Chicken Piccata with Lemon

Experience the perfect blend of zesty lemon and savory flavors with our easy Chicken Piccata recipe, ideal for a nutritious family dinner.

Chicken Piccata with Lemon is a delightful dish that perfectly balances the tanginess of lemon and the savory notes of capers and tenderized chicken. This dish is wonderfully easy to make, requiring basic ingredients and simple steps, yet delivers a restaurant-quality home meal.

To prepare it, thin chicken cutlets are dredged in flour and sautéed until golden brown. They are then bathed in a rich, zesty sauce made from freshly squeezed lemon juice and chicken broth, which simmers to create a luscious, glossy finish.

Whether you're a novice in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe's straightforward method ensures you'll achieve a flavorful and impressive dinner without the hassle.

Chicken Piccata with Lemon is not just a treat for your tastebuds; it's also an excellent choice for a nutritious family dinner. The primary ingredient, chicken breast, is a lean source of protein that’s low in fat and high in essential nutrients such as B vitamins, which are critical for energy production and maintaining healthy brain function.

The lemons provide a good dose of vitamin C, helping to boost the immune system and improve skin health. Capers ( optional ), although used sparingly, offer beneficial antioxidants.

These health benefits, combined with the dish’s mouth-watering flavors and ease of preparation, make Chicken Piccata with Lemon a perfect, wholesome choice for any family meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Serving Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients for Chicken Piccata (for 4 servings):

1. Chicken breasts: 4 medium-sized (about 6 oz each)
2. Salt: 1 teaspoon
3. Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
4. All-purpose flour: ½ cup (for dredging)
5. Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
6. Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons (divided)
7. Garlic: 4 cloves (minced)
8. Chicken broth: 1 cup
9. Lemon juice: ¼ cup (freshly squeezed)
10. Capers: 2 tablespoons (drained)
11. Parsley: 2 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish)
12. Lemon slices: for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness (about 1 inch).
   • Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
2. Dredge the Chicken:
   • Spread the flour on a plate and dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter melts and begins to bubble, add the chicken breasts.
   • Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Make the Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.
   • Add the capers and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it reduce for about 5 minutes.
5. Finish the Sauce:
   • Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   • Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top to coat. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat the chicken.
7. Serve:
   • Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Drizzle with the pan sauce and garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices if desired.
   • Serve immediately with pasta, rice, or vegetables for a complete meal.

Enjoy your delicious Chicken Piccata!

Here are some helpful tips and variations to elevate your Chicken Piccata with Lemon

Helpful Tips:

1. Chicken Preparation:
   • Thin Cutlets: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking and to tenderize the meat.
   • Dredging: Lightly dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess. This will help create a nice golden crust and thicken the sauce slightly.
2. Cooking Technique:
   • Preheat Pan: Ensure your pan is hot before adding the chicken to get a good sear.
   • Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid steaming and ensure a crispy exterior.
3. Making the Sauce:
   • Deglaze the Pan: After cooking the chicken, deglaze the pan with chicken broth and lemon juice to incorporate all the flavorful browned bits.
   • Butter Finish: Adding a small amount of butter at the end of sauce preparation adds richness and a silky texture.
4. Lemon:
   • Fresh is Best: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the most vibrant flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice which can be overly acidic and lack freshness.
   • Lemon Zest: Adding a bit of lemon zest can enhance the lemony flavor without adding extra acidity.
5. Balance the Flavors:
   • Taste as You Go: Balance the acidity of the lemon with a bit more broth or a touch of sugar if the sauce seems too tart.
   • Seasoning: Don’t forget to season both the chicken and sauce with sufficient salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.

Variations:

1. Additional Veggies:
   • Mushrooms & Spinach: Add sliced mushrooms and spinach to the sauce for added nutrients and a flavorful twist.
   • Asparagus or Artichokes: Blanched asparagus or artichoke hearts can be added for a fresh, springtime feel.
2. Different Proteins:
   • Fish Piccata: Try using white fish fillets like cod or tilapia instead of chicken for a lighter variation.
   • Veal Piccata: Veal cutlets are a classic alternative that offer a different, more delicate flavor.
3. Herb Enhancements:
   • c Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme for added color and aroma.
   • Herb-infused Oil: Use a little herb-infused olive oil for a more complex flavor profile.
4. Wine Addition:
   • White Wine: Replace part of the chicken broth with white wine for a deeper, more sophisticated flavor.
   • Cooking Sherry: A splash of cooking sherry can add a different dimension of sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
5. Pasta Pairing:
   • Serve over Pasta: Pair the chicken piccata with angel hair pasta or spaghetti, tossing the pasta in the sauce for a complete meal.
   • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a gluten-free option.

By incorporating these tips and variations, you can customize your Chicken Piccata with Lemon to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, turning a simple dish into a gourmet experience.

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