Step 1: Prepare the Meat
Flatten the Cutlets: If the cutlets are not thin enough, use a meat mallet to pound them gently until they’re about ¼-inch thick. This ensures even cooking.
Season and Dredge: Season both sides of the cutlets with salt and pepper. Dredge them lightly in flour, shaking off any excess. This creates a light coating that helps thicken the sauce and adds a slight crisp to the meat.
Step 2: Cook the Cutlets
Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat until the butter melts and starts to foam.
Sear the Meat: Add the cutlets to the skillet, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. You don’t want to overcook them; veal and chicken cook quickly. Remove the cutlets from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Sauce
De-glaze the Pan: Lower the heat to medium and pour in the chicken broth (and white wine if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
Add Lemon: Stir in the lemon juice and zest. Let the sauce simmer and reduce by about half, which should take 3-4 minutes.
Finish with Butter: Whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to give the sauce a silky finish. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return Cutlets to Pan: Place the cooked cutlets back into the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Let them simmer in the sauce for about 1-2 minutes, just to warm through.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the cutlets to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Enjoy your Scaloppine al Limone with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Variations and Substitutions
Chicken Alternative: If veal isn't your thing, boneless chicken breast works just as well. Just be sure to pound it thin for even cooking.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging instead of all-purpose flour.
Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like margarine or olive oil for the sauce.
Add Capers: Want to add a little more punch to the flavor? Toss in a tablespoon of capers when you add the lemon juice for a tangy twist.
Herb Options: Instead of parsley, fresh thyme or rosemary can be used to give the dish a different herbaceous note.