If you’re craving a dish that’s elegant, bright, and bursting with flavor, then this Lemon Capers Chicken Scallopini Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender chicken breasts, perfectly golden and succulent, swimming in a zesty lemon sauce with briny capers adding that irresistible savory punch. This classic Italian-inspired recipe hits all the right notes: simplicity, freshness, and comfort wrapped up in one stunning plate that’s sure to become a favorite for weeknight dinners or impressing guests alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lemon Capers Chicken Scallopini Recipe calls for ingredients that are simple yet essential, each playing a crucial role in creating its bright and luscious flavor profile. From the lightly dredged chicken that forms the golden base to the tangy lemon juice and savory capers that create the magic, you’ll appreciate how each element complements the next beautifully.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, they should be pounded thin or sliced evenly for quick, even cooking and tenderness.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Lightly coats the chicken to create a subtle crust and helps thicken the sauce slightly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds rich flavor and aids in browning the chicken to a golden perfection.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Provides a silky richness that balances out the acidity from the lemon.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Builds a flavorful base for the sauce and keeps the chicken moist.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: The star ingredient that brings bright, zesty freshness to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed: Adds a burst of briny and tangy flavor, giving the sauce its signature pizzazz.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: Offers a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make Lemon Capers Chicken Scallopini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple step infuses the meat with flavor right from the start. Then, lightly dredge each breast in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. This flour coating will help you achieve a beautiful, golden crust when cooking and will assist in thickening the sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and frothy. Carefully add the chicken breasts and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Your goal is a gorgeous, golden-brown exterior while cooking through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside — this step locks in the juiciness.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Keeping all those wonderful browned bits from the chicken in the skillet, pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape the bottom gently; those browned bits pack serious flavor. Stir in the capers and let this luscious sauce simmer for about 1 to 2 minutes, which lets it reduce slightly and concentrate those bright and tangy flavors.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the chicken breasts back to the skillet and spoon the delicious lemon caper sauce over each piece. Let everything cook together for an additional minute or so, just to heat the chicken through and allow the flavors to meld beautifully. This final step guarantees every bite is rich, tangy, and perfectly seasoned.
How to Serve Lemon Capers Chicken Scallopini Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley does wonders here — it not only adds a vibrant green pop of color but also gives the dish a subtle herbal freshness that balances the buttery lemon sauce. Don’t skip this step, as it elevates both the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
For sides, think simple and fresh. A light arugula salad with shaved Parmesan and a lemon vinaigrette complements the main dish wonderfully. Or pair it with garlic roasted asparagus or steamed green beans for a classic, elegant meal. Creamy mashed potatoes or a fluffy risotto also soak up that delightful caper-lemon sauce beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just add a little flair, serve each chicken breast atop a bed of angel hair pasta tossed lightly with olive oil and lemon zest. Garnish with a slice of lemon and extra capers on top to showcase those signature flavors. This presentation adds height and sophistication while keeping the focus on the bright, tangy essence of the Lemon Capers Chicken Scallopini Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish tastes great the next day! Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping the sauce separate helps maintain texture, so the chicken doesn’t get soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken scallopini, though it’s best to keep the sauce and chicken divided. Wrap the chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap and place the sauce in a freezer-safe container. Both will last up to 3 months frozen, making this recipe a perfect freezer-friendly meal for busy nights.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave and add the chicken afterward to prevent overcooking. This helps retain the chicken’s tenderness and ensures the sauce stays vibrant and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will give you a slightly richer flavor and more juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
What can I substitute for capers if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have capers on hand, try using green olives chopped finely or a splash of green olive brine to mimic that salty, tangy bite.
Is it necessary to dredge the chicken in flour?
While not mandatory, dredging helps create a flavorful crust and also thickens the sauce a bit. If you want a gluten-free alternative, you could use almond flour or cornstarch instead.
Can I make this Lemon Capers Chicken Scallopini Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or extra olive oil. The dish still retains its bright, zesty character without the butter’s richness.
How do I ensure the chicken stays tender and doesn’t dry out?
Using thin chicken breasts or pounding them evenly helps them cook quickly and evenly, preventing dryness. Also, avoid overcooking by watching the cooking times closely and letting the sauce finish the cooking gently.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a dish like this Lemon Capers Chicken Scallopini Recipe that can turn a simple weeknight dinner into a special occasion with minimal effort. The bright lemon, briny capers, and tender chicken all come together to create a meal that’s both comforting and elegant. I promise once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your cooking rotation — a true crowd-pleaser that your friends and family will rave about!
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Lemon Capers Chicken Scallopini Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Chicken Scallopini is a classic Italian-inspired dish featuring tender, lightly floured chicken breasts sautéed to a golden brown and served with a tangy lemon, caper, and chicken broth sauce. This quick and flavorful recipe makes a perfect weeknight dinner that feels elegant yet comes together in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season and Dredge Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Lightly coat each piece with all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a thin, even layer.
- Heat Fat in Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil along with the butter. Allow the butter to melt and the mixture to become hot but not smoking.
- Sear Chicken: Add the floured chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until they turn a beautiful golden brown color and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make Sauce Base: In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan; these add great flavor to the sauce.
- Add Capers and Simmer: Stir in the drained and rinsed capers. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes until it reduces slightly, concentrating the flavors.
- Return Chicken and Heat Through: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the top and cook for an additional 1 minute to warm everything through and meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken breasts in lemon juice and olive oil for 15 minutes before cooking.
- If chicken breasts are very thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
