Chicken piccata is a classic Italian dish that features tender chicken breasts pan-fried in a buttery lemon sauce with capers. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for fall pasta recipes, offering a bright, tangy flavor that pairs well with pasta or vegetables.
Ingredients for Chicken Piccata
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Method for Chicken Piccata
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound them to about 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan.
- Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and white wine (if using). Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate more flavor into the sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, and stir in the capers. Let the sauce reduce by about half, which should take 4-5 minutes.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce
- Once the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. This will give the sauce a smooth, silky finish.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them to reheat and coat the chicken.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the chicken piccata over pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition Facts for Chicken Piccata
- Calories: 400 kcal per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
This chicken piccata recipe is a great balance of lean protein and healthy fats, with a tangy lemon sauce that enhances the flavors. It’s a light yet satisfying meal perfect for fall pasta dishes.
Conclusion
Chicken piccata is a flavorful and versatile dish that’s perfect for fall. The combination of tender chicken and a zesty lemon-caper sauce makes it a bright and refreshing option for your fall pasta recipes collection. Whether you serve it with pasta or vegetables, this dish is sure to impress with its simple yet elegant flavors.
