Chicken Scallopini: Lemony Italian Classic to Crave Again & Again

Description:
Learn how to make Chicken Scallopini , an Italian chicken recipe that’s light, tangy, and packed with flavor. Tender cutlets, lemon, and savory mushrooms make it a favorite, whether you love veal scallopini recipes or need easy chicken scallopini dinner ideas. You’ll be craving it again and again — no need to brave the cold for a Macaroni Grill fix.

Chicken Scallopini is a lemony, flavorful dish of thinly sliced chicken cutlets that have been sautéed and simmered in a white wine and lemon sauce with garlic, mushrooms, and capers. It’s one of the most popular dishes on the Macaroni Grill and Whole Foods lunch menu for a reason.

It’s one of the easiest chicken scallopini recipes to make, with just a few simple ingredients and one pan required. Plus, you can adjust it to your taste preferences for an easy, family-friendly dinner.

This photo shows all the fresh ingredients laid out before cooking. Thin chicken cutlets, sliced mushrooms, fresh lemon, garlic, and parsley are arranged in a visually appealing way. The layout highlights the simplicity and freshness of this Italian-inspired dish.

What is Chicken Scallopini?
Chicken Scallopini (also called scaloppine) is a simple preparation of thinly pounded chicken cutlets that are sautéed and served with a flavorful sauce. While original versions were made with veal, chicken scallopini recipes are more common today.

This lemon chicken scallopini recipe is simple but full of flavor, using white wine, garlic, mushrooms, and capers to add savory notes to a light, bright citrus sauce.

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts , sliced in half horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets

1/2 cup flour , for dredging

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

Juice of 1 lemon

1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth

1 cup sliced mushrooms (baby bella or cremini)

1 tablespoon capers (optional)

Salt and pepper

Fresh chopped parsley , for garnish

Optional:

Pinch of red pepper flakes

Splash of cream (for creamy version)

Pasta or potatoes to serve

The image captures the cooking in progress: lightly floured chicken sizzling in a pan and mushrooms browning in butter. There’s visible steam and movement, giving the scene a cozy, homemade feel. It reflects the hands-on charm of preparing a comforting dinner from scratch.

Instructions:

Slice and pound chicken cutlets to about 1/4 inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Lightly dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off the excess.

Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown on each side. Set the chicken aside in a plate.

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter and garlic. Cook for 1 minute.

Add the mushrooms and cook until soft, about 4–5 minutes.

Add wine (or broth), lemon juice, and capers. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Add the chicken back to the pan and spoon the sauce over the top of each cutlet. Heat through for 1–2 minutes.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips:

Don’t overcook the chicken cutlets — they cook quickly because they are so thin.

Add some lemon zest to the sauce for a little extra zing of citrus flavor.

Deglaze the pan with wine for extra flavor, or use broth for a lighter flavor.

Serve the scallopini over pasta, risotto, or mashed potatoes.

This beautifully plated dish shows golden chicken cutlets covered in lemony sauce with mushrooms and fresh herbs. The glossy finish and vibrant colors make the meal look irresistible. It’s the perfect visual finale for a flavorful Italian dinner.

Variations:

Add a splash of cream to the sauce at the end for a creamy chicken scallopini version.

Make it spicy with buffalo sauce for a buffalo chicken dip-style spin.

Use the same method to make veal scallopini for classic veal scallopini recipes.

Why you’ll love this dish:

It’s ready in under 30 minutes

Family-friendly and full of flavor

Easy to customize to your tastes

Budget-friendly

Elegant enough for company

Works with pantry staples

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FAQ – Chicken Scallopini

Q1: Can I use a different cheese instead of Parmesan?
Yes! If you don’t have Parmesan, good alternatives include Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano. You can also use a milder cheese like mozzarella, but the dish will have a less pronounced flavor.

Q2: How do I store leftover chicken scallopini?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or in the microwave, though it tastes best freshly made.

Q3: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken cutlets in advance and refrigerate them. It’s best to make the sauce just before serving to preserve its fresh, lemony flavor.