Italian Chicken Piccata: Lemon, Capers, and Parsley Delight
Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian dish that features tender chicken breasts in a tangy lemon-butter sauce with capers and fresh parsley. It’s a beautifully balanced dish with a refreshing citrus flavor and a touch of brininess from the capers, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
– 1/4 cup brined capers, drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 lemon, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
– Cooked spaghetti or a side of your choice (optional)
Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Chicken**: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Season them with salt and pepper.
2. **Coat the Chicken**: Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, shaking off any excess.
3. **Cook the Chicken**: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. **Make the Sauce**: In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
5. **Finish the Sauce**: Reduce the heat to low and return the chicken cutlets to the skillet. Simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. **Add Butter and Parsley**: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the chopped parsley until the butter is melted and the parsley is well distributed.
7. **Serve**: Place the chicken on a serving platter and spoon the sauce over the top. Garnish with lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately with cooked spaghetti or a side of your choice.
This Italian Chicken Piccata is a delightful meal that’s easy to prepare yet sophisticated in flavor. Enjoy this dish with a crisp white wine for a truly delightful dining experience!