This Chicken Scallopini features tender, golden chicken bites, lightly coated in a seasoned flour, and smothered in a rich tomato and white wine reduction sauce. Served with al dente spaghetti, this dish perfectly balances the acidity of tomatoes with the depth of wine, creating a comforting yet sophisticated meal. Ideal for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe comes together with just a few simple ingredients, yet offers a restaurant-quality experience. Whether you pair it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad, this Chicken Scallopini is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. With every bite, you’ll enjoy a little taste of Italian comfort right at home.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter, salted
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Grigio) or chicken broth
- 8 oz. tomato sauce
- 1 packet brown gravy mix + 1 cup water (or 1 cup homemade brown gravy)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 lb. thin spaghetti (or slightly less for a saucier pasta)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions:
- Cut the chicken into evenly-sized cubes and season with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour until fully coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Turn and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Turn off the heat and add 1/4 cup of the wine. Turn the heat to medium and deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add the butter and sliced onions. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and almost caramelized (about 20 minutes).
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add the remaining wine and simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- In a separate bowl, combine the gravy mix with 1 cup cold water and the tomato sauce. Pour into the skillet, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and mix to combine. Cover partially and allow it to simmer while preparing the spaghetti.
- Boil a pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain well.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 619 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Story Behind Chicken Scallopini
Chicken Scallopini is a classic Italian-American dish that combines the simplicity of a few well-chosen ingredients with a depth of flavor that makes it perfect for any occasion. Its origins can be traced back to traditional Italian “scaloppine” dishes, which involve thinly sliced meat—often veal, pork, or chicken—lightly dredged in flour and pan-fried until golden. What sets this particular recipe apart is the addition of a rich, tomato-based wine sauce, which lends a deep and sophisticated flavor to an otherwise straightforward dish. The result is a perfectly balanced entrée that’s at once hearty and elegant, satisfying both on a busy weeknight and as the centerpiece of a dinner party.
A Flavorful Balance of Simplicity and Richness
The charm of Chicken Scallopini lies in its simplicity. It’s a recipe that doesn’t require a lot of time or fancy techniques, yet it delivers complex flavors that taste like they took hours to develop. The tender chicken, coated in a light flour crust, is seared to golden perfection before being simmered in a sauce that combines the sweetness of caramelized onions, the acidity of tomatoes, and the subtle yet distinct flavor of dry white wine. The wine reduction not only enhances the flavors of the chicken and sauce but also brings out the sweetness of the onions and the rich umami of the tomatoes. This combination creates a layered sauce that clings to each strand of spaghetti, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite.
Benefits of Cooking Chicken Scallopini
- High in Protein: This recipe is a great source of lean protein, thanks to the chicken. Protein is essential for muscle growth, repair, and maintaining a healthy immune system. With approximately 37 grams of protein per serving, this dish can help you meet your daily protein needs.
- Rich in Antioxidants: The tomato-based sauce is packed with antioxidants like lycopene, which has been shown to support heart health and reduce the risk of certain cancers. Cooking tomatoes increases the availability of lycopene, making this dish both delicious and nutritious.
- Customizable: One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap out the pasta for a whole-grain or gluten-free version if dietary restrictions are a concern. Additionally, you can adjust the ingredients to your liking—adding more garlic for a punchier flavor or incorporating extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Great for Meal Prep: Chicken Scallopini is a fantastic meal prep option. It reheats beautifully, and the flavors even seem to deepen over time as the sauce mingles with the chicken and pasta. You can make a large batch and store portions in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for up to three months. This makes it a convenient choice for those busy weeks when cooking from scratch might not be possible.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
1. A Restaurant-Quality Dish at Home: One of the unique elements of this Chicken Scallopini recipe is how it brings restaurant-style quality to your home kitchen without complicated steps or ingredients. The secret is in the slow-cooked onions and the careful reduction of the wine, which transform simple components into a rich and balanced sauce. You’ll feel like a chef in your own home, impressing your family or dinner guests with a dish that tastes far more sophisticated than it is to prepare.
2. Wine and Tomato Harmony: Unlike many scallopini recipes that use a lemon-based sauce, this version incorporates a tomato-wine reduction, which offers a different flavor profile. The acidity from the wine and tomatoes is balanced by the sweet, caramelized onions and the richness of the chicken, creating a sauce that is both hearty and light. It’s a great way to introduce a touch of elegance to your dinner routine while still keeping things familiar and comforting.
3. Comfort Meets Versatility: Chicken Scallopini pairs well with a variety of side dishes, making it an easy addition to any meal plan. Serve it alongside garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For a more Italian-inspired feast, pair it with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio—the same wines used in the recipe—to enhance the dining experience.
A Versatile Dish for Any Season
Chicken Scallopini is a recipe that transcends seasons. Its rich, warm flavors make it a cozy choice during cooler months, while the vibrant tomato and wine sauce brings a touch of summer brightness to the table. In the winter, it’s perfect for serving alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. During spring or summer, you can lighten it up by serving the chicken over a bed of zucchini noodles or fresh greens, making it a versatile year-round favorite.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Scallopini
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best results, use high-quality, fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic, onions, and a good quality tomato sauce can make a significant difference in the final taste of the dish. If possible, try using fresh herbs like parsley and basil for garnish to add a pop of color and flavor.
- Choose the Right Wine: When cooking with wine, opt for a dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. These wines offer a crisp acidity that enhances the flavors in the sauce without overpowering the dish. Avoid using sweet wines, as they can throw off the balance of flavors.
- Don’t Rush the Onions: One of the keys to this recipe’s success is allowing the onions to cook until they’re deeply caramelized. This process takes time—about 20 minutes—but it’s worth it. The caramelization brings out the natural sugars in the onions, which helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and wine, giving the sauce a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce. If you like it thinner, add a splash more wine or chicken broth. This flexibility allows you to tailor the recipe to your personal taste and desired consistency.
Conclusion
Chicken Scallopini is more than just a meal; it’s a way to bring a little bit of Italian culinary tradition into your home. It’s a dish that teaches you how to balance flavors, work with simple ingredients, and create something truly special without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a romantic date night, or simply treating yourself to something delicious, this recipe delivers every time. Its rich flavors, elegant presentation, and adaptable nature make it a go-to recipe that you’ll want to come back to again and again. This recipe is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy the process of cooking and want to experiment with creating their own versions of classic dishes. Its base ingredients—chicken, tomato sauce, wine, and pasta—are staples in many kitchens, making it accessible for both beginner cooks and seasoned home chefs. And the reward for your effort? A beautifully balanced, savory, and slightly sweet dish that will make you look forward to every bite.
