Chicken Piccata is a delightful dish featuring tender chicken breasts, cooked in a lemony sauce with capers. It’s bright, zesty, and perfect for any dinner!
When I make Chicken Piccata, I love how the sauce makes the chicken taste like sunshine. Pair it with pasta or rice for an easy meal that feels fancy. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best choice for this dish as they cook quickly and stay tender. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute chicken thighs, which add a bit more flavor and moisture.
Flour: All-purpose flour is used to dredge the chicken, giving it a nice golden crust. If you’re gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute. It works just as well!
White Wine: Chardonnay is recommended for its crisp flavor. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, use extra chicken broth or a mix of lemon juice and water instead. This keeps the acidity without the wine.
Capers: Capers add a unique briny flavor to the dish. If you don’t have capers on hand, green olives can be a flavorful alternative, although they will change the taste slightly.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh is always more flavorful. You could also use lime juice for a different twist!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Chicken?
Getting the chicken perfectly cooked is key to this recipe! Start by seasoning your chicken well, as this enhances the flavor. When cooking, the skillet should be hot enough to sear the chicken, creating a lovely crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; this keeps the temperature up and cooks the chicken evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
With these tips, you’ll nail that Chicken Piccata every time! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Chicken Piccata?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup white wine (such as Chardonnay)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons capers, drained
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2-3 tablespoons)
For Garnish:
- Lemon slices
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Piccata recipe will take approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the chicken and then around 20 minutes cooking everything together. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Next, take the flour and place it on a plate. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess. This will give your chicken a lovely golden crust!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Create the Sauce:
Using the same skillet, pour in the white wine. This will help lift all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan; make sure to scrape them up with a wooden spoon. Let the wine simmer for about 2 minutes. After that, add the chicken broth, capers, and lemon juice. Stir everything together to combine.
4. Finish the Sauce:
Now it’s time to return the chicken to the skillet. Let it sit in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes so it can soak up all those amazing flavors. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the sauce and stir it until the butter is melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Serve:
To serve, place a chicken breast on each plate and spoon some of the delicious sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley for that extra touch. Enjoy your Chicken Piccata with pasta or steamed vegetables, if you’d like!
Enjoy making this classic dish that bursts with bright flavors from the lemon and capers. Buon Appetito!
Can I Substitute the White Wine?
Yes! If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken broth or a mixture of water and lemon juice. This will still give you a flavorful sauce, though the complexity from the wine will be reduced.
What if I Don’t Have Capers?
If you don’t have capers on hand, a good replacement could be chopped green olives or a dash of lemon zest for that briny flavor. Keep in mind that the taste will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
Can I Make Chicken Piccata Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the chicken and the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. To serve, simply reheat the chicken in the sauce on the stove over low heat until warmed through; add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much during storage.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, ensuring the chicken is warmed all the way through before serving. Enjoy your leftovers with a side of rice or a fresh salad!
