lemon chicken piccata recipe

lemon chicken piccata recipe

The Best lemon chicken piccata recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes, lemon chicken piccata. This classic Italian dish has been a staple in our household for years, and for good reason – it’s incredibly easy to make and tastes absolutely divine. The key to a great piccata is the technique of pounding the chicken breasts thin, which allows them to cook evenly and prevents them from becoming tough or chewy.

I like to use a meat mallet to pound the chicken, but you can also use the back of a heavy skillet or a rolling pin to get the job done. I first discovered lemon chicken piccata at a local Italian restaurant when I was in my early twenties. The combination of tangy lemon juice, rich butter, and delicate herbs was like nothing I’d ever tasted before.

I begged the chef for the recipe, and after some persistence on my part, he finally shared it with me. Since then, it’s been a staple in our household for special occasions and everyday meals alike. One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is.

You can serve it with pasta, rice, or even on its own as a main course. It’s also an excellent way to get your kids (or picky eaters) to eat chicken – they’ll be too busy enjoying the flavors to notice they’re actually eating something healthy! But what really sets lemon chicken piccata apart is the flavor profile.

The lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy note that perfectly balances out the richness of the butter and herbs. It’s truly a taste sensation that will leave you wanting more.

Lemon Chicken Piccata

Lemon Chicken Piccata

4.8 from 1304 votes

Lemon Chicken Piccata is a delightful Italian dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a tangy lemon-caper sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner with family and friends.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
2 tbsp capers, drained
2 tbsp butter, cold and cubed
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2Place the flour in a shallow dish and dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
3Set the chicken aside.
4Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side.
6Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
7In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium.
8Add the white wine and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze.
9Cook until the liquid has reduced by half, about 3-4 minutes.
10Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and capers.
11Return the chicken to the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
12Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cold butter until it melts and the sauce is smooth.
13Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top and serve the chicken hot.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Skillet with lid
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free all-purpose flour.

Watch Video Of How Lemon Chicken Piccata Works

Lemon chicken piccata is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family dinner, holiday gathering, or just a quick weeknight meal. It’s incredibly easy to make and tastes absolutely divine.

To store leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating leftovers, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to maintain its bright citrus flavor.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Chicken Piccata

Q: What is piccata?

Piccata is a classic Italian cooking technique that involves pounding thin cutlets of meat (usually veal or chicken) into uniform slices.

Q: Why do you need to pound the chicken breasts thin?

Pounding the chicken breasts thin allows them to cook evenly and prevents them from becoming tough or chewy.

Q: Can I use different types of citrus juice in place of lemon juice?

You can experiment with different citrus juices like lime or orange, but keep in mind that each will change the flavor profile slightly.

Q: How do you store leftover lemon chicken piccata?

Store leftover lemon chicken piccata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Q: Can I reheat lemon chicken piccata multiple times without losing its flavor?

No, it’s best not to reheat lemon chicken piccata multiple times as this can cause it to dry out and lose its flavor.

Q: Is lemon chicken piccata suitable for special diets like gluten-free or vegan?

No, traditional lemon chicken piccata contains gluten (from flour used in coating) and animal products (butter), so it may not be suitable for certain dietary needs.

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