Easy Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce Recipe

Quick Overview

Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce is a classic Italian dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a bright and zesty lemon sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. The balance of flavors from the lemon juice, capers, and herbs creates a dish that is both refreshing and satisfying. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making this delightful meal step by step.

Ingredient Breakdown

To create this flavorful Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce, gather the following core ingredients:

Chicken Breasts

For this recipe, you will need two boneless, skinless chicken breasts weighing about 1 pound in total. Pound them to an even thickness for consistent cooking.

All-Purpose Flour

Use about ½ cup of all-purpose flour to coat the chicken before cooking. This coating helps achieve a golden-brown crust while adding texture to the dish.

Olive Oil

You will need 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. This not only adds flavor but also aids in frying the chicken to perfection.

Unsalted Butter

Use 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter for sautéing and enhancing the sauce’s richness. It brings depth to the final flavor profile.

Fresh Lemons

You will need 2 large lemons for juicing and zesting. The fresh lemon juice gives the dish its signature acidity and brightness.

Capers

A tablespoon of capers adds a salty brininess that contrasts beautifully with the lemon sauce. Rinse them before using to reduce excess saltiness.

Fresh Parsley

Chop about 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley for garnish. It adds color and freshness, making your dish visually appealing and aromatic.

Step By Step Recipe: Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce

Follow these detailed steps to create your delicious Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce:

Prepare the Chicken

Begin by placing the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them until they are about ½ inch thick. This ensures even cooking and tenderness in each bite.

Season and Dredge

Season both sides of the pounded chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Pour the flour onto a plate and dredge each piece of chicken in it until fully coated. Shake off any excess flour; this will help achieve a nice crust when frying.

Heat the Oil

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and heat until shimmering but not smoking. Ensure the oil covers the bottom of the skillet adequately for even cooking.

Cook the Chicken

Carefully place each floured chicken breast in the hot skillet without crowding them. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer them to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet used for cooking chicken, reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and allow it to melt before scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan using a wooden spoon. This adds flavor to your sauce.

Add Lemons and Capers

Once butter is melted, pour in freshly squeezed lemon juice from both lemons along with their zest. Stir in capers as well; let it simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened while stirring occasionally.

Return Chicken to Skillet

Carefully return cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet allowing them to soak up some sauce for an additional minute or so while turning them over once or twice in that luscious lemony goodness.

Serve Hot

Remove from heat; transfer your beautifully sauced Chicken Piccata onto serving plates or a platter. Drizzle extra sauce over top if desired; garnish generously with chopped parsley before serving immediately!

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Serving and Storing Tips

Here are some tips on how best to serve your Chicken Piccata as well as storage guidelines:

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Chicken Piccata hot alongside sides like pasta aglio e olio or steamed vegetables for a complete meal experience! A side salad can also enhance freshness on your dinner table.

Storage Guidelines

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat on your stovetop or microwave before enjoying again!

Now you are ready to impress family or guests alike with this flavorful dish! Enjoy your culinary journey into making Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce today!

Tips and Tricks

For perfect Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce, start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This step helps them cook evenly and ensures they stay moist. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin wrapped in plastic wrap for best results.

Next, pay attention to your cooking oil temperature when sautéing the chicken. If the oil is too hot, it can burn quickly; if it’s not hot enough, the chicken will stick and become soggy. Aim for medium-high heat and watch for shimmering oil before adding your chicken.

Incorporating capers is crucial for authentic flavor. Rinse them briefly before adding to your sauce to reduce excess saltiness while retaining their unique tanginess. Adjust quantities based on your personal taste; some love a lot of capers while others prefer just a few.

Consider making extra sauce while cooking Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce; this way, you have leftovers for pasta or vegetables later in the week. The sauce freezes well too! Just remember to reheat gently so it doesn’t separate.

Lastly, pair your dish thoughtfully with sides that complement its bright flavors. Light salads or roasted vegetables enhance your meal without overshadowing your Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce.

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Summary

In summary, preparing delightful Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce requires attention to detail regarding cooking techniques and ingredient quality. Avoid common mistakes like overcooking chicken or skimping on lemon juice while embracing helpful tips like using fresh herbs and making extra sauce for versatility! With these guidelines in mind, you’ll create a flavorful dish sure to impress anyone at your table.