Chicken Piccata

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Transform Your Weeknight Meals with This Lemony, Caper-Infused Sensation

Chicken Piccata is a quick and easy recipe that promises to bring a tangy lemon-butter sauce and a burst of flavors to your family dinner table.

This healthy recipe is not only a budget recipe, but it’s also perfect for those looking for a make-ahead meal.

With minimal prep time and most of these ingredients being household staples, it stands out as an ideal main meal for any day of the week.

Why Chicken Piccata is a “Must-Try”

Chicken Piccata, known for its lemony, caper-topped taste, is a great addition to your weeknight dinner repertoire.

• Make-Ahead Meal: Perfect for prepping ahead, making your busy schedules a bit more manageable.
• Budget Recipe: Utilizes affordable ingredients without compromising on taste.
• Family Dinner Favorite: Loved by all age groups, making it a regular at the dinner table.
• Healthy Recipe: Balances flavors and nutrition, ideal for a wholesome meal.
• Minimal Prep Time: Quick to prepare, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more with family.

Chicken Piccata Ingredients

(See the recipe card below for full ingredient list with quantities & instructions)

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Cutlets or Breasts: Choose high-quality chicken, and butterfly the pieces to create thinner cutlets for even cooking and better sauce absorption.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken, these simple spices lay the foundation for flavor.
• Butter: Adds a rich, creamy element to the dish, enhancing the flavor of the sauce and giving the chicken a golden-brown crust.
• Olive Oil: Used for frying, it imparts a subtle flavor and helps in achieving a perfect sear on the chicken.
• Shallot, Finely Chopped: Adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the tangy elements of the dish.
• Minced Garlic: A key aromatic, garlic infuses the dish with its distinctive flavor, elevating the overall taste profile.
• Chicken Stock: The base of the sauce, it brings depth and richness, tying all the flavors together beautifully.
• Lemon Zest and Fresh Lemon Juice: The stars of the dish, providing the characteristic zesty and tangy flavor that Chicken Piccata is famous for.
• Capers: These small, briny delights add a burst of flavor, giving the dish its unique piccata character.
• Fresh Parsley: Used as a garnish, it adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note to round off the dish.

Chicken Piccata Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the butterflied chicken cutlets with salt and black pepper.
2. Cooking: In a pan, heat butter and olive oil. Sauté shallot and garlic, then add the chicken, cooking until golden.
3. Creating the Sauce: Add chicken stock, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and capers to the pan, simmering until the sauce thickens.
4. Final Touch: Serve the chicken topped with the tangy lemon-butter sauce and garnished with fresh parsley.

Quick and Easy, Perfect for Weeknight Dinners

Chicken Piccata is not just a healthy recipe, but it’s also an easy weeknight supper option. Its quick preparation time and simple steps make it a favorite for those hectic evenings.

What to pair with Chicken Piccata

Pairing the right side dishes with this creamy chicken in lemony butter sauce can enhance the overall dining experience.

Here are some excellent options:

Roasted Root Vegetables: The natural sweetness of carrots, parsnips, and beets, when roasted, complements the savory glaze of the pork loin.

Cheesy Garlic Brussels Sprout Bake: This dish brings a cheesy, garlicky twist to Brussels sprouts, adding a deliciously rich flavor to balance the sweetness of the pork.

Spinach Gratin: A creamy and cheesy spinach gratin offers a smooth texture and a rich taste that pairs wonderfully with the tender pork.

Hasselback Sweet Potatoes: These visually appealing potatoes add a sweet and savory element, which works well with the caramelized glaze of the pork.

Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes: A combination of cheese, bacon, and ranch with potatoes creates a decadent side that’s hard to resist alongside the glazed pork.

Creamed Corn Au Gratin: The sweetness of corn in a creamy, cheesy sauce adds a luxurious texture and flavor, complementing the pork loin.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: Layers of potatoes in a creamy cheese sauce offer a comforting and hearty side that’s perfect with the rich pork.

Mashed Potato Casserole: A casserole version of mashed potatoes, often topped with cheese or breadcrumbs, provides a creamy and satisfying addition to the meal.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Piccata

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a suitable container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Oven: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium for 2-3 minutes.

Other Main Dishes to Try!

Brown Sugar Dijon Glazed Pork Loin

Honey Fried Chicken

Marry Me Chicken

Southern Fried Chicken

Steak Stuff Peppers

Paprika Baked Chicken Thighs

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