Are you craving a quick, elegant, and incredibly flavorful dinner? Look no further! This Chicken Piccata recipe is a Food Network-worthy dish that's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. It's the perfect blend of tangy lemon, savory butter, and tender chicken – a delicious and satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes! This recipe is a staple for healthy meals and offers a fantastic quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 4 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: Capers (2 tablespoons)
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow dish.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- Pour off any excess oil from the skillet.
- Add the white wine and chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the lemon juice.
- Gradually whisk in the butter, one piece at a time, until it's melted and the sauce is thickened and emulsified.
- Stir in the chopped parsley (and capers, if using).
Combine & Serve:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them, ensuring they're fully coated.
- Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Tips for the Best Chicken Piccata:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cooking the chicken in batches ensures even browning and cooking.
- Use fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a big difference in the flavor of the sauce.
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook until it's just cooked through.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
Variations:
- Add some vegetables: Sauté some mushrooms, asparagus, or spinach with the chicken for a heartier meal.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs, such as thyme or oregano.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, without sides):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This Chicken Piccata recipe is a simple yet impressive dish perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a delicious and easy meal at home. It's a testament to how homemade cooking can be both delicious and satisfying, even with minimal effort. Enjoy this best recipe for a truly memorable dining experience!