Zesty Lemon-Cilantro Chicken Scaloppine
This flavorful Zesty Lemon-Cilantro Chicken Scaloppine is a delightful twist on the traditional Italian recipe, combining tender chicken with a vibrant lemon-cilantro sauce. Inspired by a favorite family recipe, this dish is not only bursting with fresh flavors but is also tailored for those with IBS in mind. With a quick preparation and cooking time, it's perfect for busy weeknight dinners or impressing guests. This dish is a hit with both adults and kids alike, making it a great option for family meals. Serve with a side salad or some steamed veggies to complete this nutritious meal.
4
Servings
185
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
4 (5 to 6 oz. each)
all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (for coating)
olive oil
4 teaspoons (divided)
garlic cloves
2 (peeled and minced)
chicken broth
2/3 cup (skim fat if needed)
lemon peel
1 teaspoon (grated)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (or hot chile flakes)
fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons (chopped)
salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
lemon wedge
1 (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the Basic Chicken Scaloppine. Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry using paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
2
Place each chicken breast half between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a mallet or a rolling pin, gently pound the chicken until it is about 1/4 inch thick. Carefully peel away the plastic wrap.
3
Pour the all-purpose flour into a shallow dish and coat each piece of chicken lightly with flour, shaking off any excess.
4
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Place two chicken breast halves in the skillet and cook for 4-6 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is no longer pink in the center. Transfer cooked chicken to a warming plate and keep in a 200°F (95°C) oven. Repeat with the remaining chicken and oil.
5
For the Lemon-Cilantro sauce, without washing the pan, add the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Stir over high heat for about 15 seconds until the garlic is slightly softened.
6
Pour in the chicken broth, lemon peel, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally, and cook for 1 to 1.5 minutes until slightly reduced.
7
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
8
Spoon the lemon-cilantro sauce evenly over the warm chicken breasts. Serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges.
Nutrition Information
15.5g
Carbs
26g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon-Cilantro Chicken Scaloppine?
It is a flavorful twist on traditional Italian chicken scaloppine, featuring tender chicken breasts served with a vibrant sauce made of lemon, garlic, and cilantro.
Is this recipe suitable for people with IBS?
Yes, this dish is specifically tailored with IBS-friendly considerations in mind while maintaining fresh, vibrant flavors.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of this chicken dish contains approximately 185 calories.
What are the primary macronutrients per serving?
Each serving contains about 26g of protein and 15.5g of carbohydrates.
What type of chicken should I use?
Use 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, weighing approximately 5 to 6 oz each.
How thick should the chicken be pounded?
The chicken breasts should be pounded to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
What tool can I use to pound the chicken?
You can use a kitchen mallet or a rolling pin to pound the chicken between sheets of plastic wrap.
How do I coat the chicken?
Lightly coat each piece of chicken in 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, making sure to shake off any excess.
How long does it take to cook the chicken in the skillet?
The chicken takes 4-6 minutes to cook, turning once, until it is no longer pink in the center.
What temperature should I use to keep the chicken warm?
Keep the cooked chicken on a warming plate in an oven set to 200°F (95°C).
How much olive oil is used in the entire recipe?
A total of 4 teaspoons of olive oil is used, divided between cooking the chicken and starting the sauce.
What ingredients are in the lemon-cilantro sauce?
The sauce is made from garlic, chicken broth, lemon peel, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and fresh cilantro.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced.
Should I wash the pan before making the sauce?
No, do not wash the pan after cooking the chicken; use the same pan to capture the flavors for the sauce.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Stir the minced garlic over high heat for about 15 seconds until it is slightly softened.
How much chicken broth is needed for the sauce?
You will need 2/3 cup of chicken broth.
Does the recipe include lemon zest?
Yes, it uses 1 teaspoon of grated lemon peel.
How much lemon juice is added to the sauce?
One tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice is required.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
How long should the sauce boil?
Bring the sauce mixture to a boil and cook for 1 to 1.5 minutes until it is slightly reduced.
When should I add the cilantro?
Remove the pan from the heat first, then stir in the 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro.
How do I finish the dish before serving?
Spoon the sauce evenly over the warm chicken breasts and garnish with lemon wedges.
Is this recipe good for families?
Yes, it is a family-friendly meal that is popular with both adults and children.
What should I serve as a side dish?
It is recommended to serve this dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients, including seasonings and garnishes.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh is recommended for flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute if necessary.
What type of skillet is best?
A nonstick skillet is recommended for cooking the chicken and preparing the sauce.
Is this recipe fast to make?
Yes, with a quick preparation and short cooking time, it's perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
What is the origin of the base recipe?
This dish is inspired by traditional Italian scaloppine recipes.