Crispy chicken cutlets, smoky bacon, and tender Swiss chard come together in one pan for an easy, satisfying dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but cooks up fast at home. This one-pan chicken scallopini recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough for company. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, it’s a wholesome skillet dinner you’ll want on repeat.
If you’re looking for a one-pan chicken dinner, a healthy chicken scallopini recipe, or an easy skillet chicken recipe with greens, this classic dish delivers comfort, flavor, and simplicity all in one pan.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Chicken Scallopini
- Made entirely in one pan
- Crispy, golden chicken cutlets
- Savory bacon and onion flavor throughout
- Packed with nutrient-rich Swiss chard
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Naturally gluten-light with simple breadcrumbs
Ingredients
- 2 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 pound Swiss chard, trimmed and coarsely chopped (about 6 cups packed)
- 1 egg white
- 1 teaspoon water
- ¼ cup plain dry bread crumbs
- 1 pound chicken cutlets (about ⅓-inch thick)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
One-Pan Chicken Scallopini Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon & Chard
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon and onion for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and lightly golden. Add the Swiss chard, cover, and cook for about 2 minutes until wilted. Uncover and continue cooking for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chard is tender. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg white and water. Place the bread crumbs in another shallow dish. Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg white mixture, letting excess drip off, then lightly coat both sides with bread crumbs.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Wipe out the skillet if needed, then heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for about 3 minutes, or until golden brown on the bottom. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes over medium heat, until golden and cooked through.
Step 4: Serve
Serve the crispy chicken scallopini topped with the warm bacon and Swiss chard mixture. Finish with lemon wedges, if desired.
Tips for the Best Chicken Scallopini
- Thin cutlets cook quickly and stay tender
- Keep the breadcrumb coating light for the best texture
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook chicken in batches if needed
- A squeeze of lemon brightens the entire dish
What to Serve with Chicken Scallopini
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but also pairs beautifully with simple sides.
Print
One-Pan Chicken Scallopini with Bacon & Swiss Chard
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 SERVINGS 1x
Description
Crispy chicken cutlets cooked in one pan with smoky bacon, tender Swiss chard, and a bright squeeze of lemon. An easy, flavorful weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
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2 slices bacon, chopped
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1 cup chopped onion
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1 pound Swiss chard, trimmed and coarsely chopped (about 6 cups packed)
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1 egg white
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1 teaspoon water
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¼ cup plain dry bread crumbs
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1 pound chicken cutlets (about ⅓-inch thick)
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2 teaspoons olive oil
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon and onion for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and lightly golden.
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Add the Swiss chard to the skillet, cover, and cook for 2 minutes until wilted. Uncover and continue cooking for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and set aside.
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In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg white and water. Place the bread crumbs in a separate shallow bowl.
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Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg white mixture, letting excess drip off, then lightly coat both sides with bread crumbs.
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Wipe out the skillet if needed and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
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Add the chicken cutlets and cook for about 3 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes over medium heat until cooked through.
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Serve the chicken topped with the bacon and Swiss chard mixture. Garnish with lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
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Thin chicken cutlets cook quickly and stay tender
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Keep the breadcrumb coating light for best texture
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Lemon adds brightness but is optional
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Serve as-is or over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 20 MINS
- Category: DINNER | CHICKEN
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: ITALIAN INSPIRED
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently in a skillet to keep the chicken crisp
- Avoid microwaving if possible for best texture
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chicken scallopini ahead of time?
Chicken scallopini is best served fresh for the crispiest texture, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Bread the chicken and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours before cooking. The bacon and Swiss chard mixture can also be cooked in advance and reheated gently.
What cut of chicken is best for chicken scallopini?
Thin chicken cutlets are ideal for chicken scallopini. They cook quickly, stay tender, and create the classic scallopini texture. If needed, you can slice chicken breasts horizontally and pound them thin.
Can I use a different green instead of Swiss chard?
Yes. Spinach, kale, or arugula work well as substitutes for Swiss chard. Spinach will cook the fastest, while kale will need a few extra minutes to soften.
Is chicken scallopini the same as chicken piccata?
No. Chicken scallopini refers to the thinly sliced chicken preparation, while chicken piccata typically includes a lemon-caper sauce. This recipe focuses on a crispy scallopini style with bacon and greens.
Can I serve this chicken scallopini over pasta?
Absolutely. Chicken scallopini is delicious served over spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair pasta. Add a splash of pasta water or a drizzle of olive oil to help everything come together.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain the chicken’s texture. Avoid microwaving if possible.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or finely crushed gluten-free crackers. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This one-pan chicken scallopini with bacon and Swiss chard proves that simple ingredients can create incredible flavor. It’s an easy skillet dinner that feels elevated, balanced, and comforting—perfect for weeknights when you want something quick but satisfying.
If you love one-pan chicken recipes, easy scallopini dinners, or skillet meals with greens, this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation.
