When life feels like a never-ending list of things to do (school drop-offs, laundry mountains, or back-to-back Zoom meetings), Chicken Scallopini swoops in like your weeknight dinner superhero. It’s quick, full of flavor, and made with everyday pantry ingredients—no fancy stuff, no wine, and no stress.
This Chicken Scallopini recipe is one of those magical dishes that hits all the right notes: tender chicken, a velvety gravy-tomato sauce combo, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and the kind of caramelized onions that smell like love in a skillet. Whether you’re feeding a family of picky eaters or just want something warm and cozy for yourself, this is your comfort food answer. And did I mention it’s all done in one skillet (plus a pasta pot)? Fewer dishes = happy dance in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Scallopini
Chicken Scallopini isn’t just another chicken dinner—it’s that perfect blend of simple and satisfying. Here’s why you’re going to want to keep this recipe on speed dial:
- Fast & fuss-free: On the table in under 45 minutes, including prep.
- No wine, no problem: Chicken broth steps in for rich, deep flavor.
- Family-approved: Even your picky 8-year-old will ask for seconds.
- Cozy and craveable: That brown gravy-tomato sauce is pure magic over pasta.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break it down so you can see just how simple this recipe really is. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into even cubes)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (enough to coat your pan)
For the Sauce:
- 1 packet brown gravy mix (.87 oz.)
(or use my homemade brown gravy if you’re feelin’ fancy) - 1 cup cold water
- 8 oz. tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon each: Italian seasoning, dried parsley, mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
To Serve:
- 3/4 lb. thin spaghetti (or use a bit less for a saucier finish)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, but pretty!)
- Garlic Bread with Cheese (not optional in my house)
How to Make Chicken Scallopini
Here comes the fun part. Pop on your apron (or don’t—this isn’t a cooking show), and let’s bring this beautiful Chicken Scallopini to life:
1. Whisk the Sauce Together
In a large measuring cup, mix the brown gravy packet with 1 cup cold water. Stir in the tomato sauce, seasonings (Italian seasoning, parsley, mustard powder, salt), and set it aside. Look at you prepping like a pro!
2. Prep and Sear the Chicken
Cut the chicken into evenly sized cubes. Season with salt and pepper, then toss them in flour to coat. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 3 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Work That Flavor
Turn off the heat, pour in 1/4 cup chicken broth, and scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the skillet. This step adds serious flavor, so don’t skip it. Bring the heat back to medium and add the butter and onions.
4. Caramelize the Onions
This is where the magic happens. Cook the sliced onions, stirring often, until they’re deeply golden and soft—about 20 minutes. They should smell like heaven at this point.
5. Add the Garlic & More Broth
Add the garlic and cook for just a minute (don’t let it burn!). Then pour in the rest of your chicken broth and let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Sauce it Up
Add the gravy-tomato sauce mixture to the skillet and bring it to a gentle boil. Let it thicken slightly—this only takes about 30 seconds—then reduce the heat to low and add your cooked chicken back into the pan.
7. Boil the Pasta
While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt it well (about 1/4 tablespoon salt), then cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain it and toss it straight into the skillet with the sauce. Mix to coat every strand.
8. Serve & Garnish
Top with fresh parsley and serve with a side of garlicky cheesy bread. And maybe a cozy blanket, because this dinner is giving hygge vibes.
Chicken Scallopini Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t rush the onions – They take time, but they’re worth every golden minute.
- Want it saucier? – Use less pasta or double the sauce if you’re all about that smother.
- Leftovers? – This dish reheats like a dream. Add a splash of broth before microwaving to bring the sauce back to life.
A Little Story From My Stove…
This Chicken Scallopini became a surprise favorite during one of those chaotic Tuesday nights—you know the kind. I had no idea what to cook, but I had chicken, pasta, and a half-used packet of gravy mix. I tossed it all together and… boom. Instant hit. My husband thought it was some sort of fancy Italian dinner (don’t tell him how easy it was), and my kids actually licked their plates. Since then, it’s been our rainy-day, can’t-deal-with-life dinner. And I know it’ll become that for you too.

FAQs About Chicken Scallopini
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yep! Just swap the flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use a GF brown gravy mix. And don’t forget gluten-free pasta!
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely. They’ll add even more flavor—just cook them a bit longer to make sure they’re done.
Is this kid-friendly?
100% yes. It’s savory, not spicy, and creamy enough to pass the picky-eater test.
Let’s Make Chicken Scallopini Your New Weeknight Hero
Chicken Scallopini is the comfort food we all need in our lives. It’s rich without being heavy, flavorful without being fussy, and just fancy enough to feel special on an ordinary Tuesday. So next time you’re staring into the fridge wondering what’s for dinner—remember this one. No wine, no stress, just soul-hugging deliciousness on a plate.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Tag me on social or drop a comment—especially if you sneak in some garlic bread on the side. Because let’s be real… that’s the best part.
Explore More Chicken Magic: Related Recipes You’ll Love
Ready to keep the flavor party going after your Chicken Scallopini dinner? Whether you’re craving another comfort classic, something spicy, or a twist on your favorite pasta dishes, I’ve got a few delicious detours you’ll definitely want to bookmark. These recipes are all family-friendly, weeknight-approved, and packed with the same kind of cozy, satisfying flavor you just experienced.
- If you’re in the mood for creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy, this Spicy Southern Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole brings all the comfort of classic pasta night—with a southern kick.
- For a low-carb spin that’s still totally crave-worthy, try this Low-Carb Chicken Casserole. It’s perfect if you’re watching carbs but not willing to sacrifice flavor.
- Want to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing? My Chicken Breast with Zucchini and Squash is a light and colorful option that pairs beautifully with a simple garlic butter sauce.
- Finally, if your soul needs a big ol’ bowl of creamy comfort, don’t miss this Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta—a lighter, healthier twist on a creamy favorite.
Craving even more inspiration? There’s a whole chicken-loving universe waiting for you here at Chicken Magic Recipes!
Print
Chicken Scallopini
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Scallopini is a quick and cozy weeknight dinner made with tender chicken, a savory tomato-gravy sauce, and spaghetti. Family-friendly and full of flavor, it’s a one-skillet meal that brings serious comfort to the table—no wine needed!
Ingredients
2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons flour
1–2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon salted butter
1 small yellow onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet brown gravy mix (.87 oz.)
1 cup cold water
8 oz. tomato sauce
1 cup chicken broth (no wine)
3/4 lb. thin spaghetti
Seasonings:
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp mustard powder
1/4 tsp salt
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce: In a measuring cup, whisk the brown gravy mix with 1 cup cold water until smooth. Stir in tomato sauce and seasonings. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper, toss with flour to coat. Sear in olive oil over medium-high heat for 6–7 minutes, turning to brown evenly. Remove and set aside.
Deglaze & Sauté: Turn off heat, pour in 1/4 cup chicken broth, and scrape up browned bits with a spatula. Turn heat to medium, add butter and sliced onions. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring often, until caramelized.
Build the Sauce: Add garlic and sauté 1 minute. Add remaining broth, simmer 5 minutes. Pour in the gravy-tomato mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Add chicken back to skillet.
Boil Pasta: Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and add to sauce, tossing to coat.
Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped parsley and serve hot with garlic bread.
Notes
For a saucier pasta, use slightly less spaghetti.
You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred.
Reheat leftovers with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg