Description
This Chicken Scallopini recipe features tender cubes of seared chicken simmered in a rich tomato and wine gravy sauce, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. Caramelized onions and garlic add depth of flavor, making this a comforting and elegant Italian-inspired dish ready in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into equal-sized cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
Sauce
- 1 packet brown gravy mix (0.87 oz)
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Pasta
- 3/4 lb thin spaghetti (or slightly less for a saucier dish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Gravy Mixture: In a large measuring cup, combine the brown gravy mix with 1 cup of cold water. Add the tomato sauce along with the Italian seasoning, parsley, mustard powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir well and set aside to develop flavor.
- Prep and Sear Chicken: Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with flour and toss to evenly coat. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes, turning frequently to brown all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze the Pan: Turn off the heat briefly and pour 1/4 cup of white wine into the skillet. Return to medium heat and use a spatula to scrape up the browned bits stuck to the pan, which adds rich flavor to the sauce.
- Cook Onions and Garlic: Add the butter and sliced onions to the skillet. Cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Add Wine and Reduce: Pour in the remaining 3/4 cup of white wine and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to allow it to reduce slightly and concentrate its flavor.
- Add Gravy Mixture and Simmer: Pour the prepared gravy mixture into the skillet and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and return the seared chicken to the pan. Simmer gently to let the chicken cook through and absorb the sauce flavors.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti in the skillet with the chicken and tomato gravy sauce to coat evenly. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately with garlic bread or your favorite side.
Notes
- Use chicken broth instead of white wine for a non-alcoholic version.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer the gravy mixture a bit longer before adding the chicken.
- Fresh herbs can be added for more vibrant flavor.
- Pair with a crisp green salad to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
