SIMPLE CHICKEN PICCATA
- WineCheeseScallops
- Oct 9, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 3
Looking for an easy but impressive dish for your next date night or family dinner? This Simple Chicken Piccata is a winner! With buttery, golden brown chicken, a zesty lemon-caper sauce, and fresh parsley, it’s bursting with bright flavors. It's light yet indulgent, making it a perfect go-to meal for a weeknight or a special occasion. Pair it with pasta or a simple salad for a delightful meal that everyone will love!
"This was AMAZING!!! We didn't have the parsley, so we’re lacking a little bit of color… But oh my goodness it was so good!" - Dale Harper
This recipe is a breeze to make in under 30 minutes, yet it tastes like something straight from a high-end restaurant. Whether you’re hosting guests or just enjoying a cozy night in, this Chicken Piccata is sure to impress.
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Ingredient Highlights:
Lemons: The star of any Piccata dish, lemons bring a bright, tangy flavor that perfectly balances the richness of the butter and olive oil. In this recipe, both the juice and zest are used, adding multiple layers of citrusy freshness. The acidity from the lemon juice also helps tenderize the chicken while giving the sauce a sharp, vibrant edge.
Capers: Brined capers add a briny, tangy punch that pairs beautifully with the lemon and chicken. These little flavor bombs are actually flower buds, typically preserved in vinegar or salt, and they bring a salty contrast that lifts the entire dish. Be sure to rinse them before using to prevent overpowering the dish.
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Recipe Origins:
Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian-American dish that has become a beloved staple across many homes. Traditionally, Piccata refers to meat—often veal—that is pounded thin, seared, and served with a bright lemon-butter sauce. The chicken variation is more common today, as it offers a lighter and more affordable option while still delivering the bold, tangy flavors that make this dish special. This version stays true to the original intent: simple, elegant, and full of fresh ingredients that don’t overpower the natural flavor of the chicken.
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Helpful Tips:
Butterfly the chicken: Butterflying the chicken breasts before cutting them in half ensures they cook evenly and quickly. This technique creates thinner pieces of chicken, which sear nicely and absorb the sauce more effectively.
Don't overcrowd the pan: To achieve that perfect golden-brown crust on the chicken, avoid crowding the pan. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches, as the recipe suggests.
Capers: If you're not a fan of capers, you can reduce the quantity or omit them. Alternatively, try adding finely chopped olives for a different burst of briny flavor.
Serving suggestions: While pasta is a classic pairing for Chicken Piccata, you can also serve it over mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even rice for a gluten-free option.
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Why This Recipe is the Best:
Quick and easy: You can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes without sacrificing any of the flavor.
Restaurant-quality at home: This dish tastes like something you’d get at your favorite Italian restaurant, yet it’s simple enough for any home cook to master.
Bright, fresh flavors: The combination of lemon, butter, and capers creates a balance of richness and acidity that keeps each bite refreshing and delicious.
Versatile: Chicken Piccata is easily adaptable. Not a fan of pasta? Serve it over roasted vegetables or alongside a crisp green salad for a lighter option.
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Ingredients:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied and then cut in half
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
All-purpose flour, for dredging
6 Tbs unsalted butter
5 Tbs good extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice, plus the zest of one lemon
1/2 cup chicken stock
1/4 cup brined capers, rinsed
1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Season the butterflied chicken breasts generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Dredge them lightly in flour, shaking off any excess to create a thin coating. Set aside on a plate.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the butter and oil mixture begins to sizzle, carefully place 2 pieces of chicken in the pan. Sear each side for about 3 minutes until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a plate. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken, using an additional 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the chicken is browned, remove the pan from heat and set the chicken aside on the same plate.
In the same skillet, add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, chicken stock, and rinsed capers. Return the pan to the heat and bring the sauce to a boil, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan (these are packed with flavor!). Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, return the chicken to the pan, and simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors from the sauce. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a serving platter.
To finish the sauce, whisk the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter into the pan until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth. Pour the luscious lemon-caper sauce over the chicken, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with pasta like pappardelle or fettuccine to soak up every bit of the flavorful sauce.
We’re so excited for you to try this recipe! To make it even easier, we’ve put together a list of our favorite kitchen tools that are super helpful for this recipe. By using our affiliate links below, you’ll not only be getting top-notch products but also supporting our blog, Wine Cheese Scallops. Thank you so much for your support—happy cooking!
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This is one of my all-time favorites! YUM!