Chicken Piccata: Enjoy this Italian-American classic with buttery, lemony flavors. Easy to make, it features seasoned, pan-fried chicken breast in a lemon butter sauce. Perfect with pasta or rice, this kid-friendly version is a simple yet elegant meal for all.
Start by sprinkling salt and black pepper over thinly sliced, boneless chicken breasts. Make sure to rub the seasonings in evenly, then put them aside.
In a shallow bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, garlic powder, a pinch of black pepper, and a dash of salt for a flavorful mix.
Gently coat each chicken breast in the flour mixture, tapping off any extra. They're now prepped and perfect for pan-frying.
To Fry the Chicken
Heat a pan over medium heat, add butter and olive oil, and allow them to melt. Fry each flour-dredged chicken breast for 3 to 5 minutes per side. Add more butter as needed for additional breasts.
Remove the chicken from the pan once it's golden-brown and set aside for later.
To Prepare Chicken Piccata
In the same pan, heat additional olive oil. Sauté diced shallots and garlic until fragrant.
Add lemon juice, chicken stock, and capers. Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then mix in butter and stir occasionally for 2-3 minutes.
Add the cooked chicken breasts to the sauce, coating them well, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Remove the chicken and set aside. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens, then take off heat.
Serve the chicken on a plate or tray, topped with the piccata sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
To Serve
Enjoy this tangy Chicken Piccata, ideally paired with pasta, rice, or your favorite sides. Explore our serving suggestions section for more creative ideas to enhance your meal.
Notes
Here are some essential tips to perfect your Chicken Piccata:
Ingredient Preparation:
Embrace Freshness: Prioritize fresh, quality ingredients. The magic of freshly squeezed lemon juice and vibrant herbs can significantly lift your dish’s flavor profile.
Organize Beforehand: Embrace the art of mise en place - measure and prepare everything in advance. This not only streamlines your cooking process but also helps avoid any last-minute hiccups.
Selecting Chicken: Choose thinly sliced or gently pounded boneless chicken breast for uniform cooking and better flavor absorption.
Customize Your Seasonings: While traditional piccata relies on black pepper and salt, don't hesitate to experiment with spices like paprika to personalize your dish.
Balancing Butter: Butter is key to piccata’s luxurious taste, but adjust according to your health preferences. A little less won't compromise the dish's integrity.
Cooking Techniques for Chicken Piccata:
Pan-Frying the Chicken: Cook the thinly sliced chicken breasts for about 3-5 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach the FDA's recommended internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Managing the Heat: Keep the heat steady to achieve a golden-brown crust on the chicken. Be ready to adjust the temperature to prevent the chicken from burning or undercooking.
Resting the Chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more juicy and tender chicken.
Sauce Integration: There are two ways to serve the chicken with the sauce. One method is to add the cooked chicken cutlets back into the sauce, letting them absorb the flavors. Alternatively, for a crispier finish, you can arrange the chicken on a platter and pour the thickened sauce over the top just before serving.