Best Chicken Piccata Recipe
Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian dish that has won the hearts of food lovers around the globe. It’s a simple yet elegant recipe that features tender chicken breasts sautéed in butter and olive oil, then finished with a zesty lemon-butter sauce, capers, and fresh parsley.
The combination of tangy lemon, savory butter, and the unique briny flavor of capers makes this dish an irresistible choice for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner for two or serving a family meal, Chicken Piccata is a dish that never fails to impress.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment
Essential Tools
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Shallow dish for dredging
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving platter
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a large zip-top bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures even cooking.
- Season and Dredge: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the flour in a shallow dish and dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and foamy.
- Sauté the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use tongs to transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Piccata Sauce
- Deglaze the Pan: With the skillet still on medium heat, add the lemon juice, chicken broth, and white wine (if using). Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits add rich flavor to the sauce.
- Add Capers and Butter: Stir in the capers and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly for about 2 minutes. Then, whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until the sauce is smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
- Return the Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, pour the remaining sauce over the top, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect Sides
- Pasta: Serve the Chicken Piccata over a bed of angel hair pasta or fettuccine, drizzled with extra sauce.
- Vegetables: Pair with steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli.
- Salad: A light, crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the dish.
Wine Pairing
- White Wine: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the bright lemon and caper flavors in Chicken Piccata.
Tips for Success
Choose the Right Chicken
- Thin and Even: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures that they cook quickly and evenly, preventing them from drying out.
- Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and parsley make a significant difference in the flavor of this dish.
Adjusting the Sauce
- Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more chicken broth or white wine.
- Extra Zing: For more lemony flavor, add a little grated lemon zest to the sauce.
Making It Your Own
- Additional Flavor: Add a few garlic cloves, minced, to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Herb Variations: Try adding fresh basil or oregano for a different herbal note.
Variations to Try
Chicken Piccata with Mushrooms
- Mushroom Addition: Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet before making the sauce. They add a lovely earthiness to the dish.
Gluten-Free Chicken Piccata
- Gluten-Free Flour: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for dredging the chicken.
Lemon Piccata
- Extra Lemon: Increase the amount of lemon juice and zest for a super tangy version of the dish.
Conclusion
Chicken Piccata is a timeless dish that brings together the bright, tangy flavors of lemon and capers with the savory richness of butter and tender chicken. It’s an easy yet elegant meal that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With its simple preparation and impressive flavor, Chicken Piccata is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
FAQs
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. The cooking time may need to be adjusted as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover Chicken Piccata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I Freeze Chicken Piccata?
Yes, Chicken Piccata can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What Can I Use Instead of Capers?
If you don’t have capers, you can substitute them with chopped green olives or a splash of vinegar for a similar briny flavor.
Is Chicken Piccata Keto-Friendly?
To make this dish keto-friendly, omit the flour for dredging and use a keto-approved thickener for the sauce if needed.
Best Chicken Piccata Recipe
Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian dish that has won the hearts of food lovers around the globe. It’s a simple yet elegant recipe that features tender chicken breasts sautéed in butter and olive oil, then finished with a zesty lemon-butter sauce, capers, and fresh parsley. The combination of tangy lemon, savory butter, and the unique briny flavor of capers makes this dish an irresistible choice for any occasion. Whether you're preparing a romantic dinner for two or serving a family meal, Chicken Piccata is a dish that never fails to impress.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- ¼ cup capers, drained
- ¼ cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
In a shallow dish, mix the flour with salt and black pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. - Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. - Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and white wine (if using). Stir in the capers and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly. - Return the Chicken to the Skillet:
Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken and allow the flavors to meld. - Serve:
Transfer the chicken to serving plates, spooning the sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices.