Mediterranean Tasty Chicken Scaloppini
This Mediterranean-inspired chicken scaloppini is light, flavorful, and elegant enough for a weeknight dinner or entertaining. Thin chicken cutlets are dredged in flour, pan-seared to golden perfection, and finished with a zesty, aromatic sauce of garlic, lemon, capers, fresh herbs, and juicy tomatoes. The combination of bright Mediterranean flavors makes each bite tender and delicious without feeling heavy.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or cutlets, pounded thin
½ cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2–3 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 small shallot or onion, finely chopped (optional)
½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp capers, rinsed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Optional: 1 tsp fresh rosemary or oregano
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prep the chicken:
Pound chicken cutlets to an even thinness (about ½ inch).
Season both sides with salt and pepper, then dredge lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
Cook the chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken cutlets 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, keeping warm.
Make the sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add garlic and shallot (if using). Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Deglaze the pan with white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
Add lemon juice, capers, and tomatoes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until tomatoes soften slightly.
Finish the dish:
Stir in fresh herbs and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top to coat. Heat for 1–2 minutes until chicken is warmed through.
Serve:
Plate the chicken, spoon sauce and tomatoes over the top, and garnish with extra parsley or basil if desired. Serve with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Tips & Variations
Tomato Options – Use cherry tomatoes for freshness or sun-dried tomatoes for a richer, more intense flavor.
Wine Substitute – If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth or vegetable broth works well for deglazing.
Herb Variations – Swap basil for oregano, thyme, or rosemary depending on your flavor preference.
Creamy Version – Stir in 2–3 tbsp of heavy cream or Greek yogurt at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
Add Olives – Kalamata olives or green olives add a briny Mediterranean punch.
Make it Spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing garlic for subtle heat.
Lighten It Up – Use less oil or nonstick spray to reduce fat, or skip flour for a lighter, gluten-free version.
Serve Over – Try serving over angel hair pasta, couscous, or quinoa for a full Mediterranean-style meal.
Meal Prep Friendly – Store chicken and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.
Q&A
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well. They are slightly more flavorful and forgiving but may need an extra minute of cooking.
Q: Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the tomato-caper sauce ahead and reheat gently when ready to serve, then add freshly cooked chicken.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Skip the flour dredging or use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to coat the chicken.
Q: What sides pair best with this dish?
A: Serve with pasta, rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Q: Can I make this creamy?
A: Yes, stirring in a little heavy cream, mascarpone, or Greek yogurt at the end creates a richer sauce.
Nutrition
(per serving, makes 4 servings)
Estimated values depending on chicken size and ingredients:
Calories: ~330
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: ~450mg
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Tasty Chicken Scaloppine is a quick, flavorful dish that captures the bright, fresh tastes of the Mediterranean. Tender chicken cutlets paired with garlic, lemon, tomatoes, capers, and herbs make for a light yet satisfying meal. Simple enough for weeknight dinners but elegant enough for guests, this recipe is versatile, easy to customize, and pairs beautifully with pasta, grains, or roasted vegetables.