The Difference Between Chicken Scallopini vs. Piccata

Chicken scallopini and piccata are both Italian preparations that feature the same ingredient: chicken.

However, a chicken scallopini has more of a rustic, Italian feel to it, while a piccata features a more refined, French flair.

Both are saucy, creamy and tasty, but the differences between them make a world of difference.

Chicken scallopini is a more rustic and hearty dish that features more tender, bone-in chicken breasts. Piccata is a lighter sauce with white meat chicken and a variety of vegetables.

Now that you know the difference between chicken scallopini vs. piccata, you can make the right decision when ordering your next meal out.

Chicken Scallopini

The Italians love their white meat, and that’s particularly the case when it comes to chicken. Chicken scallopini is a favorite at Italian restaurants because of its versatility.

You can eat it with just about anything, and it’s even suitable for guests who may be lactose-intolerant or have dairy allergies.

Chicken scallopini, also known as chicken Milanese, is prepared by sauteeing chicken breasts until they achieve a delicious golden brown color.

The chicken is then removed from the pan and finished on the stovetop or in a sautee pan with a combination of butter, flour and lemon juice.

Piccata

Piccata is a lighter, more refined version of chicken scallopini. Piccata is prepared by sauteeing chicken breasts until they achieve an irresistible golden brown color and then briefly finishing them in a hot, garlic and butter-flavored broth.

Variations

Chicken piccata and its variations can be found around the world, but it is especially popular in Italy, France, Spain and Argentina. In Italy, piccata can be prepared with different quantities of lemon juice, wine and seasonings.

The Spanish version is similar to the French version, with the addition of paprika and cayenne. The Argentinean version is similar to the Spanish version, but it is often prepared with a higher quantity of chicken and lard.

Difference Between Chicken Scallopini and Piccata

The main difference between chicken scallopini and piccata is the type of chicken used. Piccata generally uses white-meat chicken, while a chicken scallopini features darker-meat chicken.

The other difference is the level of spiciness. A piccata is usually much spicier than a chicken scallopini.

Conclusion

Chicken scallopini is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for cold winter days. It is typically made with bone-in chicken breasts, olive oil and a variety of seasonings.

Piccata is a lighter, more refined version of chicken scallopini.

Although the two dishes feature the same name, they are different in many ways.

Piccata is prepared by sauteeing chicken breasts until they achieve an irresistible golden brown color and then briefly finishing them in a hot, garlic and butter-flavored broth.