Chicken Piccata

Making chicken piccata is one of the best things to do with boneless chicken breasts. Because the chicken cutlets are super thin, they cook quickly and soak up all the wonderful flavors of lemon, garlic and wine. This is a dish for every season. Whether it’s a beautiful summer evening or a frigid winter night, who can resist a skillet of bright lemony chicken piccata for dinner?!

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless-skinless chicken breasts, cut in half

  • 1/2 cup plus 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour, divided

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 2½ tablespoons butter, divided

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

  • 5 medium garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced

  • 1/2 cup dry white wine

  • 3/4 cup chicken broth, divided

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • 1/4 cup capers, drained and rinsed

Directions

  • Pound chicken so it is 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.

  • Mix 1/2 cup flour with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and spread seasoned flour onto a shallow dish. Dredge chicken in flour. Shake off excess. Set pieces on a plate as you go.

  • Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add chicken to pan and sauté 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and just cooked through. If cooking more than 4 cutlets, cook the chicken in two batches, adding a more oil and butter between batches. Transfer chicken to a plate as you go.

  • Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in pan over medium heat and swirl to coat. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute, stirring constantly.

  • Add wine and bring to a boil, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Cook until liquid almost evaporates, about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  • Add 1/2 cup of the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until reduced by about a third. While the sauce is simmering combine the remaining teaspoon of flour with the remaining 1/4 cup of chicken broth in a small cup and stir until smooth. Whisk the flour mixture to the sauce and cook for 1 minute or until slightly thick, stirring frequently. Lower the heat to a simmer and whisk in remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1/4 cup capers. Return chicken to the pan. Simmer gently in the sauce for two minutes or until heated through.

  • Plate chicken. Spoon sauce on top. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley.