Chicken Piccata

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Description:

Savor the delightful blend of tender chicken breasts immersed in a zesty lemon and white wine sauce, enriched with capers. This Chicken Piccata recipe is a perfect fusion of tangy and savory flavors.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to ½ inch thickness or halved crosswise)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (more if needed)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup salted butter
• 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ lemon, juiced (about 1 ½ tablespoons)
• ½ cup white wine or additional chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons capers, drained
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare Chicken:
   1. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Coat each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
2. Cook Chicken:
   1. Heat olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches, 4-5 minutes per side, until just cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the skillet. Once cooked, set the chicken aside in a warm dish.
3. Make the Sauce:
   1. In the same skillet, melt butter. Whisk in flour until smooth and cook for 1-2 minutes.
   2. Gradually add chicken broth, whisking continuously to maintain smoothness.
   3. Stir in lemon juice, white wine (or extra broth), and capers. Simmer for 3 minutes, whisking occasionally.
4. Combine and Finish:
   1. Return the chicken to the skillet, simmering in the sauce for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
   2. Stir in chopped parsley just before serving.

Notes:

• Opt for fresh lemon juice for enhanced flavor.
• This dish pairs beautifully with linguini, angel hair pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice pilaf.
• For extra flavor, add fresh minced garlic to the butter while preparing the sauce.
• Alternatively, veal can be used in place of chicken.
• Complement with sides like roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or roasted cauliflower for a complete meal.

Enjoy this classic Chicken Piccata, a dish that promises a delightful culinary experience with every bite!