Chicken Piccata Recipe: A Classic Dish Made Easy
Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian-American dish known for its tangy, lemony sauce and tender chicken cutlets. This recipe simplifies the process, making it achievable even for beginner cooks while still delivering an authentic taste. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this restaurant-quality meal!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 2-4 people. Adjust quantities accordingly for larger groups.
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/4-inch thickness (this ensures even cooking)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Let's get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Chicken Piccata.
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Pound the chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet to an even 1/4-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from becoming dry.
- Dredge the chicken: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Sauté the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
- Melt the butter: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds depth of flavor to your sauce.
- Simmer the sauce: Add the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the sauce slightly reduces.
- Stir in the capers and parsley: Add the capers and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine and Serve:
- Return the chicken: Add the cooked chicken breasts back to the skillet and coat them with the sauce. Simmer for another minute or two, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
- Serve immediately: Serve the Chicken Piccata hot, over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with extra parsley, if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Piccata:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure it browns properly.
- Use fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a huge difference in the flavor of the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and lemon juice to your preference.
- Serve with sides: Chicken Piccata pairs well with many sides, including pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
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This recipe provides a delicious and easy-to-follow guide to creating a memorable Chicken Piccata. Remember to share your culinary creations with us! Enjoy!
