Discover the ultimate Chicken Scallopini recipe, a flavorful Italian-inspired dish perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners. Tender chicken is coated in a light flour crust, seared to golden perfection, and simmered in a rich sauce made with caramelized onions, garlic, white wine, and savory tomato gravy. Tossed with al dente spaghetti, this comforting meal is packed with bold flavors and easy-to-find ingredients. Learn how to make this quick and easy chicken scallopini recipe with tips for substitutions, wine alternatives, and serving ideas. Perfectly pairs with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete dinner!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 packet brown gravy mix (0.87 oz.) or homemade brown gravy
- 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine or chicken broth (see notes)
- 8 oz. tomato sauce (see notes)
- ¾ lb. thin spaghetti (use less for a saucier dish)
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon each: Italian seasoning, parsley, mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce Base
- In a measuring cup, whisk the gravy packet with 1 cup of cold water until smooth. Stir in the tomato sauce and seasonings. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken
- Cut chicken into evenly sized cubes. Season with salt and pepper, then toss with flour to coat.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes, turning to brown all sides, until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Deglaze the Pan
- Turn off the heat and add ¼ cup of wine. Return heat to medium and use a silicone spatula to scrape up browned bits from the skillet—this boosts flavor.
Caramelize the Onions
- Add butter and onions to the skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, for about 20 minutes until onions are soft and caramelized.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Finish the Sauce
- Add the remaining wine and simmer gently for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the prepared gravy mixture. Bring to a boil for 30 seconds, then reduce to a simmer. Return the chicken to the skillet.
Cook the Pasta and Combine
- Boil a pot of salted water (add about ¼ tablespoon salt). Cook spaghetti to al dente, then drain.
- Toss the spaghetti in the skillet with the sauce and chicken until evenly coated.
Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot, paired with garlic bread or your favorite side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Elegant: A restaurant-quality dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
- Rich and Flavorful: Caramelized onions, white wine, and savory gravy create a bold and comforting sauce.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Tips
- Wine Substitute: Use chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.
- Sauce Consistency: Add more tomato sauce or broth for a thinner sauce, or reduce longer for a thicker texture.
- Perfect Pasta: Always salt your pasta water for enhanced flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein: Substitute chicken with turkey or pork for a different take.
- Pasta: Use fettuccine or penne instead of spaghetti.
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with mushrooms or zucchini and use vegetable broth.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and chicken up to a day in advance. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
What kind of wine works best?
Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a balanced flavor.
Serving
Serve Chicken Scallopini with crusty garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp white wine for a perfect flavor complement.
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet or microwave.
- Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat if desired.
Chicken Scallopini
4
servings10
minutes35
minutesIngredients
Main Ingredients
1 packet brown gravy mix (0.87 oz.) or homemade brown gravy
2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons flour
1–2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon salted butter
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dry white wine or chicken broth (see notes)
8 oz. tomato sauce (see notes)
¾ lb. thin spaghetti (use less for a saucier dish)
Seasonings
½ teaspoon each: Italian seasoning, parsley, mustard powder
¼ teaspoon salt
Directions
- Prepare the Sauce Base
- In a measuring cup, whisk the gravy packet with 1 cup of cold water until smooth. Stir in the tomato sauce and seasonings. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken
- Cut chicken into evenly sized cubes. Season with salt and pepper, then toss with flour to coat.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes, turning to brown all sides, until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Deglaze the Pan
- Turn off the heat and add ¼ cup of wine. Return heat to medium and use a silicone spatula to scrape up browned bits from the skillet—this boosts flavor.
- Caramelize the Onions
- Add butter and onions to the skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, for about 20 minutes until onions are soft and caramelized.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Finish the Sauce
- Add the remaining wine and simmer gently for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the prepared gravy mixture. Bring to a boil for 30 seconds, then reduce to a simmer. Return the chicken to the skillet.
- Cook the Pasta and Combine
- Boil a pot of salted water (add about ¼ tablespoon salt). Cook spaghetti to al dente, then drain.
- Toss the spaghetti in the skillet with the sauce and chicken until evenly coated.
- Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot, paired with garlic bread or your favorite side dish.
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