Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Chicken Scaloppine with Creamy Lemon Sauce?
It is a dish featuring tender, pounded chicken breasts that are sautéed until golden and topped with a rich sauce made of lemon butter, bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, and heavy cream.
Which restaurant inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the popular chicken scaloppine dish served at Carino's Italian restaurant.
What type of pasta should I serve with this dish?
Spaghetti or vermicelli are the recommended pasta types for this recipe.
How do I prepare the chicken for scaloppine?
You should either butterfly the chicken breasts or place them between plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness before cutting them into pieces.
What ingredients are in the lemon butter mixture?
The lemon butter consists of butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, dry white wine, and minced garlic beaten together until smooth.
Can I substitute the white wine in the sauce?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or white grape juice with a small splash of white vinegar.
How long does it take to sauté the chicken?
The chicken should be sautéed for about 3-4 minutes per side until it is golden brown and cooked through.
What vegetables are used in the creamy lemon sauce?
The sauce features chopped roma tomatoes and fresh sliced mushrooms.
Is the bacon used in this recipe pre-cooked?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped cooked bacon to be added to the sauce pan.
What provides the creaminess in the sauce?
The richness comes from a combination of 8 ounces of heavy whipping cream and the prepared lemon butter mixture.
How much flour is needed for the chicken?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of flour for dredging the chicken pieces before frying.
Can I use garlic powder for the sauce?
Yes, the recipe uses both minced garlic for the lemon butter and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for the vegetable sauté.
What is the calorie count for this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 467 calories.
How much fat is in this chicken scaloppine dish?
The dish contains approximately 33 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this meal provide?
Each serving provides about 20 grams of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates in this dish?
There are approximately 27 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the lemon butter be refrigerated?
Yes, the instructions state to refrigerate the lemon butter mixture until it is needed for the final assembly of the sauce.
What is the best way to cook the pasta?
Cook the spaghetti or vermicelli in a pot of salted boiling water until it reaches an al dente texture, then drain it.
How many pieces of chicken should I cut?
Depending on the size of the breasts, you should cut them into 4, 6, or 8 pieces after pounding.
When do I add the heavy cream?
Add the heavy whipping cream after the tomatoes, mushrooms, and bacon have softened in the pan.
How long should the sauce simmer?
After adding the heavy cream and bringing it to a gentle boil, allow the mixture to simmer for about 2 minutes.
What type of tomatoes are best for this sauce?
Roma tomatoes are recommended because they hold their shape well when chopped and sautéed.
Can I use a different type of mushroom?
While fresh sliced button or cremini mushrooms are standard, you can use any variety of fresh mushroom you prefer.
How do I assemble the final plate?
Place a portion of pasta on a plate, top it with a piece of crispy chicken, and generously spoon the sauce over the top.
Is this recipe considered Italian cuisine?
Yes, it is classified as an Italian-inspired dish, specifically modeled after American-Italian restaurant styles.
Can I garnish this dish?
Yes, you can garnish the finished plate with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Is this a good dish for special occasions?
The description notes that it is both comforting and elegant, making it suitable for both family dinners and special events.
What size of pasta package is used?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of uncooked spaghetti or vermicelli.
How much lemon juice is required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the lemon butter mixture.
How much butter is used in total?
The recipe uses 1/2 pound of butter total, which is divided for the lemon butter mixture and for sautéing the chicken.