If you’re craving a dish that’s effortlessly elegant, bursting with bright citrus flavor, and perfect for any night of the week, then you absolutely need to try this Lemon Butter Chicken Scallopini with Capers Recipe. It’s a classic Italian-American favorite that transforms simple chicken breasts into a tender, juicy masterpiece coated in a rich, tangy lemon butter sauce dotted with briny capers. Every bite offers that silky sauce hugging the lightly crisped chicken, making this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a comforting yet sophisticated addition to your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lemon Butter Chicken Scallopini with Capers Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role — from the tender chicken breasts providing the perfect canvas, to the zesty lemon juice delivering brightness, to the capers adding that punch of savory saltiness that balances the dish impeccably.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose even-sized breasts to ensure uniform cooking and easy flattening.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This creates a light coating that crisps beautifully and helps thicken the sauce.
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the sauce with a warm aromatic depth.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter: Butter enriches the sauce, giving it that silky mouthfeel and golden color.
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice adds vibrant acidity and fresh citrus flavor.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Broth provides a savory base for the sauce without overpowering it.
- 2 tbsp capers: These little bursts of tangy saltiness perfectly complement the richness of the butter and chicken.
How to Make Lemon Butter Chicken Scallopini with Capers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken until they are about half an inch thick. This ensures quick, even cooking and tender scallopini texture.
Step 2: Dredge in Flour
Next, dredge each chicken breast in the all-purpose flour, shaking off the excess coating. This step creates a light crust that gives your scallopini a subtle crunch and helps thicken the luscious lemon butter sauce later.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and sizzling, add the chicken and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and cooked-through chicken. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside—it will finish cooking in the sauce.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping any brown bits off the pan bottom—these are packed with flavor and will deepen your sauce.
Step 5: Add Capers and Simmer
Stir in the capers, then return the chicken cutlets to the skillet. Let everything simmer gently for about 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the chicken to soak in all those bright, buttery flavors.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Your Lemon Butter Chicken Scallopini with Capers Recipe is ready! Transfer the chicken to plates and spoon the luscious sauce over the top. Get ready for an amazing bite of tangy, buttery, and savory deliciousness.
How to Serve Lemon Butter Chicken Scallopini with Capers Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra pop of freshness and visual appeal, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a few lemon zest curls over the finished dish. These bright accents not only complement the flavors but also make your plate look restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Butter Chicken Scallopini with Capers Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like creamy mashed potatoes or garlic roasted asparagus. If you want to keep things light, a crisp green salad or steamed green beans invite a wonderful contrast in texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken on a bed of buttery pasta or lemon-infused risotto, letting the sauce mingle throughout the dish. Alternatively, plate individual portions with a lemon wedge on the side for your guests to finish with a sprinkle of fresh citrus zest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Lemon Butter Chicken Scallopini with Capers Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days while preserving both flavor and texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes nicely if you want to prep in advance. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, separating sauce from chicken if possible to maintain ideal texture. Frozen leftovers will stay good for up to 2 months.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the chicken and sauce together in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out the meat. Adding a splash of chicken broth or a bit of butter can help refresh the sauce and keep the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well too and will lend a slightly richer flavor and more moist texture, although you may need to adjust cooking time slightly.
What can I substitute for capers if I don’t have any?
If capers aren’t available, try using chopped green olives or a small splash of green olive brine to maintain that salty, tangy punch in the sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for dredging the chicken. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How do I get the sauce nice and thick?
The combination of flour coating and reducing the sauce gently creates a naturally thickened sauce. Just be sure to simmer it long enough to concentrate the flavors and thicken slightly without burning.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the butter with a quality dairy-free margarine or olive oil for cooking, and you’ll still get that lovely richness in the sauce minus the dairy.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Butter Chicken Scallopini with Capers Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels special without requiring complicated ingredients or techniques. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or impressing guests at a dinner party, its bright, buttery sauce and tender chicken deliver a memorable meal every single time. I’m confident once you try it, it will become one of your go-to favorites as well—so grab those simple ingredients and start cooking!
Print
Lemon Butter Chicken Scallopini with Capers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Chicken Scallopini is a classic Italian-inspired dish featuring tender, thinly pounded chicken breasts lightly coated in flour, pan-seared to a golden brown, and served with a zesty lemon-caper sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 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 the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay tender.
- Dredge the chicken: Lightly coat each chicken cutlet in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to avoid a thick, pasty coating.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: Reduce the heat to medium-low in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits stuck to the skillet, which adds depth to the sauce.
- Add capers and simmer: Stir in the capers, then return the chicken to the skillet. Let everything simmer together for about 2 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Plate the chicken breasts and drizzle the lemon-caper sauce over the top. Serve hot, ideally accompanied by a side of vegetables or pasta.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine when deglazing the pan with the chicken broth and lemon juice.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, especially when using salty capers.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the sauce during the simmer step.
- This dish pairs beautifully with sautéed spinach, roasted potatoes, or a light pasta.
- Ensure the chicken is not overcooked to keep it tender and juicy.
