Easy Chicken Piccata
This Easy Chicken Piccata recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests. The dish features tender chicken breast cooked in a luscious lemon butter caper sauce that’s both flavorful and quick to prepare. You’ll love how simple ingredients can create such a delightful dish that pleases everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of lemon, butter, and capers creates a deliciously tangy sauce that elevates the chicken.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside vegetables for a complete meal that suits your tastes.
- Impressive Presentation: The garnished dish looks beautiful and sophisticated, great for entertaining guests.
- Customizable Options: Easily adapt the recipe by adding more vegetables or adjusting the sauce’s richness to suit your preferences.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good-quality skillet ensures even heat distribution for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Whisk: This tool helps blend the sauce ingredients smoothly without lumps.
- Tongs: Use tongs to safely flip and transfer chicken without losing juices.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Flour (for dredging)
For the Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice + zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon brined capers (drained)
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped parsley and/or freshly grated parmesan cheese
How to Make Easy Chicken Piccata
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise to create four thinner cutlets.
- Trim off any excess fat.
- Season generously with salt & pepper and sprinkle with garlic powder.
- Coat each piece in flour.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of butter along with the olive oil.
- Once hot, cook the chicken pieces for about 4-5 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Remove the skillet from heat and add chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, remaining butter, and capers.
- Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- Stir in heavy cream and return to heat.
- Once bubbling again, add chicken back into the pan.
- For a lighter sauce, increase broth to 3/4 cup and omit cream if desired.
Step 5: Final Cooking
- Cook for another 5 minutes or until chicken is done and sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Adjust heat as necessary; if it thickens too much, add more broth.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or parmesan cheese if desired before serving!
This easy chicken piccata recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home! Enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Chicken Piccata
Easy Chicken Piccata is a delightful dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Serving it properly enhances the flavors and makes for an appealing presentation.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.
- Basil or Oregano: Add some fresh basil or oregano for an aromatic touch that complements the lemon sauce.
Over Pasta
- Linguine: Serve the chicken piccata over a bed of linguine tossed in olive oil for a hearty meal.
- Fettuccine: Creamy fettuccine pairs wonderfully with the rich sauce, making it a filling option.
Accompanied by Vegetables
- Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sauté spinach with garlic and olive oil as a nutritious side.
- Roasted Asparagus: Roasted asparagus adds crunch and a touch of sweetness to your plate.
With Bread
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Crusty Baguette: A slice of crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
How to Perfect Easy Chicken Piccata
To achieve the best results with your Easy Chicken Piccata, follow these helpful tips.
- Choose Thin Cutlets: Ensure your chicken is thinly sliced for even cooking and tenderness.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest will elevate the flavor of your sauce significantly.
- Control Heat Levels: Avoid high heat when adding cream; it can separate if boiled too vigorously.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce thickens too much, simply add extra chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Experiment with Wine: Substitute chicken broth with dry white wine for a deeper flavor profile.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving helps meld all flavors together.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Chicken Piccata
Pairing side dishes with Easy Chicken Piccata can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic complement the tangy flavors of piccata beautifully.
- Steamed Broccoli: Add vibrant green steamed broccoli for a nutritious side that balances richness.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers offers freshness alongside the dish.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs is great for soaking up the lemon butter sauce.
- Caprese Salad: Bright tomatoes and mozzarella drizzled with balsamic reduction add a refreshing contrast.
- Couscous Medley: Flavored couscous mixed with vegetables is a quick and flavorful side option.
- Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini noodles provide a low-carb alternative while still being satisfying.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs make an excellent hearty pairing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
This section highlights common mistakes people make when preparing Easy Chicken Piccata and how to avoid them.
- Neglecting to season the chicken: Always season your chicken generously with salt and pepper. This enhances the flavor and prevents a bland dish.
- Using too much flour: Dredging the chicken in excess flour can lead to a heavy coating. Use just enough to lightly coat each piece for a better texture.
- Skipping the browning step: Browning the chicken is crucial for flavor. Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve that golden crust.
- Not scraping the pan: Failing to scrape up browned bits after cooking chicken means missing out on delicious flavors. Be sure to incorporate those bits into your sauce for added depth.
- Overcooking the sauce: Keep an eye on your sauce while it reduces. Overcooking can lead to an undesirable thickness or burnt flavors. Adjust the heat as needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Easy Chicken Piccata in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy Chicken Piccata
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.
- Ensure the dish is cooled completely before freezing to maintain quality.
Reheating Easy Chicken Piccata
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, heating for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat over low-medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of broth if necessary to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Easy Chicken Piccata.
What is Easy Chicken Piccata?
Easy Chicken Piccata is a simple yet delicious Italian American dish featuring chicken cutlets cooked in a lemon butter caper sauce.
Can I make Easy Chicken Piccata without cream?
Yes! You can replace the cream with additional chicken broth for a lighter version while still enjoying great flavor.
What side dishes pair well with Easy Chicken Piccata?
Easy Chicken Piccata pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables. A side salad also complements this dish well!
How do I store leftovers of Easy Chicken Piccata?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze for up to two months.
Final Thoughts
Easy Chicken Piccata is not only quick and simple but also incredibly versatile. The bright flavors of lemon and capers combined with tender chicken make it a delightful meal any day of the week. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables or spices according to your preference!
Easy Chicken Piccata
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Easy Chicken Piccata is a delightful and quick dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Italian cuisine to your table in just 25 minutes. This recipe features tender chicken breasts sautéed until golden brown and then bathed in a luscious lemon butter caper sauce that is both tangy and rich. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, Easy Chicken Piccata can be served over pasta, rice, or alongside fresh vegetables for a complete meal that impresses. With its elegant presentation and customizable options, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice + zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon brined capers (drained)
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts lengthwise into thin cutlets and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge lightly in flour.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with olive oil. Cook chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, zest, remaining butter, and capers. Scrape any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream and return to heat until bubbling. Add chicken back to the pan and cook for 5 more minutes until done and sauce thickens.
- Garnish with parsley or parmesan before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken with sauce (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
