If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug from the Amalfi Coast, then this Italian Lemon & Rosemary Chicken Scaloppine Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, thin slices of chicken, lightly seared to golden perfection, swimming in a fragrant, bright sauce made from fresh lemon, garlic, rosemary, and a splash of white wine. The combination? Simply magical. This recipe brings together vibrant citrus notes and a savory depth that makes for a truly elegant yet approachable weeknight dinner. Preparing this dish is not only wonderfully satisfying but also a delightful way to bring a touch of Italy right onto your table.

Four pieces of cooked chicken with light brown, slightly crispy surfaces lie in a shallow pool of creamy yellow sauce, sprinkled generously with chopped green herbs. The chicken pieces vary in size and shape, with some showing a golden sear pattern. They are arranged closely inside a white bowl with thin blue vertical lines on the inside edge. A silver fork partially rests among the chicken on the right side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, classic ingredients that each play an essential role in creating the bright flavors and perfect textures of this dish. The careful balance of fresh herbs, citrus, and staple pantry items ensures your chicken scaloppine turns out tender, zesty, and fragrant every time.

2 chicken breasts, sliced horizontally into cutlets: Slicing horizontally keeps the chicken tender and juicy without pounding.
2 tbsp flour: Lightly coats the chicken for a delicate crust that locks in moisture.
½ tsp salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
½ tsp black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild spice.
1 tbsp olive oil: Provides a fruity foundation for searing the chicken with a light touch.
1 tbsp butter: Adds rich, creamy notes and aids in browning.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Offers a savory punch to deepen the sauce’s aroma.
½ cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio works well): Brings acidity and complexity to the sauce.
¼ cup chicken broth: Balances the wine and keeps the sauce light and flavorful.
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Injects bright citrus zing that is absolutely essential here.
1 tsp lemon zest: Elevates the lemon flavor with fragrant oils.
1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped: Infuses a fragrant woodsy note that pairs beautifully with lemon.
1 tbsp butter (to finish): Enriches and gives the sauce a luscious, silky finish.

How to Make Italian Lemon & Rosemary Chicken Scaloppine Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

Start by lightly coating each chicken cutlet with flour to create a delicate crust that seals in juices. Make sure to shake off any excess flour for an even sear. Season your cutlets generously with salt and pepper, which will lift the flavors beautifully. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the chicken for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until it develops a gorgeous golden color. This quick sear is key to keeping the chicken tender inside. Once cooked, remove the cutlets from the pan and set them aside to rest.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the aroma fills your kitchen, but be careful not to let it brown. Deglaze the pan with the dry white wine, scraping up any flavorful browned bits left from the chicken. This step adds incredible depth to the sauce, melding those caramelized bits with the wine. Let the wine reduce by half, which usually takes around 2 to 3 minutes, concentrating the flavor beautifully. Next, stir in the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped rosemary. These elements create the bright and herbal backbone of the sauce.

Step 3: Finish the Sauce

Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 2 minutes, letting all those flavors mingle together perfectly. The lemon and rosemary meld with the garlicky wine reduction in a symphony of fresh and savory notes. Finish by stirring in a tablespoon of butter, whisking it in until the sauce turns silky and glossy. Give it a quick taste and adjust with more lemon juice or salt if you want to brighten it further or deepen the seasoning. This finishing butter enriches the sauce without weighing it down, making every bite luxurious.

Step 4: Return Chicken to the Pan

Gently nestle those golden chicken cutlets back into the warm sauce. Simmer everything together for a minute or two, just long enough to let the chicken soak up some of the sauce’s flavor and reheat without overcooking. Use a spoon to liberally coat the chicken with the luscious sauce before serving. This last step ensures your chicken is moist, tender, and infused with that bright, aromatic sauce that makes this recipe so irresistible.

How to Serve Italian Lemon & Rosemary Chicken Scaloppine Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes elevate this dish to a dinner party delight. A few fresh rosemary sprigs scattered on top bring a lovely visual and aromatic hint of the herb. Thin lemon slices or a small zest sprinkle add a fresh, vibrant touch. For a bit of color and texture, finely chopped flat-leaf parsley works beautifully, brightening the plate and your palate alike.

Side Dishes

This Italian Lemon & Rosemary Chicken Scaloppine Recipe pairs wonderfully with sides that can soak up the silky sauce. Angel hair pasta is a classic choice, its thin strands beautifully catching every drop. Creamy mashed potatoes or a fluffy risotto also serve as comforting options that complement the sauce without overpowering it. For a lighter meal, sautéed greens like spinach or broccolini add an earthy balance and maintain the dish’s overall freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can make this meal feel extra special. Try serving the chicken scaloppine over a bed of lemon-infused couscous or farro for a rustic twist. For a dramatic effect, drizzle a little extra sauce artistically around the plate and add edible flowers to give it a restaurant-quality look. Creating individual plated portions garnished with microgreens is another charming way to impress your guests while keeping things cozy and intimate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken and sauce will keep beautifully for up to 2 days without losing their fresh flavor or tender texture. Be sure to cover well so the fragrant notes of lemon and rosemary don’t escape or absorb unwanted fridge odors.

Freezing

Freezing is best avoided for this recipe if possible, as the delicate lemon and rosemary sauce, along with the thin chicken cutlets, may lose their texture and brightness after thawing. However, if necessary, freeze the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to one month. Thaw gently overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat leftover Italian Lemon & Rosemary Chicken Scaloppine Recipe, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and keep the chicken moist. Avoid microwaving aggressively, which can dry out the chicken and dull the fresh citrus flavors. This method revives that fresh-from-the-kitchen taste beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Thinly sliced chicken thighs will also work great, offering a bit more richness and moisture. Just be sure to slice them evenly for consistent cooking and the same quick sear.

What if I don’t have fresh rosemary?

While fresh rosemary truly makes the sauce sing, you can substitute with ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary. Just crush it finely and add it earlier in the cooking process to help release its flavor.

Is there a non-alcoholic alternative to white wine?

Yes! You can replace the white wine with additional chicken broth combined with a teaspoon of white wine vinegar or lemon juice for acidity. This keeps the bright and tangy character of the sauce intact.

How do I get a silky sauce without it being too thick?

The key is to reduce the wine just until it’s half its volume but don’t overcook once you add the broth and lemon. Stirring in cold butter at the end emulsifies the sauce, making it silky without thickening it too much.

Can I double the recipe for more servings?

Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and cook the chicken in batches if your pan isn’t big enough. This way, you maintain a perfect sear without overcrowding and steaming the chicken.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Lemon & Rosemary Chicken Scaloppine Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both special and utterly comforting every time you make it. With its delicate balance of bright lemon and aromatic rosemary, paired perfectly with tender chicken, it’s sure to become a favorite for romantic dinners or anytime you want to impress without stress. Give it a try, and let this Italian classic bring a little sunshine and sophistication to your table.

Italian Lemon & Rosemary Chicken Scaloppine Recipe