Chicken Scallopini (One-Pan Chicken)

Name: Chicken Scallopini
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into cutlets); Kosher salt and pepper (to taste); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 cup gluten-free flour or all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil, for frying); 1 tablespoons butter; 16 ounces button mushrooms (sliced); 2 shallots (finely diced); 2-4 garlic cloves (chopped); ¾ cup chicken broth; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese; freshly chopped parsley (optional, to garnish)

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This Chicken Scallopini is a one-pan meal, made with chicken cutlets simmered in a light lemon sauce with mushrooms, shallots, and garlic, then sprinkled with Parmesan and parsley. An easy weeknight dinner for the entire family.

chicken breasts in a lemon garlic mushroom sauce in a skillet.

I like making all sorts of chicken recipes with any sauce because it’s the easiest to serve with pasta, healthy mashed potatoes, or simple white rice. Not to mention, all 5 of my kids will eat it without complaint.

The chicken breasts here cook up so nicely in the lemon-garlic-and-mushroom sauce, and they come out so tender and juicy. This recipe is also gluten-free, making it perfect for serving to a crowd!

For more Italian-inspired chicken dishes, try my Chicken Cacciatore or Chicken Pomodoro.

Recipe Overview

Skill Level

Beginner

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

25 mins

Ingredients Needed

Below are the ingredients you’ll need to make Chicken Scallopini. The full quantities can be found in the recipe card further down the post.

Chicken breast: I almost always use boneless and skinless chicken breasts because it’s what my kids prefer over chicken thighs.
Kosher salt and pepper
Garlic powder: I recommend the garlic powder to season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. I don’t like seasoning the chicken with fresh garlic because it tends to burn when cooking.
Flour: You can use Gluten-free or all-purpose flour. The flour is used to coat the chicken breast, which helps it brown while also thickening the sauce to give it a slightly creamy texture.
Olive oil: Used for browning the chicken cutlets. Vegetable oil or avocado oil works, too.
Butter: Adds a toasty, rich flavor to the mushrooms and shallots. Use extra olive oil instead, if preferred.
Button mushrooms: Have a tender texture and a mild, savory flavor. Swap out for sliced portobello mushrooms or mixed wild mushrooms for a different flavor.
Shallots: They tend to have a sweet flavor that works well with the mushrooms. You can use a yellow onion or white sweet onions instead.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds savory depth of flavor to the sauce. Pre-chopped garlic can speed up prep.
Chicken broth: Creates the brothy sauce for the chicken to simmer in. Chicken or vegetable stock also work great.
Lemon: Both the juice and finely grated zest add acidity and brightness to this dish.
Parmesan cheese: This adds so much flavor to the sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan, as pre-grated cheese won’t melt into the sauce properly.
Parsley: For a simple garnish, a sprinkle of chopped parsley adds color and freshness.

How to Make Chicken Scallopini

process shot showing seasoned chicken breast in a bowl, and then cooking in a skillet.

Step 1: Season the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then dredge them in flour to coat evenly. Place the coated chicken on a sheet pan.

Step 2: Heat half of the oil in a non-stick skillet and cook half of the chicken cutlets for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Set aside and repeat with the remaining oil and cutlets.

process shot of searing mushrooms in a pan and then making mushroom sauce.

Step 3: Once the chicken is cooked, sauté the mushrooms and shallots in the melted butter in the same pan. Add the garlic and continue to cook for 1 minute. Stir in the broth, lemon juice, and zest.

process shot to adding cooked chicken breast in the lemon mushroom sauce in skillet.

Step 4: Return the chicken cutlets to the pan and sprinkle with the parmesan cheese. Allow them to simmer in the sauce for 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and enjoy!

Variations & Tips

Wrap the chicken breast in parchment paper and pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin to create an even thickness. Alternatively, slice the breasts in half horizontally to make them thinner. This helps them all cook at the same rate.
Working in batches to sear the chicken breast helps the meat develop a nice golden crust by preventing overcrowding the pan.
When adding the chicken broth, use your cooking spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan (they’re full of flavor!).
Use a microplane or the fine side of a box grater to finely grate the lemon zest.
Add in a tablespoon of capers for a salty, savory hit of flavor.
Stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or creme fraiche at the end of cooking for a richer sauce.
For extra greens, stir in a few handfuls of baby spinach right at the end of cooking.

Common Questions

How do I store leftovers?

Allow the chicken to cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze for up to 3 months. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How do I reheat it?

Heat the chicken with a splash of water in a covered skillet over medium heat, turning the chicken occasionally, until piping hot. You may also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl until piping hot throughout.

What can I serve with it?

Serve this chicken scallopini with pasta or my Garlic-Butter Mashed Cauliflower for a flavorful bite! It goes well with a side of roasted veggies, like my Skillet Roasted Potatoes or Roasted Garlic Green Beans. For a fresher flavor, serve alongside something light like my Spring Mix Salad.

Can I use chicken thighs?

You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor; you’ll need to pound them flat so they cook properly. Keep in mind that chicken thighs need a few more minutes to cook through than chicken breasts.