Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce Recipe
Chicken Piccata is a beautifully simple dish, with juicy chicken breasts pan-fried to golden perfection and topped with a savory lemon caper sauce. The zesty lemon and briny capers make for a flavorful and refreshing sauce that elevates the chicken to new heights. Serve it with pasta, rice, or a light salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Lightly pounded to even thickness for quick and uniform cooking.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – For dredging the chicken.
- Salt and black pepper – To season the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – For cooking the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness to the chicken.
For the Lemon Sauce:
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice – The key ingredient for a tangy sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – Adds depth and moisture to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional) – Enhances the flavor; you can replace with additional chicken broth if preferred.
- 2 tablespoons capers – Adds a briny, savory touch.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter – To make the sauce rich and glossy.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest – For extra lemony aroma.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) – For garnish.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by lightly pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly. Season both sides with salt and black pepper, then dredge the chicken breasts in flour, shaking off any excess. Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 cup of dry white wine (if using). Stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits left from the chicken. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 4: Add Capers and Butter
Stir in the capers and let them simmer in the sauce for about 1 minute. Then, add 1 tablespoon of butter and whisk until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. For extra lemon flavor, stir in the lemon zest.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some of the lemon sauce over the top. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, allowing it to absorb some of the flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and transfer the chicken to serving plates. Spoon more lemon sauce over the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Piccata
- Pounding the Chicken: Pounding the chicken breasts ensures even cooking. You can also slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally for thinner cutlets that cook even faster.
- Wine Substitute: If you don’t have white wine, you can skip it and use more chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Balance the Flavors: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice to get the perfect balance of tangy and savory.
- Serve with Sides: Chicken Piccata pairs wonderfully with pasta (like angel hair or spaghetti), mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the meal by pairing it with:
- Pasta: Serve it with buttered pasta, spaghetti, or angel hair for a classic Italian meal.
- Rice: A side of rice pilaf or plain white rice will soak up the lemon sauce beautifully.
- Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, green beans, or a light salad for extra color and nutrition.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 300 kcal
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fats: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Conclusion
Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce is a simple, yet elegant dish that combines tender chicken with a tangy, savory sauce. The rich butter, zesty lemon, and briny capers make for a mouthwatering combination that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will surely impress. Try it tonight for a light, flavorful, and satisfying meal! Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Herb Pasta