Chicken piccata is a classic Italian dish that is known for its tangy lemon sauce and tender chicken. It is a relatively simple dish to prepare, making it a great option for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to about 1/4 inch thickness
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Season with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the lemon juice, chicken broth, and capers. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Finish the dish: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and coat in the sauce. Simmer for 1-2 minutes more to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Piccata:
- Use thin chicken breasts: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness will help them cook evenly and quickly.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Cook the chicken until it is just cooked through.
- Use fresh lemon juice: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled lemon juice.
- Serve with pasta or rice: Chicken piccata is delicious served with pasta or rice.
- Add capers for a briny flavor: Capers add a briny and tangy flavor to the sauce.
Chicken piccata is a light and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is a relatively simple dish to prepare, and it can be customized to your taste preferences.
