Chicken Piccata
Chicken Piccata is an easy-to-make, elegant Italian dish featuring tender, pan-fried chicken breasts in a light and tangy lemon and caper sauce. The combination of savory chicken, fresh lemon, briny capers, and a hint of white wine creates a delightful flavor balance. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Equipment
- 1 large skillet (non-stick recommended)
- 1 meat mallet or rolling pin (for tenderizing chicken)
- 1 set of tongs (for turning chicken)
- 1 small bowl (for dredging flour)
- 1 serving plate (for plating)
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 tbsp capers drained
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lemon sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by tenderizing the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet.Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast lightly in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add Lemon and Capers: Stir in the lemon juice and capers. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Finish the Dish: Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Chicken Breast Thickness: For even cooking, ensure the chicken breasts are of uniform thickness by pounding them to about 1/2 inch thick.
- Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is an excellent substitute for a more family-friendly version.
- Capers: You can find capers in most grocery stores, but if unavailable, green olives can be used as a substitute.
- Make-Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat the sauce and add the chicken when ready to serve.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make the dish gluten-free, swap out the all-purpose flour for rice flour or cornstarch.