Quick Chicken Piccata
+5 photos

Quick Chicken Piccata

4 servings
This easy chicken piccata recipe from Chef John pan-fries chicken in a delicious Italian piccata sauce made with lemon, capers, white wine, and parsley.

Ingredients

  • skinless

    boneless chicken breast halves

    4
  • cayenne pepper
  • salt and ground black pepper
  • all-purpose flour for dredging
  • olive oil
    2 tbsp
  • capers
    1 tbsp
  • white wine
    ½ c
  • fresh lemon juice
    ¼ c
  • water
    ¼ c
  • cold unsalted butter

    cut in 1/4-inch slices

    3 tbsp
  • fresh Italian parsley
    2 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    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.

  2. 2

    Season both sides of chicken breasts with cayenne, salt, and black pepper; dredge lightly in flour and shake off any excess.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    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.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    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.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    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.

    Step 5
  6. 6

    Return chicken breasts to the pan and turn to coat in sauce. Cook until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes.

    Step 6
Quick Chicken Piccata
+5

Quick Chicken Piccata

25 min4 servings321 cal

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About this Recipe

Quick Chicken Piccata: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal

Craving a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further than this Quick Chicken Piccata from Chef John! This easy chicken piccata recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into a gourmet experience in just 25 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner. Featuring tender, pan-fried chicken draped in a vibrant Italian piccata sauce bursting with lemon, briny capers, a splash of white wine, and fresh parsley, it's a dish that truly delivers on flavor.

What makes this pan-fried chicken piccata truly special is the incredible sauce. The harmonious blend of tangy fresh lemon juice and savory capers creates a bright, zesty profile that perfectly complements the succulent chicken. A touch of white wine adds depth, while the cold butter whisked in at the end provides a luxurious, silky finish to the lemon caper sauce. It's a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds singing!

This recipe is not only fast but also incredibly rewarding. You'll master the art of perfectly pan-frying chicken until it's golden and tender, then whipping up an unforgettable sauce in the same pan, capturing all those delicious browned bits. It's a fantastic way to impress your family or guests with minimal effort.

Tips for the Perfect Piccata

  • Pound it Thin: For even cooking and extra tenderness, pound your chicken breast halves to a uniform thickness, about 1/2 inch.
  • Don't Crowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure it browns nicely and doesn't steam.
  • Serving Suggestions: This delicious chicken piccata pairs beautifully with:
    • Fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that incredible sauce.
    • A simple side of steamed asparagus or green beans.
    • A light pasta like angel hair or linguine.

Whether you're new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this easy chicken piccata is a guaranteed winner that brings gourmet taste to your table quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions