Why Make This Recipe
Quick Chicken Piccata is a delightful dish that is both easy to prepare and offers a burst of flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or any occasion where you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With a balance of savory chicken, zesty lemon, and the unique taste of capers, it is a simple yet sophisticated meal that everyone will love.
How to Make Quick Chicken Piccata
Ingredients:
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- cayenne pepper to taste
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- all-purpose flour for dredging
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained
- 0.5 cup white wine
- 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
- 0.25 cup water
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut in 1/4-inch slices
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
Directions:
- Place chicken breasts between 2 sheets of heavy plastic on a solid, level surface. Firmly pound chicken breasts with the smooth side of a meat mallet to a 1/2-inch thickness.
- Season both sides of chicken breasts with cayenne, salt, and black pepper; dredge lightly in flour and shake off any excess.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken in the pan, reduce heat to medium, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side; transfer to a plate.
- Cook capers in reserved oil, smashing them lightly to release brine, until warmed through, about 30 seconds. Pour white wine into the skillet and bring to a boil while scraping the browned bits of food off the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Cook until reduced by half, about 2 minutes.
- Stir lemon juice, water, and butter into the reduced wine mixture; cook and stir continuously to form a thick sauce, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir parsley through the sauce.
- Return chicken breasts to the pan and cook until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes. Serve with sauce spooned over the top.
How to Serve Quick Chicken Piccata
Quick Chicken Piccata can be served over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside pasta. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Don’t forget to drizzle some of the delicious sauce over everything for an extra burst of flavor!
How to Store Quick Chicken Piccata
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure to seal it well to prevent freezer burn. It will last for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
Tips to Make Quick Chicken Piccata
- Make sure to pound the chicken evenly to ensure it cooks properly.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your taste preferences.
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic when cooking the capers.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a twist. You might also consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts for a different texture and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pork or veal in place of chicken if you prefer.
2. What can I substitute for white wine?
If you don’t want to use wine, you can use chicken broth instead. It will change the flavor slightly but still create a delicious sauce.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour for dredging and ensure your chicken broth or any other substitutions are also gluten-free.