Classic Chicken Piccata Recipe

Chicken piccata is a timeless Italian-American dish featuring tender, pan-seared chicken in a tangy lemon-butter sauce with briny capers. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for entertaining.

Ingredients

• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, butterflied and cut in half

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

• 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice

• ½ cup chicken stock

• ¼ cup brined capers, rinsed

• ⅓ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken

   • Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

   • Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess.

2. Cook the Chicken

   • Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

   • When the butter sizzles, add two pieces of chicken. Cook for 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

   • Remove and transfer to a plate. Repeat with the remaining chicken using 2 more tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil.

3. Make the Sauce

   • Remove the pan from heat. Add lemon juice, chicken stock, and capers, scraping up browned bits from the pan.

   • Return to the stove and bring to a boil. Adjust seasoning if needed.

4. Simmer the Chicken

   • Return the cooked chicken to the pan and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

5. Finish the Sauce

   • Remove the chicken from the pan and transfer to a serving platter.

   • Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, whisking vigorously to emulsify the sauce.

6. Serve and Garnish

   • Pour the sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with:

• Pasta or Rice: Serve over angel hair pasta or a side of fluffy rice to soak up the sauce.

• Vegetables: Steamed asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, or sautéed spinach complement the bright flavors.

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up every drop of the delicious sauce.

The Bottom Line

Chicken piccata is a quick and flavorful dish that brings together zesty lemon, buttery richness, and savory capers. Whether for a special occasion or a simple dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.

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