Here is The Best Chicken Piccata Recipe easily at Home. Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian dish known for its bright and tangy flavors. It typically consists of lightly breaded and pan-fried chicken breasts that are topped with a sauce made from lemon juice, butter, capers, and parsley. The combination of these ingredients creates a delicious balance of savory, citrusy, and briny flavors.
To prepare Chicken Piccata, the chicken breasts are first pounded to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly. They are then seasoned with salt and pepper and lightly coated in flour before being pan-fried in a mixture of olive oil and butter. This cooking method creates a golden brown crust on the chicken while keeping the inside moist and tender.
The sauce is made by deglazing the pan with chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, which adds a refreshing acidity to the dish. Capers, which are pickled flower buds, are then added to the sauce, providing a salty and slightly tangy flavor. The sauce is further enriched by incorporating butter, creating a velvety texture and enhancing the overall richness.
Once the sauce has come together, the chicken breasts are returned to the skillet and coated with the flavorful sauce. The dish is finished off with a sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley, which adds a touch of freshness and color.
Chicken Piccata is often served with a side of pasta, such as linguine or angel hair, or with a bed of steamed vegetables. The pasta or vegetables can be tossed in the remaining sauce to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
This dish is beloved for its vibrant flavors and elegant presentation. It showcases the simplicity and beauty of Italian cuisine, offering a delightful combination of textures and tastes that is sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings. So, here’s a recipe for Chicken Piccata:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of capers, drained
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Firstly, start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This will help them cook evenly. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Then, place the flour in a shallow dish and dredge the chicken breasts in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the butter has melted and the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, scraping the bottom of the skillet to incorporate the browned bits.
- Then, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and stir until melted and well combined with the sauce. This will help thicken the sauce and give it a rich flavor.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Then, remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken.
- Finally, serve the chicken piccata with the sauce spooned over the top. It pairs well with pasta, rice, or a side of steamed vegetables.
