Chicken Piccata Recipe - Tools of Flavor

In need of a delicious and easy-to-make dinner option? Look no further than this scrumptious Chicken Piccata recipe! With its tangy and zesty flavors, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds. The tender chicken, coated in a mouthwatering lemon-butter sauce, is complemented perfectly by the delicate hints of capers and fresh parsley. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this Chicken Piccata recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to savor every bite!

Table of Contents

Ingredients

Chicken breasts

When making chicken piccata, it’s important to start with fresh and high-quality chicken breasts. You’ll want boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and allows for easy slicing later on.

All-purpose flour

To create a crispy and delicious coating for the chicken, you’ll need all-purpose flour. This will give the chicken a light and golden crust when cooked.

Salt and pepper

Seasoning is key to enhancing the flavors in any dish, and chicken piccata is no exception. Be sure to have salt and pepper on hand to season the chicken breasts to perfection.

Olive oil

Olive oil is a healthy and flavorful choice for cooking the chicken. It adds a subtle richness to the dish while helping to brown the chicken evenly.

Butter

For an extra touch of richness and flavor, butter is added to the skillet during the cooking process. It adds a velvety texture and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Garlic

Garlic is an essential ingredient in many savory recipes, and chicken piccata is no different. It adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to the dish, complementing the tanginess of the lemon sauce.

Chicken broth

Chicken broth serves as the base for the piccata sauce. It adds depth of flavor and helps to create a luscious sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice is the star ingredient in the piccata sauce. It provides a fresh and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and complements the other ingredients.

Capers

Capers are small, briny flower buds that add a burst of tangy and slightly salty flavor to the dish. They are a classic ingredient in chicken piccata and add a unique element to the overall taste.

Fresh parsley

Fresh parsley is used as a garnish for the finished dish. It adds a pop of vibrant green color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor.

Preparation

Pound and season the chicken breasts

To ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and stays tender, it’s helpful to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides for maximum flavor.

Coat the chicken in flour

Coating the chicken in flour gives it a crispy and golden crust when cooked. Dredge each seasoned chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess.

Cook the chicken in a skillet

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a combination of olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted and is sizzling, add the floured chicken breasts. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Make the piccata sauce

Using the same skillet, add minced garlic, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to reduce slightly, intensifying the flavors. This sauce will coat the chicken and bring everything together.

Add the chicken back to the skillet

Once the sauce has reduced slightly, add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. This allows the chicken to soak up the flavors of the sauce and ensures it stays tender.

Serve the chicken piccata

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a touch of herbaceous freshness. Chicken piccata is best served hot and pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables or pasta.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Pound and season the chicken breasts

Take the chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. Using a meat mallet or a rolling pin, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Coat the chicken in flour

Take the seasoned chicken breasts and dredge them in all-purpose flour, ensuring that each breast is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.

Step 3: Cook the chicken in a skillet

Step 4: Make the piccata sauce

Using the same skillet, add minced garlic, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to reduce slightly, stirring occasionally. This will help to intensify the flavors of the sauce and create a delicious base for the chicken.

Step 5: Add the chicken back to the skillet

Once the sauce has reduced slightly, carefully place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for a few minutes, ensuring that each breast is coated in the flavorful sauce.

Step 6: Serve the chicken piccata

Transfer the chicken piccata to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish the dish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness. Serve the chicken piccata hot and enjoy the delicious flavors.

Tips and Variations

Use thin chicken cutlets for quicker cooking

If you’re short on time or prefer a quicker cooking process, opt for thin chicken cutlets instead of chicken breasts. They will cook faster and require less pounding.

Add white wine to the sauce for extra flavor

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the piccata sauce. The wine will add a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.

Garnish with lemon slices for presentation

To enhance the presentation of your chicken piccata, garnish each serving with thin slices of lemon. This adds a visually appealing touch and complements the flavors of the dish.

Substitute fish or tofu for the chicken

If you’re looking for a variation on the classic chicken piccata, consider using fish fillets or tofu instead. The tangy lemon sauce pairs well with a variety of proteins and can create a delicious alternative to the traditional recipe.

Serve over pasta or with roasted vegetables

While chicken piccata can be enjoyed on its own, it also pairs well with pasta or roasted vegetables. Serve your chicken piccata over a bed of cooked pasta or alongside a medley of roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken?

While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are commonly used in chicken piccata, you can certainly use bone-in chicken if preferred. Keep in mind that bone-in chicken may require a longer cooking time to ensure it is fully cooked.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While chicken piccata is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare certain components ahead of time to save on prep work. You can pound and season the chicken breasts in advance, as well as prepare the piccata sauce. However, it is best to cook the chicken and assemble the dish just before serving to ensure optimal flavor and texture.

What can I serve with chicken piccata?

Chicken piccata pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with cooked pasta, such as angel hair or linguine, to soak up the delicious sauce. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or green beans, also make a tasty and nutritious accompaniment.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

While fresh herbs are often preferred for their vibrant flavor, you can certainly use dried herbs in this recipe if that’s what you have on hand. Keep in mind that dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor, so adjust the quantities accordingly.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! While chicken is the traditional choice for chicken piccata, you can experiment with other proteins. Fish fillets, such as sole or tilapia, work well with the tangy lemon sauce. You can also try using thinly sliced pork or veal for a variation on the classic recipe.

Conclusion

Chicken piccata is a delicious and versatile dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a tangy lemon sauce. By following the simple steps outlined in this recipe, you can create a flavorful and impressive meal that will delight your taste buds. Whether served with pasta, roasted vegetables, or on its own, chicken piccata is sure to become a go-to recipe for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking. You’re just a few steps away from enjoying a restaurant-quality chicken piccata in the comfort of your own home.