Chicken piccata

Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian-American dish that’s quick, elegant, and bursting with fresh, zesty flavors. The dish features lightly pan-fried chicken breasts in a bright, tangy lemon and caper sauce. It’s the perfect balance of savory, tart, and just the right amount of saltiness from the capers. The recipe is easy to prepare and makes for a delicious weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests.

The sauce is the star of this dish—lemon juice and white wine create a refreshing, slightly acidic base, while the capers add a briny, savory kick. Whether served over pasta, rice, or alongside a simple green salad, Chicken Piccata is sure to please.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds or 680g total)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup (120ml) dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for finishing the sauce)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment:

• Skillet (large enough to fit all 4 chicken breasts)
• Meat mallet or rolling pin (for flattening the chicken)
• Tongs or spatula
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Knife and cutting board

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Time: 5-7 minutes

• Start by preparing the chicken breasts. If they are very thick, you can butterfly them (cut them horizontally to make two thinner pieces), or place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick, using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking.
• Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

2. Dredge the Chicken:

Time: 2 minutes

• On a large plate or shallow dish, spread the flour. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, pressing gently so that it’s evenly coated on both sides. Shake off any excess flour—this will give the chicken a light, crispy crust when fried.

3. Cook the Chicken:

Time: 6-8 minutes

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your pan.
• Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent it loosely with foil to keep warm.

4. Make the Sauce:

Time: 5-7 minutes

• In the same skillet (do not wipe it clean), add the white wine, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—these bits are full of flavor and will enhance the sauce.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
• Add the capers to the sauce and stir to combine. Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
• Once the sauce has reduced and thickened, stir in 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. This will give the sauce a rich, velvety texture and a slightly glossy finish.

5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

Time: 2-3 minutes

• Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the chicken. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 1-2 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld together.
• Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if necessary.

6. Garnish and Serve:

Time: 1 minute

• Transfer the chicken breasts to serving plates and spoon the sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve the Chicken Piccata with a side of your choice, such as pasta, rice, or a crisp green salad.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pasta: Serve Chicken Piccata over a bed of angel hair pasta or spaghetti. The tangy lemon-caper sauce pairs perfectly with the pasta, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal.
• Rice: A fluffy side of white rice or even cauliflower rice will soak up the delicious sauce, creating a perfect balance.
• Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette, like arugula, spinach, or mixed greens, to add a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce.

Notes:

• Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with extra chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice or apple cider vinegar for acidity.
• Capers: Capers are an essential ingredient for the authentic piccata flavor. If you’re not a fan of capers, you can omit them, though it will alter the dish’s flavor profile.
• Butter: The butter is added at the end to create a silky sauce. You can skip it for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Flavor Variations: If you want to add more flavor, consider adding a small amount of garlic to the pan when making the sauce. You can also experiment with a splash of white wine vinegar for extra tang.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Leftover Chicken Piccata can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to thin the sauce.
• Freezing: While the chicken can be frozen, the sauce may lose its creamy texture. If freezing, it’s best to freeze the chicken separately from the sauce.

Conclusion:

Chicken Piccata is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender, pan-fried chicken with a zesty, lemony sauce. The combination of bright lemon juice, briny capers, and white wine makes this dish a timeless favorite. Perfect for any occasion, Chicken Piccata can be served over pasta, rice, or with a side salad for a light, satisfying meal. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a dish that feels elegant yet is perfect for weeknight dinners. Enjoy!