Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices? Then look no further! This recipe recreates the beloved Johnny Carino's Chicken Scallopini, bringing that delicious, tender chicken to your own kitchen. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This healthy meal is packed with flavor and will quickly become one of your go-to easy recipes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced (about 1/4 inch thick)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken:
- Place the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a shallow dish. Mix well.
- In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
- Place the bread crumbs in a third shallow dish.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
- Finally, coat the chicken in the bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Cooking the Chicken Scallopini:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. This ensures even browning and cooking.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the white wine and chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until slightly reduced.
- Stir in the lemon juice and butter. The butter will melt and create a creamy sauce.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Serving:
- Serve the Chicken Scallopini immediately, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Tips for the Best Chicken Scallopini:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Italian dressing for at least 30 minutes before breading.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken; this will lower the temperature and result in soggy, not crispy, chicken.
- If you don't have white wine, you can substitute with chicken broth or even water.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Use different herbs and spices in the bread crumbs, such as oregano, thyme, or basil.
- Substitute the chicken with veal or pork for a different take on this classic dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on portion size and ingredients used)
This recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. It's a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or impressing guests. Enjoy your homemade Johnny Carino's Chicken Scallopini!