Chicken Piccata – This simple yet flavorful dish boasts a zesty lemon sauce with capers, that’s sure to become a household favorite. It’s a quick dish that takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish.
What is Chicken Piccata?
Chicken Piccata is a traditional Italian dish, featuring thin slices of chicken breast that are dredged in flour, pan-fried, and served with a sauce made from butter, lemon juice, capers, and white wine or chicken broth. The bright, tangy flavors of the sauce perfectly complement the tender chicken, making it a go-to recipe for special occasions or quick weeknight dinners.
Origin: The word “piccata” comes from the Italian verb piccare, which means “to prick” or “to lard.” While originally used to describe a method of preparing veal, the technique has since been adapted for chicken, making Chicken Piccata a popular variation.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Piccata
- Pound the Chicken: For even cooking, lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before dredging them in flour.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the best flavor. Avoid using bottled juice, as it can taste too acidic.
- Capers: Rinse your capers before adding them to the dish to mellow out their briny flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken can dry out quickly, so be sure to remove it from the heat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Recipe Variations
While the traditional Chicken Piccata recipe is simple and delicious, there are plenty of ways to change things up!
Creamy Piccata:
If you prefer a richer sauce, try adding ¼ cup of heavy cream to the sauce after adding the broth. This transforms the dish into a creamy, indulgent meal while maintaining its bright flavors.
Gluten-Free Piccata:
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, or use almond flour for a nutty twist that pairs well with the lemon and capers.
Keto Chicken Piccata:
Skip the flour altogether and sear the chicken in oil until crispy. You can also use almond flour for a keto-friendly option.
Vegetarian Piccata:
Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian twist. The preparation method remains the same, offering the same zesty flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Piccata
Chicken Piccata is versatile and pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some great serving ideas:
- Pasta: Serve your Chicken Piccata over angel hair pasta or linguine. The lemon-caper sauce is perfect for tossing with pasta.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer a hearty contrast to the tangy, buttery sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Lightly roasted asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts make for an excellent side.
- Crusty Bread: A slice of rustic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Piccata
Refrigerating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Chicken Piccata freezes well. Simply place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, ensuring the chicken is fully covered by the sauce to prevent drying out. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: For best results, reheat Chicken Piccata in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to refresh the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it, but be cautious as the chicken can dry out more quickly in the microwave.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a juicier alternative to chicken breasts. Just ensure that they are cooked thoroughly, as they require a bit more time than breasts.
Can I make Piccata ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and combine them when you’re ready to serve. Reheat the chicken in the sauce for a few minutes until warmed through.
What can I use instead of capers?
If you’re not a fan of capers, try substituting with chopped green olives. They offer a similar briny flavor that works well with the lemon sauce.
What wine pairs best with Piccata?
A crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs perfectly with the bright, citrusy flavors of Chicken Piccata.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Simply replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative, such as vegan butter or olive oil, for a dairy-free Chicken Piccata.
Chicken Piccata (Best Flavorful)
Chicken Piccata - This simple yet flavorful dish boasts a zesty lemon sauce with capers, that’s sure to become a household favorite. It’s a quick dish that takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (more as needed)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup chicken broth (or chicken stock)
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ lemon, juiced (about 1 ½ tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ cup dry white wine (or more chicken broth)
- 3 tablespoons capers, drained
- Shredded Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken breasts to about ½ inch thick for even cooking.
- Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Coat each chicken breast in the mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (165°F). Set the cooked chicken aside and keep warm.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
- Build the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, lemon juice, white wine, and capers. Let the sauce simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine and Serve: Add the chicken back into the skillet and simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to heat through. Stir in the fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the chicken piccata with an extra sprinkle of parsley and optional Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 465Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 732mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 40g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Piccata is a timeless dish that combines bright, tangy flavors with savory goodness. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re entertaining guests or just want a quick and easy weeknight meal. By using simple, fresh ingredients and following the tips and tricks above, you’ll create a restaurant-worthy meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Let me know how your Chicken Piccata turns out in the comments below! Have any additional tips or variations? I’d love to hear them. Happy cooking!
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