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Quick, Delicious, and Made in One Skillet!
This Chicken Scallopini is your new go-to weeknight dinner—ready in just 30 minutes and all cooked in one pan!
Crispy, tender chicken cutlets are smothered in a rich mushroom sauce, with a touch of citrus to keep it fresh.
Whether you’re cooking for the family or looking to impress at dinner, this easy, flavorful dish is sure to become a regular on your menu.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Scallopini
If you’re after one of those dinners that feels a little bit fancy but is secretly very easy, this Chicken Scallopini is exactly that. Golden chicken cutlets, a creamy mushroom sauce, and a little pop of fresh lemon are a combination that’s hard to beat.
The best part? Everything cooks in the same skillet, so while the sauce picks up all those delicious browned bits left behind by the chicken, you only have one pan to wash afterwards. Win!
A few more reasons to love it:
- Quick enough for weeknights – On the table in around 30 minutes.
- One skillet from start to finish – Less washing up is always a good thing.
- Beautifully creamy without being heavy – The lemon zest keeps the sauce fresh and balanced.
- Made with everyday ingredients – Nothing complicated or difficult to find.
- Easy to pair with almost anything – Pasta, mashed potatoes, rice or crusty bread all work brilliantly.
- Comfort food that still feels elegant – Just as suitable for guests as it is for a Tuesday night dinner.
For Chicken Scallopini:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – Pounded thin for quick cooking and to ensure a tender texture.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper – For seasoning the chicken before frying.
- All-Purpose Flour – A light coating that helps crisp the chicken while cooking.
- Olive Oil – Used for frying the chicken; can be swapped with another oil with a high smoke point.
- Unsalted Butter – Forms the base of the rich mushroom sauce.
- Cremini Mushrooms – Mild, earthy flavor that works beautifully in the sauce; can be swapped for other mushroom varieties.
- Shallots – Adds a subtle, oniony flavor that complements the mushrooms.
For Mushroom Sauce:
- Heavy Whipping Cream – Creates a velvety, creamy texture for the sauce.
- Flat-Leaf Parsley – For a burst of freshness and color in the sauce.
- Lemon Zest – Adds a hint of citrus to balance the richness of the sauce.
How to Make Chicken Scallopini
This recipe comes together quickly, so it’s worth having everything prepped before you start cooking. Once the chicken hits the pan, things move pretty fast!
1. Prepare the chicken
Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to make four thin cutlets. Place them between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound until they’re about ½-inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and keeps them nice and tender.
2. Season and coat
Season both sides of the chicken with ¾ teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Dredge each cutlet in the flour, giving it a light, even coating and shaking off any excess.
3. Cook the chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and cook for about 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate while you make the sauce.
4. Cook the mushrooms
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, shallots and the remaining salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are nicely browned and the shallots have softened.
5. Finish the sauce
Sprinkle in the remaining teaspoon of flour and stir for about a minute. Pour in the heavy cream, then add the parsley and lemon zest. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy, then remove the skillet from the heat.
6. Bring it all together
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy mushroom sauce over each piece. Finish with a little extra lemon zest and serve immediately while everything is hot.
Tips and Variations
A few little tricks make all the difference with a simple recipe like this.
- Pound the chicken evenly. It cooks faster and stays juicy from edge to edge.
- Don’t rush the mushrooms. Let them brown properly—they’ll reward you with much deeper flavour.
- Avoid crowding the pan. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches so it develops a lovely golden crust instead of steaming.
- Use fresh lemon zest. It really brightens the rich cream sauce.
- If the sauce thickens too much, simply stir in a splash of chicken stock until it reaches the consistency you like.
Easy Variations
- Swap the chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat.
- Try button mushrooms, baby bella, or a mixture of wild mushrooms instead of cremini.
- Stir in a handful of baby spinach just before serving for an easy vegetable boost.
- Sprinkle over a little fresh Parmesan for an extra savoury finish.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’d like a little gentle heat.
How to Serve Chicken Scallopini
That creamy mushroom sauce deserves something to soak it up, so don’t let any of it go to waste!
For a classic meal, serve it over buttered pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or steamed white rice, all of which are perfect for catching every spoonful of sauce.
If you’re after something lighter, pair it with roasted asparagus, green beans, or broccoli, plus a crisp green salad on the side.
And if you ask me, a basket of warm crusty bread on the table is never a bad idea. There’ll be plenty of people reaching for one last swipe through that silky mushroom sauce.
- Can I swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs?
Yes, you can absolutely use chicken thighs instead of breasts! Thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them a great choice if you prefer dark meat. Just make sure to cook them through! - How do I make the sauce smoother?
To keep the sauce creamy and smooth, add the heavy cream slowly, stirring constantly. If you feel it’s getting too thick, just add a splash of chicken stock to loosen it up and maintain that velvety texture. - Can I use a different kind of mushroom?
Of course! While cremini mushrooms are ideal, you can swap them with white mushrooms, button mushrooms, or even wild mushrooms if you prefer. They’ll all bring their own unique flavor to the sauce. - Why do I need to cook the chicken in batches?
Cooking the chicken in batches helps it get perfectly golden and crispy without overcrowding the pan. You want that nice sear for the best texture and flavor! - What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the chicken and sauce in a pan over low heat. If the sauce thickens too much, just add a little chicken broth or cream to bring it back to the right consistency. You’ll get that creamy goodness back in no time!
Chicken Scallopini
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8 oz. each)
- 1¼ tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1 tsp black pepper, divided
- ½ cup all-purpose flour, plus 1 tsp for sauce
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms
- 2 shallots, sliced (about 1/2 cup)
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- ½ tsp grated lemon zest, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Cutlets:
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create two thin cutlets. Place between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to about 1/2-inch thickness.
Season and Coat the Chicken:
- Season the chicken with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. Dredge each cutlet in 1/2 cup of flour, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and cook for about 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Prepare the Mushroom Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, shallots, and the remaining salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-6 minutes, or until the mushrooms are browned.
Finish the Sauce:
- Stir in 1 tsp of flour and cook for 1 minute. Add the heavy cream, parsley, and lemon zest, stirring until combined. Remove from heat
Serve:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top to coat. Sprinkle with extra lemon zest and serve.
Nutrition
If this Chicken Scallopini made it onto your dinner rotation, don’t stop here!
Have a look through my collection of easy chicken recipes for more simple, family-friendly meals that are packed with flavor and easy enough for any night of the week.
2 Responses
Absolutely delicious!!
Hi Valarie! Thank you so much for the 5 stars! 😊 I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks for taking the time to leave such a kind comment—I really appreciate it! ❤️