Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken cutlets with a tangy lemon-caper sauce. It’s a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal to impress guests. This recipe is inspired by top culinary sources and brings together the best elements of this beloved dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutesTotal
- Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create two equal cutlets, resulting in four pieces total.
- Place the chicken pieces between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to about ¼-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Dredge the Chicken:
- Place the flour in a shallow dish.
- Lightly coat each chicken cutlet in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Once the butter has melted and the mixture is sizzling, add the chicken cutlets to the skillet.
- Cook the cutlets for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Allow the wine to simmer for about 2 minutes, reducing slightly.
- Add the chicken broth and lemon juice to the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly.
- Finish the Sauce:
- Stir in the capers and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Continue to simmer until the butter has melted and the sauce has a smooth consistency.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them to ensure they are well-coated and warmed through.
- Garnish with the chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve the chicken piccata hot, accompanied by your choice of side dishes such as pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 225
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 310mg
This Chicken Piccata recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors, with the brightness of the lemon and the brininess of the capers complementing the savory chicken. It’s a dish that’s both simple to prepare and sophisticated in taste, making it a wonderful addition to any home cook’s repertoire.
