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Chicken Piccata Recipe

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3.9 from 6 reviews

Classic Chicken Piccata features tender, pan-fried chicken breasts in a vibrant lemon, butter, and caper sauce. This Italian-American favorite is easy to prepare and perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

Sauce

  • 6 tablespoons salted butter
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice from lemons (about 5 tablespoons)
  • ½ cup chicken stock
  • 3 tablespoons capers, rinsed
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Pound Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to a thin, uniform thickness. This step ensures even cooking and results in more tender chicken.
  2. Season: Generously season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
  3. Melt Butter and Heat Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter along with the olive oil until the butter just begins to foam. This creates a perfect base for frying.
  4. Coat Chicken: Working one breast at a time, dredge both sides of the chicken in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to avoid clumping and sogginess.
  5. Fry Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate once done.
  6. Make Sauce: Add chicken stock and lemon juice to the same skillet, bringing the mixture to a boil while scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon; these bits carry rich flavor.
  7. Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return all the chicken breasts to the pan and allow to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes so they absorb the sauce. Stir in the rinsed capers to distribute flavor.
  8. Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, spoon the sauce generously over the top, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright finish.

Notes

  • For best results, pound the chicken evenly to avoid uneven cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to ensure a crispy exterior.
  • Rinsing capers removes excess saltiness for a balanced flavor.
  • You can adjust lemon juice for more or less tang depending on preference.
  • Serve with a side of pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.