Lemon Chicken Scallopine Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s bright, comforting, and quick enough for a weeknight, Lemon Chicken Scallopine is about to become your new go-to. Tender chicken fillets are lightly dredged and pan-seared until golden, then finished in a vibrant, lemony sauce that’s both tangy and savory, with the perfect hint of garlic. This is one of those recipes that manages to be fancy enough for guests but relaxed enough to whip up just because you want something delicious. The best part? Every bite delivers that zippy, fresh lemon flavor that makes Lemon Chicken Scallopine an absolute crowd-pleaser.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Lemon Chicken Scallopine is how these simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create such a lively, memorable dish. Each component plays an essential role in bringing out the flavors and textures that make this recipe shine.

• Chicken fillets: Thinly sliced or pounded, these ensure quick, even cooking and super tender bites.
• All-purpose flour: Gives the chicken a delicate, crisp coating that helps it soak up the lemon sauce.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty richness to the breading—don’t skip it!
• Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and adding classic Mediterranean flavor.
• Butter: Brings extra richness and allows for beautiful browning.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible fragrance.
• Chicken broth: Forms the backbone of the sauce, making it hearty and flavorful.
• Fresh lemon juice: The star of the show—choose real lemons for maximum brightness.
• Lemon zest: Adds layers of fresh, aromatic lemon intensity.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that tie everything together.
• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of green for color, freshness, and a mild peppery kick.

How to Make Lemon Chicken Scallopine

Step 1: Dredge the Chicken

Let’s start by giving your chicken that beautiful, golden exterior. In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each chicken fillet thoroughly, making sure both sides get well coated. That flavorful flour-Parmesan mix is the secret to a tender, flavorful crust and helps the sauce cling to every bite.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat—this combo gives the chicken gorgeous color and a subtle, buttery back note. Add your coated chicken fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until the outside is crisp, golden, and the inside is just cooked through. Set them aside on a plate while you build the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet (no need to clean it, those browned bits are flavor gold!), add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. You want the garlic fragrant and just lightly golden, not browned. This quick step infuses the oil and butter with deep, aromatic flavor.

Step 4: Build the Lemon Sauce

Next, pour in the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well, scraping up any delicious bits stuck to the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes; this reduces and concentrates the sauce, creating a balance of savory depth and zesty brightness that’s signature to Lemon Chicken Scallopine.

Step 5: Finish the Chicken

Return the chicken fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the bright, lemony glaze over each piece, and let everything gently simmer for another 2 minutes. The chicken absorbs all that citrusy, garlicky goodness and re-heats without drying out, becoming even juicier.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once everything’s perfectly saucy and fragrant, transfer the chicken to your favorite serving dish. Generously sprinkle it with fresh parsley and add lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness just before digging in.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Scallopine

Garnishes

For that restaurant-style finishing touch, a sprinkle of fresh parsley does wonders for Lemon Chicken Scallopine, adding a welcome pop of color and flavor. Consider a few extra lemon wedges on the plate, so everyone can amp up the citrus if they like it extra zippy.

Side Dishes

This chicken begs for sides that can soak up the luscious sauce. Think creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy basmati rice, or simple buttered noodles. For a lighter plate, try it with roasted green beans or a crisp, garlicky asparagus salad—the fresh sides balance the tang and richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your presentation! Stack the chicken fillets over a bed of lemony couscous, top with microgreens, or slice the fillets and pile them on a toasted ciabatta for a Mediterranean sandwich. However you plate it, Lemon Chicken Scallopine always looks stunning with a drizzle of extra sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will keep the chicken moist, and the flavors often meld and deepen overnight—making next-day lunches something to look forward to.

Freezing

To freeze Lemon Chicken Scallopine, let it cool completely before transferring the fillets and sauce to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. While the texture may soften slightly, it’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights!

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, spooning the sauce over the fillets as they warm. You can also microwave it in short intervals, but cover the dish and add a splash of broth or water to keep everything juicy.

FAQs

Can I substitute chicken thighs for the fillets?

Absolutely! While chicken breasts are traditionally used, you can swap in boneless, skinless thighs for a richer, juicier bite. Pound them thin for even cooking and they’ll turn out beautifully in this Lemon Chicken Scallopine.

Is it okay to use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice really is best for Lemon Chicken Scallopine—the flavor is brighter and less bitter than bottled. If you must use bottled in a pinch, taste and adjust the amount, since it tends to be more concentrated.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Just use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Everything else in Lemon Chicken Scallopine is naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap.

What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

You can leave it out, but the Parmesan adds so much savory depth to the coating. If you prefer, try using pecorino or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a similar umami kick.

How do I keep the chicken from overcooking?

Since the fillets are thin, they cook very fast. Watch closely and remove them from the skillet as soon as they’re golden and just cooked through. They’ll finish heating in the sauce for perfect tenderness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a dish that’s as flavorful, comforting, and quick as Lemon Chicken Scallopine. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a weeknight craving, give this recipe a try and let the lively flavors brighten your table—you’ll want to make it again and again!