This Chicken Scallopini is a classic Italian-American dish that brings together tender chicken bites, a savory tomato and white wine reduction, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s a cozy yet elegant meal that is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The rich flavors of caramelized onions and tomato sauce, combined with the subtle depth of wine, create a restaurant-quality dish that you can enjoy right at home.
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
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken into evenly-sized cubes and season with salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken in flour until fully coated.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Deglaze the Pan:
- Turn off the heat and add 1/4 cup of the wine to deglaze the skillet. Scrape up any browned bits and turn the heat back to medium.
- Cook the Onions:
- Add butter and sliced onions to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 20 minutes until the onions are soft and caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Pour in the remaining wine and simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly. In a bowl, mix the tomato sauce with the gravy mix and water, then pour into the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Cover partially and let simmer while the spaghetti is cooking.
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Boil salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain well.
- Serve:
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrients (Per Serving)
- Calories: 619 kcal
- Protein: 37g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
Enjoy a balanced, flavorful meal with this delightful Chicken Scallopini recipe!
Exploring the Elegance of Chicken Scallopini: A Timeless Italian-American Classic
Chicken Scallopini is a dish that seamlessly blends sophistication with comfort. Its harmonious mix of tender chicken, a rich tomato and wine-infused sauce, and delicate strands of spaghetti make it a go-to recipe for home cooks looking to elevate their dining experience. This dish is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a culinary masterpiece, rooted in Italian-American traditions yet versatile enough to reflect contemporary tastes.
The Origins and Evolution of Chicken Scallopini
Scallopini, or scaloppine in Italian, refers to thinly sliced or pounded meat, typically veal, chicken, or pork, prepared with a variety of sauces. The term itself is derived from the Italian word scaloppa, meaning “small scallop” or “thin slice.” This method of preparation allows the meat to cook quickly, ensuring a tender and juicy result.
Chicken Scallopini, as we know it today, gained popularity in Italian-American households, particularly during the mid-20th century when chicken became a more accessible and affordable protein. The dish evolved by incorporating elements of Italian cuisine—like tomato sauce and herbs—with ingredients readily available in the United States, such as brown gravy mix. Over time, its adaptability and bold flavors solidified its place as a cherished comfort food that balances elegance with approachability.
What Makes This Chicken Scallopini Stand Out?
The recipe stands out for its balanced flavors and texture. The chicken, lightly dredged in flour and sautéed to golden perfection, serves as the protein-rich base. This initial step creates a subtle, crispy exterior that locks in the chicken’s natural juices. What follows is the heart of the dish: a sauce that elevates humble ingredients into a symphony of flavors.
- The Sauce: The sauce is a perfect blend of tangy tomato richness, the deep umami of caramelized onions, and the gentle acidity of white wine. The inclusion of mustard powder and Italian seasoning adds layers of depth, enhancing the savory notes without overpowering the dish. For those seeking a more robust profile, chicken broth can substitute the wine while still retaining the sauce’s complexity.
- The Caramelized Onions: The long, slow cooking of onions to achieve caramelization is a critical technique in this recipe. Caramelized onions add a natural sweetness and an almost buttery texture, contrasting beautifully with the tangy tomato and wine reduction.
- The Spaghetti: Perfectly cooked thin spaghetti acts as a canvas, absorbing the vibrant sauce and creating a cohesive dish. The choice of thin spaghetti is intentional, allowing the delicate strands to intertwine effortlessly with the sauce and chicken for every bite.
Tips for Perfecting Chicken Scallopini
Although this dish is relatively straightforward, a few key tips can elevate your Chicken Scallopini to restaurant-quality:
- Uniform Chicken Cubes: Cutting the chicken into even pieces ensures consistent cooking. This avoids overcooked or undercooked portions and creates a visually appealing presentation.
- Wine Selection: If using wine, opt for a dry variety like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Grigio. These wines complement the dish’s acidity without overwhelming its delicate flavors. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, chicken broth is an excellent substitute.
- Don’t Rush the Onions: Caramelizing onions requires patience. Stirring them frequently over medium heat allows the natural sugars to develop, creating a golden-brown sweetness that’s essential to the sauce.
- Season to Taste: The combination of tomato sauce, wine, and gravy mix creates a flavorful base, but personalizing the seasoning with additional herbs or spices can make the dish uniquely yours.
- Al Dente Pasta: Cooking the spaghetti until it is just tender yet firm ensures it holds its shape and texture when tossed in the sauce.
The Versatility of Chicken Scallopini
One of the dish’s greatest strengths is its adaptability. It can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. For a formal dinner, you might pair it with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, and a glass of wine. For a more casual setting, it can stand alone as a hearty main course, offering a complete balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
You can also experiment with variations:
- Swap spaghetti for fettuccine, penne, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers for additional texture and nutrients.
- Incorporate a splash of cream for a richer, more indulgent sauce.
Nutritional Insights
Chicken Scallopini strikes a balance between indulgence and nutrition. With 37 grams of protein per serving, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to incorporate lean protein into their meals. The combination of pasta and chicken makes it a satisfying dish that provides sustained energy, while the tomato-based sauce contributes antioxidants like lycopene, which support heart health.
For a lower-calorie alternative, you could use whole-grain spaghetti or substitute spaghetti squash. Reducing the amount of butter or opting for a low-sodium tomato sauce can further tailor the recipe to specific dietary preferences.
Conclusion: A Recipe to Celebrate
Chicken Scallopini is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. It brings families together, offering a taste of tradition with a modern twist. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting guests for a special occasion, this dish never fails to impress with its rich flavors and comforting appeal.
As you serve this dish, consider the journey each ingredient has taken—from the fresh chicken to the caramelized onions and delicate spaghetti. It’s a celebration of simplicity and flavor, a testament to the power of combining time-honored techniques with a dash of creativity.
Chicken Scallopini invites you to savor every bite, relish the interplay of textures and flavors, and most importantly, create memories around the table. As an emblem of Italian-American culinary ingenuity, it’s a dish that’s bound to become a beloved staple in your recipe repertoire.
Bon appétit!
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Chicken Scallopini
Description
This Chicken Scallopini is a classic Italian-American dish that brings together tender chicken bites, a savory tomato and white wine reduction, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s a cozy yet elegant meal that is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The rich flavors of caramelized onions and tomato sauce, combined with the subtle depth of wine, create a restaurant-quality dish that you can enjoy right at home.
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
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken into evenly-sized cubes and season with salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken in flour until fully coated.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Deglaze the Pan:
- Turn off the heat and add 1/4 cup of the wine to deglaze the skillet. Scrape up any browned bits and turn the heat back to medium.
- Cook the Onions:
- Add butter and sliced onions to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 20 minutes until the onions are soft and caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Pour in the remaining wine and simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly. In a bowl, mix the tomato sauce with the gravy mix and water, then pour into the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Cover partially and let simmer while the spaghetti is cooking.
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Boil salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain well.
- Serve:
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.