Chicken Piccata Recipe

Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian dish renowned for its vibrant flavors and simple preparation. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with a tangy, lemony sauce that is sure to impress your family and friends. Follow this easy recipe to create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1/4 cup capers, drained
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Start by placing each chicken breast between plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

1. Dredge the Chicken:

• In a shallow dish, place the flour. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. This helps create a light coating that will brown nicely when cooked.

1. Cook the Chicken:

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the butter is foamy, add two chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.

1. Make the Piccata Sauce:

• Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, or until slightly reduced.

1. Finish the Dish:

• Stir in the capers and remaining butter, swirling the skillet until the butter has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

1. Serve:

• Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips for Success:

• Flavor Balance: Adjust the amount of lemon juice and capers to suit your taste preferences. The sauce should be tangy and bright, complementing the savory chicken.
• Serving Suggestions: Chicken Piccata pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. The sauce is versatile enough to drizzle over your side dish for added flavor.
• Garnish: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness to the dish. Don’t skip this final touch!

Enjoy the delightful combination of tender chicken and zesty sauce in this Chicken Piccata recipe. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a special meal, this dish is sure to impress with its classic Italian flavors and straightforward preparation. Bon appétit!