Chicken Scallopini with Parsley
Chicken scallopini with parsley is a classic Italian-inspired dish that’s incredibly easy to make at home. This recipe features tender, pan-seared chicken smothered in a bright, herby sauce – it’s the perfect balance of flavor and simplicity.
What makes this dish so special is the combination of succulent chicken, tangy lemon, and the fresh, fragrant parsley. The result is a meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean flair and appeals to the whole family. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this chicken scallopini is sure to impress.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
There’s a lot to love about this chicken scallopini recipe. For starters, it’s incredibly fast and easy to prepare, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights. The simple sauce comes together in minutes, while the chicken cooks up quickly in the skillet. Plus, the bright, herby flavors are sure to delight your taste buds.
But beyond the convenience and flavor, this dish also offers impressive versatility. The scallopini can be served as the main course, or you can slice it up to use in salads, wraps, or pasta dishes. And with a few simple tweaks, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit various dietary needs – from low-carb to dairy-free.
Finally, the elegant presentation of this chicken scallopini makes it a great option for entertaining. Serve it up with a side of roasted veggies or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s both delicious and visually appealing.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Chicken Scallopini with Parsley ❓
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this chicken scallopini recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, bright lemon, and fragrant parsley creates a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that has made this type of dish perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Chicken Scallopini with Parsley Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.
• Step 3: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
• Step 4: In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the butter, one piece at a time, until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in the chopped parsley.
• Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the parsley sauce over the top. Serve immediately.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 20 minutes
Compared to traditional chicken Parmesan, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this chicken scallopini saves you 40% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 290mg
These chicken scallopini provide approximately 54% of your daily protein requirements and 11% of your daily vitamin C needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Serve the chicken scallopini over a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta or rice.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the butter in the sauce with 2 tbsp olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
• Added protein: Top the chicken with grilled shrimp or sliced avocado for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Serve the chicken scallopini over a bed of sautéed spinach or roasted broccoli.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the chicken scallopini.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a crisp, green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Complement the chicken scallopini with a light, refreshing tomato and cucumber salad.
• For a family-style meal, serve the chicken scallopini alongside a platter of sautéed zucchini and a glass of chilled white wine.
• Create an impressive appetizer platter by slicing the chicken scallopini and arranging it with a selection of marinated olives, roasted red peppers, and crusty crostini.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Failing to pound the chicken thin: If the chicken breasts are too thick, they won’t cook evenly. Pounding them to 1/4-inch thickness ensures they cook through quickly and remain tender.
• Not deglazing the pan: Don’t skip the step of deglazing the pan with the chicken broth and lemon juice. This helps incorporate all the flavorful browned bits from the chicken into the sauce.
• Overcooking the sauce: Be careful not to let the sauce boil once the butter is added, as this can cause it to separate and become greasy.
• Forgetting the fresh parsley: The fresh parsley is crucial to the bright, herby flavor of this dish, so don’t skip it.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These chicken scallopini retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the chicken scallopini up to the point of cooking, then place the raw chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked chicken scallopini to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Reheating: Reheat leftover chicken scallopini in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to help rehydrate the sauce, until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the chicken scallopini ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely make this recipe ahead of time. The chicken can be pounded and seasoned up to 1 day in advance, and the sauce can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply sear the chicken, reheat the sauce, and assemble the dish.
Can I substitute different proteins for the chicken?
Definitely! This recipe works well with a variety of proteins, including veal, pork, or even firm white fish like tilapia or cod. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a vegetarian option, you could use extra-firm tofu or portobello mushroom caps.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make this chicken scallopini dairy-free by replacing the butter in the sauce with a plant-based butter alternative or extra virgin olive oil. You can also use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk in place of the chicken broth.
Why is my sauce curdling or separating?
If your sauce is curdling or separating, it’s likely because the heat was too high when adding the butter. Be sure to keep the heat on low and whisk the butter in slowly, one piece at a time, until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Avoid letting the sauce boil once the butter is incorporated.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! This chicken scallopini recipe is very versatile and can be easily adapted to include additional vegetables. Try sautéing sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to serve alongside the chicken. You can also serve the scallopini over a bed of sautéed spinach or roasted broccoli for extra nutrition.
Conclusion
These chicken scallopini with parsley represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a quick and easy weeknight dinner or as the centerpiece of a special occasion meal, they’re sure to impress with their tender chicken, bright lemon, and fragrant parsley.
The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these chicken scallopini demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process.
