicken Scallopini is a delightful process that allows you to enjoy the fresh flavors of spring. Follow these steps closely for a perfect dish:

1. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and cracked pepper. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over each piece and rub it in, ensuring each fillet is coated with flavor.
2. If you choose to, prepare a shallow bowl with flour. Dredge each seasoned fillet in the flour, shaking off any excess. This step is optional but adds a nice texture!
3. In a large skillet or non-stick pan, heat the butter and oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the butter melts and the pan is hot before adding the chicken.
4. Carefully add the chicken fillets to the pan and fry them until they are golden brown on each side. This should take about 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your fillets. Once cooked through and no longer pink, transfer them onto a warm plate.
5. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the same pan. Fry them until the onion is translucent, which should take around 3 minutes.
6. Reduce the heat to low-medium. Pour in the chicken broth and season the mixture with salt and pepper. Let it reduce slightly for about 6 minutes.
7. Now, add in the light cooking cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens. If the sauce seems too runny, mix the cornstarch with water and incorporate it into the sauce. It will thicken rapidly.
8. Pour in the additional lemon juice and allow it to simmer gently for another minute to combine. This enhances the lemon flavor significantly.
9. Finally, stir in the dried Italian mixed herbs and return the fried chicken to the pan, coating it with the creamy sauce. Serve immediately over your favorite base like rice, pasta, or steamed veggies.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a beautiful presentation!

How to Switch It Up

If you want to get creative with Lemon Chicken Scallopini, here are some fun tips to switch things up:

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken with sauce for up to a month. Just make sure to allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer bag.
• Pairing: This dish pairs perfectly with a simple green salad drizzled with olive oil or a side of roasted vegetables.
• Serving Variations: Try serving it over quinoa for a healthier grain option or over mashed potatoes for a comforting twist.
• Herb Swaps: If you’re out of Italian herbs, use fresh basil and oregano for a different flavor profile.

Side Dish Ideas for Lemon Chicken Scallopini

When it comes to serving Lemon Chicken Scallopini, the right side dishes can elevate your meal even further!

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic can balance the bright flavors of the dish wonderfully.
• Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a vibrant color and fresh taste that complements the chicken.
• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine and a tangy dressing pairs beautifully.
• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables brings warmth and earthiness to your plate.
• Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with fresh veggies and a lemon vinaigrette can be a refreshing side option.
• Rice Pilaf: Serve with a light rice pilaf to soak up all the delicious lemony sauce.
• Crusty Bread: A good loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce and enjoying every last bite.

FAQ

Conclusion

The beauty of Lemon Chicken Scallopini lies in its ability to combine simple ingredients into a dish that feels special. It’s a flavorful meal that’s not only easy to prepare but also makes for great company around the dinner table. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and unforgettable moments shared over this delightful dish!

Lemon Chicken Scallopini

The ultimate comfort food, Lemon Chicken Scallopini features tender chicken in a creamy lemon sauce that's bursting with flavor. It's the perfect easy weeknight dinner that will have your family asking for seconds!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Wooden Spoon
• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Saucepan

Ingredients

  

• 2 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts large, halved horizontally to make 4
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 pinch cracked pepper
• 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed, juice of half a lemon
• 4 tablespoons flour all purpose or tapioca – optional
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 teaspoons oil
• 1 medium-sized brown onion
• 2 tablespoons garlic minced, or 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1¼ cup chicken broth stock
• 2/3 cup light cooking cream
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch cornflour mixed with 1 tablespoon of water
• 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice (adjust to your tastes)
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian mixed herbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 2 pieces lemon slices or wedges, to serve

Instructions

 

• Season chicken with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Squeeze the lemon juice of half a lemon over each fillet, rubbing it into each fillet. (The next step is optional): Add the flour to a shallow bowl and dredge each fillet in the flour; shake off excess and set aside.
• Heat the butter and oil in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat until butter has melted and pan is hot. Fry the chicken until golden on each side, cooked through and no longer pink (about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your chicken). Transfer onto a warm plate.
• Add the onion and garlic to the pan and fry until onion is translucent (about 3 minutes). Reduce heat to low-medium heat, add the broth. Season with salt and pepper, and continue to cook to reduce down slightly (about 6 minutes).
• Add in the cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes until it begins to thicken. (If the sauce is too runny for your liking, add the cornstarch/water mixture into the center of the pan and mix through fast to combine into the sauce. It will begin to thicken immediately).
• Pour in the lemon juice, allow to simmer gently for a further minute to combine. Stir in the Italian herbs. Add the chicken back into the pan, cover with the sauce and serve over rice, pasta, steamed vegetables or zucchini noodles. Garnish with lemon slices or wedges and parsley.

Notes

• You can substitute light (or reduced fat) cooking cream with heavy cream or half and half.
• If you don’t have access to Italian dried herbs, use 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano.

Keyword Chicken Scallopini, Creamy Chicken Recipe, Easy Lemon Chicken, Lemon Chicken Recipe

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Meet Eva Sterling

I have a restless palate and I love that our blog covers such a wide range of food. I am always excited to cook something we haven’t tried before. I jump into every cooking session with enthusiasm, ready to chop, sauté, bake, or grill. I love the collaborative energy of our kitchen we all learn from each other, and that makes every dish we publish better.