Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
Once you’ve tried this Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce, you won’t hesitate to make it for company. This dish offers a delightful balance of tangy lemon and savory chicken, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe stands out with its golden-brown chicken and vibrant sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 50 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavorful and Zesty: The combination of lemon juice, garlic, and Parmesan gives the chicken an irresistible flavor that will impress your guests.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside vegetables for a complete meal that suits various tastes.
- Healthy Option: Low in calories and rich in protein, this dish fits well into a balanced diet.
- Impressive Presentation: The golden-brown chicken topped with lemon sauce looks beautiful on the plate, making it great for special occasions.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick skillet
- Shallow dishes (for coating chicken)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Garlic press (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick skillet: Ensures that the chicken cooks evenly without sticking, making cleanup easier.
- Shallow dishes: Perfect for coating the chicken in flour and egg substitute to achieve that crispy texture.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the best flavor in your Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 8 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
- 1/2 cup egg substitute
- 2 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth, divided
- 5 tablespoons lemon juice, divided
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
For Coating
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Cooking
- 3 teaspoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons butter
How to Make Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Flatten chicken to 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- In a shallow dish, combine the egg substitute, 2 tablespoons of wine, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, minced garlic, and hot pepper sauce.
- In another shallow dish, mix together flour, grated Parmesan cheese, minced parsley, and salt.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
- Take each piece of flattened chicken and coat it with the flour mixture.
- Dip each piece into the egg substitute mixture.
- Finally, coat again in the flour mixture to ensure even coverage.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1-1/2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Brown four chicken breast halves for about 3-5 minutes on each side or until juices run clear.
- Remove cooked chicken from skillet and keep warm. Drain drippings from the pan.
- Repeat with remaining chicken using additional olive oil as needed.
Step 4: Make the Lemon Sauce
- In the same skillet used for cooking chicken, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add remaining wine and lemon juice to the pan; bring to a boil.
- Boil uncovered until sauce reduces by one-fourth.
Step 5: Serve
Drizzle the prepared lemon sauce over warm chicken breasts before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce!
How to Serve Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
Serving Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with the right accompaniments. Here are some excellent serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Pairing with Pasta
- Linguine: A classic choice, linguine complements the sauce beautifully, soaking up all the flavors.
- Fettuccine: This wider noodle provides a hearty base for the lemony chicken piccata.
Fresh Salads
- Arugula Salad: The peppery arugula offers a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and creamy dressing add crunch and depth to your plate.
Vegetables
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a pop of color and nutrients alongside the chicken.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These provide a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that pairs well with the lemon sauce.
Bread Options
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
- Crusty Baguette: A fresh baguette can add texture and is great for dipping into the lemon sauce.
How to Perfect Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
To achieve perfection in your Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and lemons will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly.
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: Ensuring uniform thickness allows for even cooking and tenderness.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches prevents steaming and helps achieve a nice golden crust.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes keeps it juicy when you cut into it.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
Choosing the right side dishes can enhance your Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce meal. Here are some delicious options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and rich, these potatoes balance the zesty flavors of the chicken.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A healthy whole grain option that adds texture without overshadowing the main dish.
- Sautéed Spinach: Quick-cooked spinach adds vibrant color and nutrition to your plate.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf provides an excellent base for soaking up the lemon sauce.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a light and refreshing side.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, zucchini noodles provide a fun twist while keeping it light.
These side dishes will not only complement your Chicken Piccata but also make for a well-rounded meal that impresses every time!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.
- Overcooking the chicken: This can lead to dry meat. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken should reach 165°F.
- Skipping the lemon zest: Zest adds a vibrant flavor. Always include it for that extra zing in your sauce.
- Using too much flour: Excess flour can create a gummy texture. Make sure to shake off any excess before frying.
- Not letting the sauce reduce long enough: A good sauce needs time to develop flavor. Allow it to simmer until it’s thickened as desired.
- Ignoring the resting period: Letting the chicken rest after cooking keeps it juicy. Give it at least 5 minutes before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for up to 3 days.
Freezing Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container.
- Can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Goes With Chicken Piccata?
Chicken Piccata pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Can I make Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead and reheat when ready to serve. Just follow storage tips above.
Is Chicken Piccata healthy?
With lean chicken and minimal added fats, Chicken Piccata is a healthier option compared to many creamy dishes.
How can I customize this recipe?
Feel free to add capers or olives for extra flavor or switch up the herbs based on your preference!
Final Thoughts
Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce offers a delightful balance of tangy and savory flavors that will impress your guests. It’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Experiment with different herbs or side dishes to make it your own!
Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce is a delightful Italian dish that beautifully marries the tangy zest of lemons with savory, tender chicken. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings, this easy recipe delivers a flavorful experience that your family and friends will love. The succulent chicken is coated in a crispy Parmesan crust and bathed in a vibrant lemon sauce, making it visually appealing and delicious. Pair it with pasta, salad, or veggies for a complete meal that is healthy, quick to prepare, and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
- 8 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
- 1/2 cup egg substitute
- 2 tablespoons + 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 5 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Flatten the chicken to about 1/4-inch thickness. Prepare two shallow dishes: one for mixing egg substitute, wine, lemon juice, garlic, and hot pepper sauce; the other for combining flour, Parmesan, parsley, and salt.
- Coat each piece of chicken first in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, followed by another coat in the flour mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat and brown the chicken for about 3-5 minutes on each side until juices run clear. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add remaining wine and lemon juice; bring to a boil until reduced by one-fourth.
- Serve the cooked chicken drizzled with lemon sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast half (113g)
- Calories: 289
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
