If you’re on the hunt for a simple yet delicious recipe, look no further than this Easy Chicken Piccata. Known for its zesty lemon flavor complemented by briny capers, Chicken Piccata is an Italian-American classic that’s loved for its simplicity and bright taste. The best Chicken Piccata recipe is not only quick to prepare—perfect for those busy weeknights—but also sophisticated enough to impress at a dinner party. Let’s dive into the steps involved in crafting this delightful dish.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Piccata
- Best way to make Chicken Piccata at home: No need for any special tools, just a skillet, and you’re set!
- Easy Chicken Piccata for beginners: With just a few ingredients, even novice cooks can make this flavorful dish.
- Ready in only 25 minutes!
- Pairs well with a variety of sides, making meal prep a breeze.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Ingredients for Chicken Piccata
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Try to use fresh chicken for the best results.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: For a gluten-free option, use almond flour.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for browning the chicken.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Provides the signature tanginess.
- 1/4 cup capers: Offers a delightful briny contrast.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Fresh parsley for garnish.
These essential ingredients for Chicken Piccata ensure a bright and flavorful dish. The best flour for Chicken Piccata can also be swapped for a healthier or gluten-free alternative if desired.
How to Make Chicken Piccata – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Flatten the chicken breasts: Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to achieve an even thickness. This ensures even cooking.
- Season the chicken breasts: Apply salt and pepper generously on both sides.
- Dredge in flour: Coat the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess to prevent clumping.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat the skillet: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and half the butter until hot.
- Brown the chicken: Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. A crispy texture can be achieved by cooking a minute longer on each side.
- Remove and set aside: Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
How to Prepare the Sauce
- Deglaze the Skillet: Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers to the same skillet. Scrape any browned bits for added flavor.
- Simmer and thicken the sauce: Reduce the heat, stir in the remaining butter until melted, and the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Assembling the Dish
- Return the chicken to the skillet: Spoon sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly.
- Cook until heated through: Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken for a touch of color and freshness before serving.
Easy Chicken Piccata Recipe – Irresistibly Flavorful Pro Tips for Making the Best Chicken Piccata
- Can I make Chicken Piccata ahead of time? Yes! Prepare and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- What is the secret to the best Chicken Piccata? Quality ingredients and not overcooking the chicken ensure the best results.
- Variations: Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for an added depth of flavor or a touch of cream for a richer texture.
- Substitutions: For dairy-free, replace butter with margarine, and skip flour for a low-carb Chicken Piccata.
Best Ways to Serve Chicken Piccata
- Alongside pasta: Such as angel hair or linguine, tossed with the extra sauce.
- With roasted vegetables: Try it with asparagus or broccoli for a complete meal.
- Paired with our Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe for a comforting meal.
- Accompanied by a crisp salad: A Caesar salad would complement the dish perfectly.
The best way to serve Chicken Piccata is with a combination of these sides, making it versatile for any dinner table.
Nutritional Information for Chicken Piccata
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
- Protein: 34 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
This nutritional breakdown provides a comprehensive look that aligns with health-conscious choices, like a low-carb Chicken Piccata option.
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store Chicken Piccata in an airtight container, keeping it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze Chicken Piccata. Ensure it’s well-wrapped or stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to refresh the sauce.
For anyone wondering “How long does Chicken Piccata last in the fridge?” or needs tips on reheating, these guidelines ensure the dish remains delicious.
4 FAQs for Chicken Piccata
- Can I freeze Chicken Piccata?
Yes, freeze in a suitable container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. - What can I use instead of all-purpose flour in Chicken Piccata?
Almond flour is a great gluten-free alternative for this recipe. - Is it necessary to use capers in Chicken Piccata?
While capers add a unique flavor, if you don’t have them, consider using green olives or skipping them altogether. - Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can give a richer flavor, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Related Recipes for Chicken Piccata
- Can I freeze Chicken Piccata?
Chicken Piccata
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A classic Italian dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a lemony caper sauce, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup capers
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness between two sheets of plastic wrap using a meat mallet.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and half of the butter over medium heat until hot.
- Add chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Bring to a simmer while scraping the bottom to release browned bits.
- Reduce heat and stir in remaining butter until melted and sauce thickens slightly.
- Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over it, and cook for an additional 2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with pasta or rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Chicken Piccata, Italian cuisine, easy recipe, comfort food