Best Chicken Piccata
Here is my favorite Best Chicken Piccata recipe, featuring tender chicken breasts in a creamy lemon butter sauce. This dish is brightened with capers, garlic, and fresh parsley, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for comfort food on a busy night, this recipe delivers incredible flavor and simplicity.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes only 25 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for weeknight meals.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of lemon, garlic, and capers creates a vibrant sauce that elevates the dish.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of veggies for a complete meal.
- Impressive Presentation: Beautifully plated chicken piccata is sure to impress your guests at any dinner party.
- Comfort Food Classic: Rich and creamy, this dish satisfies cravings while remaining light and fresh.
Tools and Preparation
To create the Best Chicken Piccata, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will help streamline the process.
Grab This Chef Knife Now - Almost Gone!
- Stays Razor-Sharp: Ice-hardened blade keeps its edge longer than ordinary knives
- Superior Grip Control: Unique finger hole design gives you perfect balance and safety
- Built to Last a Lifetime: Premium stainless steel blade with elegant beech wood handle
Customer Reviews ★★★★★
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking and browning of the chicken for that perfect texture.
- Meat Mallet: Using a meat mallet helps tenderize the chicken breasts for quicker cooking and enhanced flavor absorption.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 3 chicken breasts
- salt
- black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- flour
For the Sauce
- 4 tbsp butter (I like Kerrygold unsalted butter for this)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 lemon zest
- 1 tbsp capers
- 1/2 cup cream
For Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Make Best Chicken Piccata
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Flatten the chicken breasts using a meat mallet until they are about 1/2 inch thick.
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Dredge each breast in flour to coat lightly.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, zest, and capers. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Stir in cream and cook for an additional minute.
Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over it.
- Let it simmer in the sauce for an additional minute until heated through.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat. Stir in remaining butter until melted.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Best Chicken Piccata!
How to Serve Best Chicken Piccata
Chicken Piccata is a delightful dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Pasta
- Linguine or Spaghetti: Tossed in a light olive oil or butter sauce, these pastas complement the lemony flavors of chicken piccata wonderfully.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with cherry tomatoes and arugula adds a refreshing touch to your meal.
With Vegetables
- Steamed Asparagus: The crispiness of asparagus balances the creamy sauce, making for a vibrant plate.
- Roasted Broccoli: Drizzled with olive oil and garlic, roasted broccoli provides a hearty side that complements the dish.
With Bread
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce, garlic bread adds an extra layer of flavor to your meal.
- Crusty Baguette: Slices of fresh baguette can be served alongside for dipping into the sauce.
With Rice
- Lemon Rice: Flavored with lemon zest and parsley, this rice complements the dish without overpowering it.
- Risotto: A creamy risotto enhances the richness of chicken piccata while adding texture to your plate.
How to Perfect Best Chicken Piccata
To make the best chicken piccata, following a few tips can significantly improve your results.
- Use Thin Cuts: Thinly sliced chicken breasts cook quickly and absorb flavors better.
- Chill Your Pan: Starting with a hot pan ensures a beautiful sear on the chicken, locking in moisture.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and parsley enhance the overall taste, providing brightness to the dish.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning during cooking to ensure perfect flavor balance.
Best Side Dishes for Best Chicken Piccata
Pairing sides with your best chicken piccata can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes add comfort and soak up any leftover sauce beautifully.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with parmesan cheese and croutons offers a fresh crunch that contrasts nicely with the chicken.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers and tomatoes provides a nutritious complement.
- Sautéed Spinach: Quick sautéed spinach with garlic adds vibrant color and nutrition to your meal.
- Ratatouille: This vegetable medley brings seasonal produce into play and pairs well with lemony flavors.
- Risotto Primavera: Creamy risotto mixed with seasonal vegetables rounds out your plate with rich textures.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking chicken piccata can be simple, but some common mistakes can ruin your dish. Here are a few tips to help you avoid them.
- Incorrect seasoning: Failing to season the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always use salt and pepper generously before cooking.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long makes it dry. Keep an eye on the time and cook just until golden brown.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Using subpar butter or chicken broth affects the overall taste. Opt for high-quality ingredients like unsalted butter for the best results.
- Neglecting to zest the lemon: Skipping this step means missing out on a burst of flavor. Always zest your lemon before juicing for maximum taste.
- Not letting the sauce thicken: Rushing through the sauce preparation can result in a watery dish. Allow it to simmer and reduce for a creamy consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Best Chicken Piccata in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Best Chicken Piccata
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
Reheating Best Chicken Piccata
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making the Best Chicken Piccata.
What is Best Chicken Piccata?
Best Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy lemon butter sauce with capers, garlic, and parsley.
How do I make my Best Chicken Piccata sauce thicker?
To thicken your sauce, let it simmer longer on low heat. Adding more cream or cornstarch mixed with water can also help achieve that desired thickness.
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even fish like salmon or tilapia for delicious variations on this recipe.
What should I serve with Best Chicken Piccata?
This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables. A light salad also complements it nicely.
How do I store leftover Best Chicken Piccata?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
Best Chicken Piccata is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a fancy meal. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the flavors to suit your taste preferences!
Best Chicken Piccata
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Best Chicken Piccata, a classic Italian dish that showcases tender chicken breasts enveloped in a rich and creamy lemon butter sauce. Brightened by zesty lemon, briny capers, and aromatic garlic, this recipe is not only quick to prepare—taking just 25 minutes—but also versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Serve it over pasta or rice, or alongside seasonal vegetables to create an impressive meal that satisfies every palate.
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Flour
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp capers
- 1/2 cup cream
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Flatten the chicken breasts to about a 1/2 inch thickness using a meat mallet. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder; dredge lightly in flour.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, zest, and capers; simmer for 3 minutes while scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in cream and cook for another minute before returning the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over it.
- Remove from heat, stir in remaining butter until melted, garnish with parsley, and serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
