Introduction
Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a tangy lemon and caper sauce. This flavorful and elegant dish is perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight meal. The chicken is first lightly coated in flour and then sautéed to golden perfection. The sauce, made with fresh lemon juice, white wine, and butter, adds a burst of citrusy flavor to the dish. The briny capers add a delightful pop of saltiness. Chicken Piccata is typically served over a bed of pasta or with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious recipe.
Ingredients
To make Chicken Piccata, you will need the following ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
– 1/4 cup dry white wine
– 2 tablespoons capers, drained
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Steps
Follow these simple steps to prepare Chicken Piccata:
1. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.
2. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and white wine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits.
5. Stir in the capers and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
6. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Cook for another minute to heat the chicken through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve the Chicken Piccata hot with your choice of pasta or side dishes.
Variations
Chicken Piccata can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
– Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer flavor.
– Substitute the chicken breasts with thinly sliced pork or veal cutlets.
– Add some diced tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a burst of sweetness.
– Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken before serving.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect Chicken Piccata:
– Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
– Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
– Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry.
– Adjust the amount of salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
– Serve the Chicken Piccata immediately to enjoy it at its best.
Conclusion
Chicken Piccata is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a tangy lemon and caper sauce. With its bright flavors and elegant presentation, it is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a special dinner or a simple weeknight meal, Chicken Piccata is a versatile recipe that is both delicious and satisfying. Try out this recipe and enjoy the flavors of Italy in your own kitchen.
FAQs
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
A: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are commonly used for Chicken Piccata, you can certainly use bone-in chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Q: Can I make this recipe without wine?
A: Yes, you can omit the wine from the recipe if desired. You can replace it with additional chicken broth or even a splash of white vinegar for a similar tangy flavor.
Q: Can I freeze Chicken Piccata?
A: It is not recommended to freeze Chicken Piccata, as the texture of the chicken may change when thawed and reheated. It is best enjoyed fresh.
Q: Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
A: While fresh parsley adds a vibrant flavor to the dish, you can substitute it with dried parsley if that’s what you have on hand. Just use a smaller amount, as dried herbs are more potent than fresh.
Chicken Piccata
Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian dish that features tender chicken breasts coated in flour and sautéed to golden perfection, then served with a tangy lemon and caper sauce. This flavorful and elegant dish is perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight meal, paired with pasta or other side dishes.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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Salt and pepper to taste
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
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1/4 cup dry white wine
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2 tablespoons capers, drained
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
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Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.
-
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
-
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
-
In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and white wine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits.
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Stir in the capers and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
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Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Cook for another minute to heat the chicken through.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and serve the Chicken Piccata hot with your choice of pasta or side dishes.
