Description
Chicken Piccata is a beloved Italian dish that features tender chicken breasts sautéed to perfection in a luscious lemon-butter sauce, enhanced with the briny flavor of capers. This quick and flavorful recipe is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting dinner at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons capers (drained)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess to ensure an even coating.
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Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it to keep warm.
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Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, pour in the white wine (if using) and let it simmer for about 1 minute, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice, chicken broth, and capers. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.
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Finish the Dish:
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the sauce, stirring until melted and fully combined.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over it, and heat through for about 1 minute.
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Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices. Pair with pasta, rice, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Chicken Thickness: For even cooking, consider pounding the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness before dredging in flour. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Caper Alternatives: If you're not a fan of capers, you can substitute with green olives for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 26g