Chicken scallopini and chicken piccata are two popular Italian dishes that are often compared due to their similarities in preparation and taste. Both dishes feature thin slices of chicken that are coated in flour and cooked in a pan with butter and lemon juice. However, there are some key differences between the two dishes that set them apart.
Chicken scallopini is typically made with thinly sliced chicken breasts that are pounded to an even thickness. The chicken is then coated in flour and cooked in a pan with butter and white wine. The dish is often finished with a sauce made from the pan drippings, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Chicken scallopini is known for its tender texture and rich, savory flavor.
In contrast, chicken piccata is made with thin slices of chicken that are dredged in flour and cooked in a pan with butter and lemon juice. The dish is finished with a sauce made from the pan drippings, chicken broth, capers, and more lemon juice. Chicken piccata is known for its bright, tangy flavor and briny undertones from the capers.
What is Chicken Scallopini?
Chicken Scallopini is a classic Italian dish that consists of thinly sliced chicken breasts that are sautéed in a flavorful sauce. The dish is known for its tender and juicy chicken, which is coated in a light breading and served with a rich and tangy sauce.
Ingredients
The ingredients for Chicken Scallopini may vary slightly depending on the recipe, but typically include:
- Chicken breasts
- Flour
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Lemon juice
- Capers
- Parsley
Preparation
To prepare Chicken Scallopini, the chicken breasts are first pounded thin and then coated in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. The chicken is then sautéed in a combination of olive oil and butter until it is golden brown and cooked through.
Next, a flavorful sauce is made by sautéing garlic in the same pan used to cook the chicken. Chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers are added to the pan and cooked until the sauce is reduced and thickened.
Finally, the chicken is served with the sauce spooned over the top and garnished with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Scallopini is typically served with a side of pasta or rice, and a simple green salad. The dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
For a lighter version of the dish, the chicken can be grilled instead of sautéed, and the sauce can be made with less butter and oil. Additionally, the dish can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
What is Chicken Piccata?
Ingredients
Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian dish that features tender chicken breasts cooked with a tangy lemon and caper sauce. To make this dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Preparation
To prepare Chicken Piccata, follow these simple steps:
- Preheat the oven to 200°F.
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them with a meat mallet until they are an even thickness.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the butter and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a baking sheet in the oven to keep warm.
- Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers to the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the remaining butter and olive oil.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Piccata is typically served with a side of pasta or rice, and a salad or steamed vegetables. It pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Differences Between Chicken Scallopini and Piccata
Chicken Scallopini and Chicken Piccata are two popular Italian dishes that are often confused with each other, but they have some distinct differences that set them apart. Here are a few key differences between the two dishes:
Preparation Method
The primary difference between Chicken Scallopini and Chicken Piccata is the method of preparation. Chicken Scallopini is typically made by pounding chicken breasts thin and then dredging them in flour before sautéing them in a pan with butter and white wine. On the other hand, Chicken Piccata is made by dredging chicken breasts in flour and then sautéing them in a pan with butter, lemon juice, and capers.
Sauce
Another key difference between these two dishes is the sauce. Chicken Scallopini is typically served with a creamy sauce made from white wine, chicken broth, and heavy cream, while Chicken Piccata is served with a tangy sauce made from lemon juice, butter, and capers.
Flavor
The flavor of these two dishes is also quite different. Chicken Scallopini has a rich, creamy flavor that is complemented by the white wine and heavy cream in the sauce. Chicken Piccata, on the other hand, has a tangy, lemony flavor that is balanced by the butter and capers in the sauce.
Presentation
Finally, the presentation of these two dishes is different as well. Chicken Scallopini is typically served with the sauce poured over the chicken, while Chicken Piccata is served with the sauce spooned over the chicken and garnished with lemon slices and parsley.
In summary, while both Chicken Scallopini and Chicken Piccata are delicious Italian dishes, they have some distinct differences in their preparation, sauce, flavor, and presentation.
Which One Should You Choose?
Taste
When it comes to taste, both chicken scallopini and piccata have their own unique flavor profiles. Chicken scallopini is typically cooked with a white wine sauce, and often includes mushrooms and capers. The sauce is creamy and rich, with a hint of tanginess from the wine. On the other hand, piccata is cooked with a lemon-butter sauce, which gives it a bright and zesty flavor. It also often includes capers, which add a salty and slightly sour note to the dish. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference.
Nutrition
In terms of nutrition, both dishes are fairly similar. They both feature chicken as the main protein source, and are often served with a side of vegetables or salad. However, chicken piccata may be a slightly healthier option, as it typically has less cream and butter than chicken scallopini. Additionally, the lemon juice used in piccata can provide some vitamin C and other nutrients.
Ease of Preparation
When it comes to ease of preparation, chicken piccata is typically the simpler dish. It requires fewer ingredients and less time to prepare than chicken scallopini. However, chicken scallopini is still a relatively easy dish to make, and can be a good option for those who want a slightly fancier meal without too much extra effort.
In the end, the choice between chicken scallopini and piccata comes down to personal preference. Both dishes are delicious and can be a great addition to any meal plan.
