Chicken Piccata is a zesty dish featuring chicken breast cooked in a light lemon and caper sauce. It’s quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner!
Besides being delicious, the best part? You only need a few ingredients, so it feels fancy without the fuss! I love serving it over pasta to soak up that yummy sauce.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to work with and cook quickly. If you’re looking for a substitute, consider using thinly sliced chicken thighs for a darker flavor or even turkey cutlets for a leaner option!
Flour: All-purpose flour is used here for dredging the chicken to achieve a nice golden crust. If you’re gluten-free, a gluten-free flour blend can work just as well, or try using cornstarch for a crisp texture.
Olive Oil & Butter: This mix gives a rich flavor and nice sear. You could replace half the olive oil with another oil, like avocado oil, which has a high smoke point, or use all butter for a more decadent taste!
Capers: Capers add a briny pop to the dish. If you don’t have them, green olives chopped finely can offer a similar burst of flavor, though it will change the taste slightly.
What’s the Best Way to Make the Chicken Golden Brown?
Getting that beautiful golden brown on the chicken is key to a delicious Chicken Piccata! Here’s how to achieve it:
- Start with a hot skillet! Preheat it with olive oil before adding the chicken.
- Dredge the seasoned chicken in flour, shaking off the excess. This helps create that crispy outer layer.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed, so the chicken gets the heat it needs.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, flipping only once to avoid steaming.
Taking these steps will ensure your chicken is perfectly browned and ready for the delicious lemon-caper sauce!
How to Make Chicken Piccata?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup capers, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Piccata takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and then around 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 25 minutes. That means you’ll be enjoying this tasty dish in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Dredge the Chicken:
First, take the chicken breasts and season them with salt and pepper on both sides to bring out the flavor. Then, dredge each chicken breast in flour, making sure to shake off the excess flour. This will give your chicken a nice coating when it cooks.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Now it’s time to heat up some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by sprinkling a little flour; it should sizzle), carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add 4 tablespoons of butter to the leftover drippings. Allow the butter to melt completely. Next, pour in the fresh lemon juice and chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the skillet. This will help lift up all the tasty bits left from the chicken, making your sauce even more flavorful.
4. Add Capers and Simmer:
Stir in the drained and rinsed capers into the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. This step is key for developing those delicious flavors!
5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
Now, return the chicken breasts back into the pan, making sure they are coated with that lovely sauce. Let the chicken soak up some of that lemony goodness for another 2-3 minutes on the heat. This step is crucial for infusing all that flavor into the chicken.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Once everything is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your Chicken Piccata with some lemon slices and make sure to spoon extra sauce over the top for added flavor. Enjoy your meal with pasta or alongside a refreshing salad!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs can add extra flavor and moisture to your Chicken Piccata. Just ensure you cook them thoroughly, as they may take a minute or two longer than breasts. Adjust the cooking time as needed until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
What Can I Substitute for Capers?
If you don’t have capers on hand, you can use green olives (preferably pitted) as a substitute for a similar briny flavor. Just chop them up and add them to the sauce. Alternatively, for a different tanginess, try a splash of pickle juice or a bit of chopped pickles.
How to Store Leftovers Properly?
Store any Chicken Piccata leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out. You can add a splash of chicken broth to help keep it moist.
