Are you looking for a delicious and sophisticated dish to add to your recipe collection? Look no further than chicken piccata! This Italian-inspired dish features tender chicken breasts in a tangy lemon and caper sauce, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. In this blog, we’ll explore the history of chicken piccata, share some of our favorite recipes, and dive into the nutritional benefits of this tasty dish.
Everything about Chicken Piccata
Chicken piccata originated in Italy and is a variation of the classic veal piccata. The dish is believed to have originated in the southern region of Italy and was traditionally made with thinly sliced veal cutlets. Over time, chicken became a popular alternative to veal, and today, chicken piccata is a staple in many Italian-American households and restaurants.
The dish is typically made by coating chicken breasts in flour and sautéing them in butter until golden brown. The chicken is then finished in a tangy sauce made with lemon juice, capers, white wine, and chicken broth. The result is a delicious and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Chicken Piccata Pasta
If you’re a pasta lover, you’ll be happy to know that chicken piccata is often served with pasta. Linguine or spaghetti are popular choices, but any long pasta will work. Simply toss the cooked pasta with a little bit of olive oil and Parmesan cheese, then top it with the chicken and sauce.
What to Serve with Chicken Piccata
Chicken piccata is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Rice Pilaf
- Crusty bread to soak up the sauce
Chicken Piccata Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make chicken piccata:
- Chicken breasts
- Flour
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- White wine
- Lemon juice
- Capers
- Salt and pepper
Chicken Piccata Recipe White Wine
Here’s a simple recipe for chicken piccata that includes white wine:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup flour
- Salt and pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons capers
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions:
- Place the flour in a shallow dish and season with salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Add the remaining butter and olive oil to the skillet. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth, white wine, lemon juice, and capers to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Authentic Italian Chicken Piccata Recipe
For an authentic Italian chicken piccata recipe, try this recipe from a famed Italian chef, Giada De Laurentiis:
Ingredients:
- 4 skinless and boneless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/4-inch thickness
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- All-purpose flour, for dredging
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1/4 cup brined capers, rinsed
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken in the flour and shake off any excess.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. When the butter and oil start to sizzle, add 2 pieces of the chicken and cook for 3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate.
- Add 2 more tablespoons of butter and 2 more tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. When the butter and oil start to sizzle, add the other 2 pieces of chicken and cook for 3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate.
- Add the lemon juice, chicken stock, and capers to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Reduce the sauce by half to thicken it.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and whisk it into the sauce. Pour the sauce over the chicken, top with chopped parsley, and serve.
Chicken Piccata Ina Garten
If you’re a fan of Ina Garten, you’ll love her recipe for chicken piccata:
Ingredients:
- 2 split chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- All-purpose flour, for dredging
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup good olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons), lemon halves reserved
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1/4 cup brined capers, drained
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
- Place each chicken breast between 2 sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap and pound it out to 1/4-inch thick. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
- Dredge the chicken in flour and shake off any excess.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. When the butter has melted and the oil is hot, cook 2 chicken breasts for 2 minutes on each side, until browned. Place the chicken breasts on a plate and set aside.
- Add the lemon juice, chicken stock, and reserved lemon halves to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the capers and return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a platter. Whisk the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter into the sauce and pour the sauce over the chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Creamy Chicken Piccata Recipe
For a twist on the classic dish, try this recipe for creamy chicken piccata:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- All-purpose flour, for dredging
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken in the flour and shake off any excess.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When the butter and oil start to sizzle, add 2 pieces of the chicken and cook for 3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. When the butter and oil start to sizzle, add the other 2 pieces of chicken and cook for 3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate.
- Add the chicken broth and lemon juice to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, or until it reduces by half.
- Add the cream and capers to the skillet. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe
If you’re a fan of the bright, tangy flavor of lemon, you’ll love this recipe for lemon chicken piccata:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- All-purpose flour, for dredging
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken in the flour and shake off any excess.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When the butter and oil start to sizzle, add 2 pieces of the chicken and cook for 3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. When the butter and oil start to sizzle, add the other 2 pieces of chicken and cook for 3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate.
- Add the chicken broth, white wine, and lemon juice to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, or until it reduces by half.
- Add the capers and return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Health Benefits
Chicken piccata can be a healthy and nutritious meal option when prepared with the right ingredients and portion sizes. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, tissues, and cells. Additionally, chicken piccata often includes ingredients like lemon juice, capers, and parsley, which can provide additional health benefits.
Lemon juice is high in vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin C is also important for maintaining healthy skin, immune function, and wound healing. Capers, which are commonly used in chicken piccata, are low in calories but high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. These nutrients have been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Parsley, another common ingredient in chicken piccata, is also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. It is also a good source of vitamin K, which plays a key role in blood clotting and bone health. Vitamin K has also been linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
Nutritional Values
The nutritional value of chicken piccata can vary depending on the ingredients and preparation methods used. However, a typical serving of chicken piccata (4 oz. chicken breast with sauce) contains approximately:
- Calories: 300-400
- Protein: 25-35 grams
- Fat: 10-15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10-20 grams
- Fiber: 2-4 grams
- Sodium: 800-1200 mg
When making chicken piccata at home, you can adjust the nutritional content by using lean cuts of chicken, reducing the amount of added fat, and adding more vegetables to the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?
While chicken is the most commonly used meat in chicken piccata, you can also use veal, pork, or even fish. However, keep in mind that the cooking times may vary depending on the type of meat used.
- Can I make chicken piccata ahead of time?
Chicken piccata can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. However, the texture and flavor may change slightly upon reheating.
- What should I serve with chicken piccata?
Chicken piccata pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Conclusion
Chicken piccata is a delicious and flavorful dish that has its roots in Italian cuisine. This dish can be prepared in a variety of ways and can be adjusted to suit a range of dietary needs and preferences. Chicken piccata is not only tasty but can also be a nutritious meal when prepared with the right ingredients and portion sizes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, chicken piccata is a great recipe to add to your repertoire.
When making chicken piccata, it’s important to keep in mind the health benefits and nutritional values of the dish. Chicken is a great source of protein and nutrients, and when paired with flavorful ingredients like lemon juice, capers, and parsley, chicken piccata can provide additional health benefits.
It’s also important to pay attention to portion sizes and the amount of added fat in the dish. By using lean cuts of chicken and reducing the amount of added fat, you can create a healthier version of this classic dish.
Overall, chicken piccata is a versatile and delicious meal that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests at a dinner party, chicken piccata is a recipe worth trying. With its flavorful sauce and tender chicken, it’s no wonder this dish has remained popular for so many years.
See Also: https://infoblog4all.com/chicken-kiev/