Chicken Piccata Recipe: A Classic Italian-American Delight
Chicken Piccata is a timeless classic, beloved for its bright, lemony flavor and tender chicken. This dish is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe will guide you through creating a restaurant-quality Chicken Piccata in your own kitchen.
What is Chicken Piccata?
Chicken Piccata is an Italian-American dish featuring thinly sliced chicken breasts dredged in flour, pan-fried, and then finished in a tangy sauce made with butter, lemon juice, capers, and often white wine. The result is a dish that's both elegant and satisfying.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 2-4 people. Adjust quantities as needed.
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For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly pounded
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
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For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, chicken broth can be substituted)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This ensures even cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the lemon juice and capers. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce slightly thickens.
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Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it with the sauce. Simmer for another minute to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Tips for the Best Chicken Piccata:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- Use fresh lemon juice: This makes a big difference in the flavor of the sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice to your liking.
- Add some zest: For an extra punch of lemon flavor, add the zest of half a lemon to the sauce.
- Serve it up: Chicken Piccata pairs beautifully with a crisp salad and a glass of chilled white wine.
Variations:
- Creamy Chicken Piccata: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
- Chicken Piccata with Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the garlic for extra flavor and texture.
- Lemon Butter Chicken Piccata: Reduce the capers and boost the butter for a richer, more buttery experience.
This recipe offers a delightful culinary experience that's sure to impress. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Piccata! Remember to share your culinary creations using #ChickenPiccata on social media!
