perfect chicken piccata recipe

The Best perfect chicken piccata recipe

I’ve been making chicken piccata for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. This Italian dish is a staple in many restaurants, but it’s also incredibly easy to make at home.

The key to a perfect chicken piccata is to pound the chicken breasts thin so they cook evenly and quickly. I like to serve it with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or a simple green salad.

The lemon and capers add a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the rich taste of the chicken perfectly. My kids love it when I serve it with a side of sautéed spinach or broccoli, and my husband always asks for seconds.

I think what I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is – you can serve it for a special occasion or just a regular Tuesday dinner. It’s also incredibly healthy, with lean protein from the chicken and plenty of vitamins from the vegetables.

I’ve even made it for my kids’ school lunches, and they always come home raving about it. The best part is that it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner solution.

I’ve tried many different variations on this recipe over the years, but I always come back to this one because of its simplicity and flavor.

Perfect Chicken Piccata

4.8 from 1708 votes

A classic Italian dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a lemon-caper sauce. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a fancy dinner party.

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
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce

1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small shallot, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp capers
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2Dredge each breast in flour, shaking off any excess.
3Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4Add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side.
5Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
6In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
7Add shallot and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
8Pour in white wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze.
9Cook until liquid is reduced by half.
10Add chicken broth and lemon juice, bring to a simmer.
11Stir in capers and parsley.
12Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top.
13Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened.
14The chicken should be white throughout, and the sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
15Serve chicken piccata hot, with a generous spoonful of sauce and a side of pasta or rice.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Large 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 spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

I always recommend storing leftover chicken piccata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freezing it for up to 2 months. When reheating leftovers, simply place them in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

You can also reheat them in the microwave or oven if needed. This recipe works well for family gatherings or special occasions because it’s easy to scale up or down depending on your needs.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Piccata

What is chicken piccata?

Chicken piccata is an Italian dish made with thinly sliced chicken breasts, typically pounded thin to ensure even cooking. It’s usually served with a sauce made from butter, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.

What are the key ingredients in chicken piccata?

The main ingredients in chicken piccata are thinly sliced chicken breasts, butter, lemon juice, garlic, capers, and herbs like parsley and basil.

How do you make chicken piccata?

To make chicken piccata, start by pounding the chicken breasts thin using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Then season them with salt and pepper before dredging them in flour. Next, sauté the chicken in butter until it’s cooked through, then remove it from heat and set aside.

Can you substitute the capers in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute capers with other ingredients like chopped olives or artichoke hearts if you prefer.

How do you store leftover chicken piccata?

Leftover chicken piccata can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

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