Description
Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender, pan-seared chicken breasts in a bright and tangy lemon-caper sauce. This quick and flavorful recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, delivering a perfect balance of savory, acidic, and buttery notes with minimal ingredients and effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season and Dredge Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a light coating that will help achieve a golden crust when cooked.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the floured chicken breasts and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Add the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and drained capers. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for about 2 to 3 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 2 minutes so it can absorb the lemony flavors and stay moist.
- Garnish and Serve: Spoon extra sauce over the chicken breasts, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for brightness, and serve immediately for a delicious, tangy meal.
Notes
- Dredging the chicken in flour before cooking helps create a crispy exterior and thickens the sauce.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best brightness and acidity in the sauce.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
