Name: Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 2 tbsp capers; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Chicken Piccata is a flavorful and elegant dish that has become a staple in Italian-American cuisine. It is a fantastic choice for a quick yet impressive meal, as it combines simple ingredients like chicken breasts, lemon, and capers, resulting in a tangy, savory sauce that complements the mild chicken perfectly. Whether you are preparing dinner for your family or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to impress.

The essence of Chicken Piccata lies in the lemony caper sauce, which sets it apart from other chicken recipes. The combination of fresh lemon juice, butter, and capers creates a delicate balance of tartness, saltiness, and richness that envelops the chicken in flavor. If you’re wondering how to create the perfect Chicken Piccata, I highly recommend checking out this RecipeTin Eats guide for step-by-step instructions and pro tips on perfecting the sauce.

Additionally, Chicken Piccata can be customized to suit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you prefer to swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs, or you’re looking for ways to make the sauce less tangy, the recipe can easily be adjusted. You can explore a fantastic resource for the best lemon chicken piccata recipe at Allrecipes, which includes great variations and preparation methods.

What Makes Chicken Piccata So Special?

The beauty of Chicken Piccata lies in its simplicity. At its core, it is made with just a few ingredients, yet the flavors are sophisticated enough to elevate the dish to a restaurant-worthy level. The key elements of this dish are:

Chicken breasts: Lean, tender, and quick to cook, chicken breasts are the star of this dish.
Lemon sauce: The tangy lemon sauce is the heart of Chicken Piccata, bringing a fresh zing to every bite.
Capers: These small, pickled flower buds provide a sharp brininess that complements the lemon.
Butter: Adds richness to the sauce, helping to balance the tartness of the lemon.
Chicken broth: Helps build a flavorful base for the sauce.

While simple in its ingredients, the lemon sauce makes all the difference in this dish. The combination of tangy lemon and the saltiness from the capers makes it a perfect complement to the chicken. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to add herbs or garlic to customize the flavor to your liking.

How to Prepare Chicken Piccata

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Before you start cooking, it’s important to properly prepare the chicken. Follow these steps to ensure the chicken turns out tender and evenly cooked:

Pound the chicken breasts: Lay the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper. Use a meat mallet to gently pound them to an even thickness (around 1/2 inch thick). This will help them cook evenly and become more tender.
Season with salt and pepper: Once the chicken breasts are flattened, season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Dredge in flour: Lightly coat each chicken breast with all-purpose flour, shaking off the excess. This will give the chicken a delicate crust when seared.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

To achieve a golden, crispy exterior, it’s essential to sear the chicken breasts properly:

Heat your pan: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Let the butter melt, creating a rich, flavorful base.
Cook the chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through. The chicken should have a nice sear on both sides. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Sauce

The lemon sauce is where the magic happens. This is the step that truly defines Chicken Piccata:

Deglaze the pan: With the chicken removed, you’ll see flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This is where all the flavor resides! Add chicken broth to the pan, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to release those bits. This process is known as deglazing.
Add the lemon juice and capers: Once the broth has simmered for a couple of minutes, add the fresh lemon juice and capers to the skillet. Stir well to combine. The capers will infuse the sauce with a briny, savory flavor.
Simmer and thicken: Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly. Add in the remaining butter, stirring until it melts into the sauce, making it rich and velvety.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken with the Sauce

Now that your sauce is ready, it’s time to return the chicken to the pan and allow it to soak in the flavorful sauce:

Return the chicken to the skillet: Add the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet with the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to ensure it gets coated in the rich, lemony flavor.
Simmer together: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to soak up the flavors and finish cooking. If you’d like, you can also garnish the dish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken has absorbed the sauce, it’s time to serve! Chicken Piccata is often served with a variety of side dishes, such as:

Pasta: Angel hair or linguine work wonderfully with the sauce.
Vegetables: A side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini complements the dish perfectly.
Salads: A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken.

Garnish the Chicken Piccata with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately for an unforgettable meal.

Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata is not only delicious but also quite healthy, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet. Here are some key nutritional benefits:

High in protein: The chicken breasts provide a lean source of protein, making this dish perfect for muscle-building and overall health.
Rich in vitamin C: The lemon juice in the sauce offers a good dose of vitamin C, which supports your immune system.
Low in carbs: Chicken Piccata is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
Heart-healthy fats: The olive oil and butter in the recipe provide healthy fats, which are important for heart health.

Approximate Nutritional Information per Serving:

Calories: 350
Protein: 40g
Carbs: 5g
Fat: 20g (mostly healthy fats from olive oil and butter)

Chicken Piccata is a satisfying and nutrient-packed meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

FAQs About Chicken Piccata

What is the difference between Chicken Piccata and Chicken Marsala?
While both dishes are Italian-American classics, the main difference lies in the sauce. Chicken Piccata features a tangy lemon-caper sauce, while Chicken Marsala uses a rich Marsala wine sauce. The two dishes offer distinct flavors, with Piccata being brighter and more acidic, while Marsala has a deeper, sweeter profile.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts are commonly used for Chicken Piccata, you can use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option. Keep in mind that chicken thighs may require slightly longer cooking times to ensure they are cooked through.

How can I make the sauce less tangy?
If you prefer a less tangy sauce, simply add more butter or chicken broth to the sauce to balance out the acidity of the lemon. You can also reduce the amount of lemon juice to suit your personal preference.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the lemon sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the sauce before adding the chicken to it.

Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce

Author: iyma hernandes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x

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Description

A flavorful and elegant Chicken Piccata recipe featuring tender chicken breasts in a tangy lemon-caper sauce, perfect for a quick and impressive meal.

Ingredients

Scale

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp capers
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Pound the chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness.
Season both sides with salt and pepper, then dredge lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
Add lemon juice and capers, simmering for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the remaining butter and return the chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over it.
Simmer for 2-3 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.