Easy Chicken Piccata
This easy chicken piccata recipe is a classic Italian American dish that brings the delightful flavors of lemon, butter, and capers right to your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this meal is not only quick to prepare but also impressively delicious. The sauce is creamy with a hint of zest, making it a standout entrée that pairs well with pasta or fresh vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 25 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy evenings.
- Flavorful Sauce: The lemon butter caper sauce elevates the dish, providing a burst of flavor with every bite.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside vegetables for a complete meal.
- Family-Friendly: Its delightful taste appeals to both adults and kids, making it a hit at the dinner table.
- Impressive Presentation: Garnished with parsley and Parmesan, this dish looks as good as it tastes.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin cooking your easy chicken piccata, gather the essential tools that will help streamline the process.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good quality skillet helps achieve even cooking and browning of the chicken.
- Whisk: Perfect for combining ingredients smoothly without lumps in your sauce.
Ingredients
This easy chicken piccata recipe features simple ingredients that enhance its rich flavor profile.
Main Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Flour (for dredging)
- 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
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Easy Chicken Piccata
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise to create 4 thinner cutlets.
- Trim off any excess fat.
- Season the chicken generously with salt & pepper and sprinkle with garlic powder.
- Coat each piece in flour.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter along with olive oil.
- Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Remove the skillet from heat.
- Add chicken broth (or wine), lemon juice, lemon zest, remaining butter, and drained capers to the pan.
- Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom for added flavor.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- Stir in heavy cream and return the pan to medium heat.
- Allow it to bubble gently before adding back in the seared chicken.
- If desired, increase broth to 3/4 cup if you prefer a lighter sauce without cream.
Step 5: Finish Cooking
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked and sauce has thickened to your preference.
- Adjust heat if necessary to prevent rapid boiling; add more broth if sauce becomes too thick.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley and/or freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving for added flavor and presentation!
How to Serve Easy Chicken Piccata
Serving Easy Chicken Piccata can elevate your dining experience. This dish pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes that enhance its flavors.
Pair with Pasta
- Linguine – Serve the chicken piccata over a bed of linguine for a delightful, filling meal.
- Fettuccine – This creamy pasta complements the rich sauce perfectly.
Fresh Salad
- Mixed Greens – A simple salad with mixed greens adds freshness and balances the richness of the dish.
- Caesar Salad – The classic Caesar brings a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken.
Bread Options
- Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the lemon butter caper sauce.
- Crusty Baguette – A sliced baguette provides a great tool for enjoying every last drop of sauce.
Wine Pairing
- White Wine – A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the lemon notes in the dish.
How to Perfect Easy Chicken Piccata
To achieve an incredible Easy Chicken Piccata, follow these tips that enhance flavor and presentation.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh lemons and quality capers make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cooking chicken in batches ensures even cooking and browning.
- Adjust Thickness of Sauce – If the sauce is too thick, add more broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
- Let Chicken Rest – Allow cooked chicken to rest before slicing for juicier meat.
- Experiment with Herbs – Adding fresh thyme or basil can introduce a new layer of flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Chicken Piccata
Choosing side dishes to accompany Easy Chicken Piccata enhances your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Roasted Asparagus – This veggie adds a nice crunch and is easy to prepare in the oven.
- Steamed Broccoli – Simple steamed broccoli provides color and nutrients without overpowering the main dish.
- Risotto – Creamy risotto pairs well, absorbing the delicious sauce from the piccata.
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes offer a comforting side that complements the richness of the dish.
- Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad brings a nutty flavor and healthy twist to your plate.
- Sautéed Spinach – Quick sautéed spinach adds vibrant color and is packed with nutrients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy Chicken Piccata, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always generously season with salt and pepper before cooking.
- Not flattening the chicken: If you don’t flatten the chicken breasts, they may cook unevenly. Make sure to slice them thin for even cooking.
- Overcrowding the pan: Cooking too many pieces at once can result in steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches to ensure a nice golden crust.
- Neglecting the butter: Butter adds richness to the sauce. Don’t skip this ingredient; it’s essential for a creamy texture and flavor.
- Ignoring sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thick, it can overpower the dish. Adjust with broth until you achieve your desired consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the dish to cool before sealing.
Freezing Easy Chicken Piccata
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Make sure to label with date and contents.
Reheating Easy Chicken Piccata
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in 1-minute increments until warm, stirring between intervals.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Easy Chicken Piccata?
Easy Chicken Piccata is a quick and delicious Italian American dish featuring thinly sliced chicken cooked in a savory lemon butter caper sauce.
Can I make Easy Chicken Piccata without cream?
Yes! You can increase the chicken broth to 3/4 cup instead of using cream for a lighter version.
How can I customize Easy Chicken Piccata?
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also swap out capers for olives if preferred.
What should I serve with Easy Chicken Piccata?
This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Easy Chicken Piccata is not only quick and simple but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the sauce’s richness. Give this delightful recipe a try for your next dinner and enjoy its comforting flavors!
Easy Chicken Piccata
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Easy Chicken Piccata is a delightful Italian-American dish that brings the vibrant flavors of lemon, butter, and capers to your table. This quick-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish. The creamy sauce is bursting with flavor, making it an impressive yet simple meal that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or fresh vegetables. With its appealing presentation and family-friendly taste, Easy Chicken Piccata is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Flour (for dredging)
- 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 cream
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts into thinner cutlets and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge in flour.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth (or wine), lemon juice, zest, remaining butter, and capers. Scrape the pan to combine flavors.
- Stir in heavy cream and return to medium heat until bubbly. Add cooked chicken back into the sauce.
- Cook an additional 5 minutes until heated through and sauce thickens as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
