Tasty Chicken Scallops with Lemon and Capers Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a dish that’s bursting with bright flavors and comes together in no time, you’re going to love this Tasty Chicken Scallops with Lemon and Capers Recipe. Picture tender chicken scallops, lightly floured and pan-seared to a golden perfection, swimming in a zesty lemon sauce brightened up by the salty pop of capers. It’s a gorgeous blend of simplicity and elegance that transforms everyday ingredients into something truly special. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress your guests, this recipe delivers incredible taste without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful dish. Each item plays a crucial role, bringing tender texture, tangy brightness, and that lovely pop of flavor that makes this recipe unforgettable.

• 500g chicken breast, cut into thin slices: Using thin slices ensures quick and even cooking of the chicken scallops.
• 50g of 00 flour: This fine flour creates a delicate coating, helping the chicken brown beautifully without overpowering it.
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil: A quality olive oil adds rich flavor and helps achieve that perfect golden crust.
• 1 clove of garlic, minced: Garlic adds aromatic depth, perfectly complementing the lemon and capers.
• Juice of 1 lemon: Fresh lemon juice brings a bright, tangy zing to the sauce, balancing the richness of the chicken.
• 200 ml of hot vegetable broth: The broth creates a flavorful base for the sauce, keeping the dish light and savory.
• 1 teaspoon capers (optional): Capers add a salty, briny punch that elevates the lemon sauce.
• Chopped fresh parsley to taste: A sprinkle of parsley finishes the dish with fresh color and aromatic brightness.
• Salt to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors perfectly.
• Black pepper to taste: Freshly ground pepper adds a subtle spicy warmth.

How to Make Tasty Chicken Scallops with Lemon and Capers Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Flour the Chicken

Start by dredging each chicken scallop in the 00 flour, coating them evenly but lightly. This step is key for achieving that delicate crust that locks in juiciness when you brown the scallops. Shake off any excess flour to avoid clumping or sticking in the pan.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken Scallops

Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the floured chicken slices and cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown color. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside — don’t worry, it will finish cooking later in the sauce!

Step 3: Sauté Minced Garlic

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Be sure to stir continuously to keep the garlic from burning; you just want it softened and fragrant.

Step 4: Create the Lemon and Broth Sauce

Pour the fresh lemon juice along with the hot vegetable broth into the skillet. Use a spatula to scrape up the browned bits from the pan’s bottom — this adds incredible depth of flavor to the sauce. If you love a little salty tang, toss in the optional capers now.

Step 5: Return Chicken and Simmer

Place the browned chicken scallops back into the pan with the sauce. Let everything simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning the scallops once so they absorb the flavors and cook through perfectly. The sauce will reduce slightly, becoming lovely and silky. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to balance the flavors.

How to Serve Tasty Chicken Scallops with Lemon and Capers Recipe

Garnishes

Just before serving, sprinkle the dish generously with fresh chopped parsley. This not only adds a pop of green color but also a burst of herbal freshness that complements the lemon and capers beautifully.

Side Dishes

This plate pairs wonderfully with roast potatoes for a comforting feel, grilled vegetables for a smoky twist, or a crisp fresh salad to keep the meal light and vibrant. Choose whatever suits your mood — this recipe shines alongside a variety of accompaniments!

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, arrange the scallops neatly overlapping on a warm platter, spoon the lemon-caper sauce artistically over the top, and scatter a few extra capers and parsley sprigs around. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for that extra zing your guests can add at their leisure.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover chicken scallops in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days, making this recipe perfect for meal prep or a quick next-day dinner.

Freezing

While this dish tastes best fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken scallops and sauce in a suitable container for up to 1 month. Be sure to cool completely before freezing to maintain quality.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the scallops gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep the sauce from drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as slow reheating preserves tenderness and flavor better.

FAQs

Can I use another type of meat?

Absolutely! This Tasty Chicken Scallops with Lemon and Capers Recipe works wonderfully with thinly sliced turkey or veal as alternatives. Keep in mind cooking times might vary slightly depending on the meat’s thickness and type.

How can I get a thicker sauce?

For a richer, thicker sauce, dissolve a teaspoon of cornstarch or potato starch in a small amount of cold water and stir it into the sauce during cooking. This will help the sauce cling beautifully to the chicken.

Can I prepare them ahead of time?

While the chicken scallops are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare them ahead and reheat slowly with a little broth to maintain moisture. Just remember, freshly made always tastes the best!

Are there any gluten-free options?

Yes! Swap out the 00 flour with rice flour or potato starch to keep the recipe gluten-free without compromising on the delicate crust and texture.

What’s the best way to pound chicken for even cooking?

If your chicken slices are a bit thick, gently pound them with a meat tenderizer or rolling pin between two sheets of plastic wrap to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and stay tender.

Final Thoughts

This Tasty Chicken Scallops with Lemon and Capers Recipe offers a wonderfully bright, fresh, and satisfying meal that’s simple enough for any day but elegant enough to impress. There’s just something magical about the combination of lemon and capers enlivening tender chicken pieces that brings pure joy to the table. Give it a try soon — I promise it will become one of your go-to favorites!

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