Italian Chicken Piccata Recipe

Chicken Piccata is a delicious Italian dish featuring tender chicken cutlets in a tangy lemon-butter sauce, complemented by capers and fresh parsley. This simple yet elegant recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, rice, or a side of veggies, this Italian Chicken Piccata Recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off the excess. This will create a light, crispy coating.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Once the butter has melted, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
3. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Piccata Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Once the butter has melted, add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Allow the sauce to reduce slightly, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them.
2. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

Serve the chicken piccata with your choice of pasta, rice, or vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips for the Best Chicken Piccata

• Pound the chicken breasts: Ensuring the chicken is an even thickness allows for quicker and more uniform cooking.
• Don’t skip the capers: These little briny gems add a tangy punch to the dish and balance out the rich butter and lemon sauce.
• Use fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings a bright, fresh flavor that elevates the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Piccata is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:

• Angel hair pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic is a traditional pairing.
• For a lighter option, serve the chicken over a bed of sautéed spinach or zucchini noodles.
• Roasted potatoes or a side of steamed asparagus also complement the dish beautifully.

Variations

• Chicken Piccata with White Wine: Add ½ cup of dry white wine to the sauce for added depth of flavor.
• Creamy Chicken Piccata: Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream at the end to make a rich, creamy version of this classic dish.
• Gluten-Free Chicken Piccata: Use gluten-free flour for dredging the chicken.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

• Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

2. How do I prevent the sauce from being too bitter?

• Make sure to use fresh lemons and avoid letting any lemon seeds or pith (the white part of the lemon) get into the sauce, as they can make it taste bitter.

3. Can I make chicken piccata ahead of time?

• Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, and then reheat the chicken in the sauce on the stovetop just before serving.

4. What can I substitute for capers?

• If you’re not a fan of capers, you can substitute them with finely chopped green olives or omit them entirely.

5. How do I reheat chicken piccata?

• Reheat the chicken in the sauce over medium heat on the stovetop. You can also warm it in the microwave, but stovetop reheating will help maintain the texture and flavor of the dish.

Conclusion

This Italian Chicken Piccata Recipe is a delightful combination of tangy lemon, savory chicken, and the unique briny flavor of capers. It’s a perfect dish for anyone looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels both light and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, rice, or a side of vegetables, this chicken piccata is sure to impress at your next meal.

Yield: 4

Italian Chicken Piccata Recipe

Print

Chicken Piccata is a delicious Italian dish featuring tender chicken cutlets in a tangy lemon-butter sauce, complemented by capers and fresh parsley. This simple yet elegant recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, rice, or a side of veggies, this Italian Chicken Piccata Recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied and halved)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
• 1/4 cup capers, drained
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Butterfly and halve the chicken breasts so you have 4 thinner pieces. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge the chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Sear the Chicken:
   Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, add the chicken. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
3. Make the Sauce:
   In the same skillet, add the chicken broth (or white wine), lemon juice, and capers. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor. Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Finish the Sauce:
   Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter until melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
5. Return the Chicken:
   Add the chicken back to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
6. Serve:
   Transfer the chicken to serving plates and spoon the lemon-caper sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

Notes

Serving Suggestions: Chicken piccata pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or sautéed vegetables.

Wine Option: For a richer sauce, you can substitute white wine for the chicken broth or use a mix of both.

Crispier Chicken: For extra crispy chicken, lightly pound the chicken breasts before dredging them in flour.