The Italian Way to Make Chicken Breasts
-
Loading... - Alinta Edwards
- 30 Jan 2025
- 30 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
Italian cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and simple yet effective cooking techniques. When it comes to chicken breasts, there are numerous ways to prepare them that highlight the essence of Italian cooking. Here’s a classic recipe for Chicken Piccata, a dish that beautifully combines tender chicken with a zesty lemon and caper sauce. This dish is not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay tender.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Spread the flour on a large plate. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. This will create a light crust that helps to seal in moisture and adds flavor.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the lemon juice, chicken broth, and capers. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, reducing slightly.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and absorb the flavors.
- Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and the sauce is glossy.
- Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and pour the sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices for a fresh touch. Serve with your choice of sides, such as pasta, rice, or a simple green salad.
Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian dish that showcases the beauty of simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques. With its bright flavors and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this Italian way of preparing chicken breasts, and savor the deliciousness of homemade Italian cuisine
