Chicken piccata is a classic Italian dish that is enjoyed by people all over the world. The dish is made with chicken breasts that are dredged in flour and then sautéed in butter and olive oil. A sauce is then made with lemon juice, white wine, and capers. The chicken is served with the sauce and is often garnished with parsley. Chicken piccata can be made with a variety of different ingredients, but the key to a great dish is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. With a little bit of effort, you can create a delicious chicken piccata that will impress your family and friends.
Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!
THE BEST CHICKEN PICCATA
We love this recipe because the chicken breasts, which can often be dry and tasteless, come out so moist and tender. What's our secret? Seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper 1 hour before cooking ensures that they stay juicy. First the salt draws some moisture from the meat, but then the meat re-absorbs the salty liquid, leading to perfectly seasoned cutlets. And that bright lemony butter sauce? There is enough to serve with the chicken plus a side of pasta or crusty bread.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 1h30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Set a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet. Cut two 12-inch sheets of plastic wrap.
- Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, making 4 roughly equal pieces; they should look like large chicken tenders. Place one sheet of plastic on a clean cutting board. Put a chicken piece in the center of the plastic and top with the other sheet of plastic. Pound the chicken with the flat side of a meat mallet, starting in the center and working your way to the edges, until the chicken is 1/4-inch thick and 6 to 8 inches long. Transfer to the wire rack. Repeat with the remaining chicken, one piece at a time. Liberally sprinkle with salt and pepper. Refrigerate the chicken cutlets uncovered for 1 hour.
- Remove the zest from half of the lemon in wide strips with a vegetable peeler, leaving the bitter white pith behind. Halve and juice the whole lemon.
- Put the flour in a shallow bowl or plate. Dredge the chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until very hot, about 1 minute. Add 1 tablespoon of the butter and melt. Working in 2 batches, cook the cutlets, adding another tablespoon of butter to the skillet between batches, until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side (it's ok if the chicken is not completely cooked through, it will finish cooking in the sauce). Transfer the cutlets to a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the garlic and 1 tablespoon of the butter to the skillet and cook until the garlic is tender and fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the wine and cook until almost completely evaporated, about 4 minutes. Add the capers, lemon zest, 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice, 1/4 cup water and the cutlets with any accumulated juices and bring to a boil. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons butter. Turn the chicken to coat in the sauce and cook until the butter melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley.
CHICKEN PICCATA
For dinner tonight, try Ina Garten's classic Chicken Piccata recipe, from Barefoot Contessa on Food Network; don't forget the velvety lemon butter sauce.
Provided by Ina Garten
Categories main-dish
Time 30m
Yield 2 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Place each chicken breast between 2 sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap and pound out to 1/4-inch thick. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
- Mix the flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper in a shallow plate. In a second plate, beat the egg and 1/2 tablespoon of water together. Place the bread crumbs on a third plate. Dip each chicken breast first in the flour, shake off the excess, and then dip in the egg and bread crumb mixtures.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large saute pan over medium to medium-low heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 2 minutes on each side, until browned. Place them on the sheet pan and allow them to bake for 5 to 10 minutes while you make the sauce.
- For the sauce, wipe out the saute pan with a dry paper towel. Over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter and then add the lemon juice, wine, the reserved lemon halves, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Boil over high heat until reduced in half, about 2 minutes. Off the heat, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and swirl to combine. Discard the lemon halves and serve 1 chicken breast on each plate. Spoon on the sauce and serve with a slice of lemon and a sprinkling of fresh parsley.
Tips:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for a quick and easy meal.
- Pound the chicken breasts or thighs to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper before dredging in flour. This will help to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- Use a shallow dish for dredging the chicken in flour. This will help to prevent the flour from clumping.
- Shake off any excess flour from the chicken before cooking. This will help to prevent the chicken from becoming greasy.
- Use a large skillet or sauté pan for cooking the chicken. This will allow the chicken to cook evenly without overcrowding.
- Cook the chicken over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through. This will help to prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Add the lemon juice, capers, and butter to the skillet and simmer for a few minutes. This will help to create a flavorful sauce.
- Serve the chicken piccata over pasta or rice. This will help to soak up the delicious sauce.
Conclusion:
Chicken piccata is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. With its simple ingredients and flavorful sauce, chicken piccata is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give chicken piccata a try. You won't be disappointed!
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