Elegant Chicken Scallopine with Golden Saffron Cream Sauce
Elevate your romantic dinner with this Elegant Chicken Scallopine featuring a luxurious saffron cream sauce that oozes sophistication and warmth. This delightful dish is inspired by Giada De Laurentiis's culinary creations but tailored to perfection with a touch of personal flair. The balance of tender pan-seared chicken cutlets and a rich, aromatic sauce makes it a memorable centerpiece for special occasions like anniversaries or Valentine's Day. The use of saffron threads provides a beautiful golden hue and an exquisite flavor profile that is sure to impress your loved ones. Pair it with delicate angel hair pasta, crisp green beans, and warm garlic breadsticks for a complete, indulgent meal. Serving this dish is an experience in itself, crowned with fresh parsley to add a pop of color, making it just as beautiful to look at as it is to taste. Enjoy a sweet ending to your meal with your favorite dessert!
4
Servings
245
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 (tablespoons)
Chicken cutlet
1 (lb)
Shallots
2 (sliced)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
White wine
1/2 (cup)
Chicken broth
1 1/2 (cups)
Saffron thread
1/4 (teaspoon)
Heavy cream
1/2 (cup)
Salt
1/4 (teaspoon)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/4 (teaspoon)
Flour
to coat (for chicken)
Flat-leaf Italian parsley
3 (tablespoons, chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over high heat until shimmering.
2
Season the chicken cutlets generously with salt and fresh ground black pepper, then lightly coat each cutlet in flour, shaking off any excess flour.
3
Carefully place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer the cooked chicken onto a serving platter and cover with foil to keep warm.
4
Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the sliced shallots and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2 minutes, or until fragrant and tender.
5
To deglaze the pan, pour in the white wine and use a wooden spoon to gently scrape the brown bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer until it has nearly evaporated.
6
Once the wine has reduced, add the chicken broth and saffron threads. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, keeping the heat at medium for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce.
7
Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper, mixing well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for an additional minute. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and add this mixture to the sauce, cooking until thickened.
8
To serve, pour the creamy saffron sauce over the warm chicken cutlets.
9
Finally, sprinkle with freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley and serve immediately, accompanied by your choice of sides.
Nutrition Information
14.5
Fat
8.75
Carbs
21
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken Scallopine?
Chicken Scallopine is a dish consisting of thinly sliced chicken cutlets that are dredged in flour, pan-seared, and served with a flavorful sauce.
What makes this recipe elegant?
The use of saffron threads provides a luxurious golden hue and a sophisticated flavor profile, making it perfect for special occasions.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 245 calories.
How much fat is in a serving of this dish?
There are 14.5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
This dish provides 21 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 8.75 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of chicken should I use?
You should use 1 pound of chicken cutlets for this recipe.
How do I prepare the chicken before cooking?
Season the cutlets with salt and pepper, then lightly coat them in flour, shaking off any excess.
How long should I cook the chicken?
Cook the chicken for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.
What is the purpose of the saffron threads?
Saffron threads add a beautiful golden color and a unique, aromatic flavor to the cream sauce.
How much saffron is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of saffron threads.
What type of wine is best for the sauce?
A dry white wine is typically best for deglazing the pan and building the sauce flavor.
How do I deglaze the pan?
Pour in the white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the skillet.
What aromatics are used in the sauce?
The sauce features sliced shallots and minced garlic for a fragrant base.
Can I thicken the sauce further?
Yes, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the simmering sauce.
What type of cream is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of heavy cream for a rich and indulgent texture.
How long should the sauce simmer after adding broth?
Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld and reduce.
Which garnish is recommended?
Freshly chopped flat-leaf Italian parsley is recommended for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
What sides pair well with this dish?
It pairs beautifully with angel hair pasta, crisp green beans, and warm garlic breadsticks.
Is this recipe suitable for romantic dinners?
Yes, it is specifically described as an ideal centerpiece for anniversaries or Valentine's Day.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary creations of Giada De Laurentiis.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
The recipe requires 12 total ingredients.
How much chicken broth is used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth.
Can I substitute the shallots?
If shallots are unavailable, you can use a small amount of finely diced yellow onion or the white parts of green onions.
What heat setting should I use to sear the chicken?
The olive oil should be warmed over high heat until shimmering before adding the chicken.
Do I need to keep the chicken warm while making the sauce?
Yes, transfer the cooked chicken to a platter and cover with foil to retain heat.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be finely minced before being added to the skillet.
Is there a specific way to cut the shallots?
The recipe specifies that the shallots should be sliced.
Can this be considered a quick meal?
Yes, despite its elegance, it is tagged as a quick meal suitable for special occasions without hours of prep.