Try This Tangy Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe

Lemon chicken piccata transforms an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure with its vibrant, mouthwatering profile.

Zesty citrus and tender chicken create a dance of flavors that electrifies your taste buds.

This Mediterranean-inspired delicacy brings restaurant-quality magic straight to your kitchen.

Professional chefs know the secret: simplicity combined with bold ingredients makes magic happen.

Succulent chicken bathed in a tangy, butter-rich sauce promises an unforgettable dining experience.

Precise techniques elevate this dish from basic to extraordinary, turning an everyday protein into a gourmet masterpiece.

Impress your family and unleash your inner chef with this spectacular recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients Needed for Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Piccata

• Chicken Breasts: Choose plump, fresh breasts with minimal fat for tender, juicy results.
• Salt: Select fine sea salt for even seasoning and enhanced flavor.
• Black Pepper: Opt for freshly ground pepper for maximum aromatic punch.

• All-Purpose Flour: Look for unbleached flour with consistent texture for smooth coating.
• Eggs: Select large, farm-fresh eggs with bright yellow yolks for rich color.
• Water: Use filtered water for clean, pure mixing.
• Breadcrumbs: Choose plain breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness and neutral base flavor.

• Olive Oil: Select extra virgin olive oil for rich, fruity undertones.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter for precise flavor control.
• Lemon: Pick bright, firm lemons with smooth skin and heavy for their size.
• White Wine: Choose a crisp, dry variety like Sauvignon Blanc for balanced acidity.
• Fresh Parsley: Select vibrant green leaves without wilting for bright garnish.

Kitchen Tools for Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Piccata

• Baking Sheet: Flat, rimmed pan for even cooking and easy transfer.
• Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface for clean baking and effortless cleanup.
• Large Skillet: Spacious pan for browning chicken and creating zesty sauce.
• Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: Tool for pounding chicken to uniform thickness.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise measurement for salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
• Three Shallow Plates: For flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb coating stages.
• Whisk: Quick mixing of egg wash for smooth, even coating.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for chopping parsley and slicing lemons.
• Cutting Board: Clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Tongs: Perfect for handling and flipping chicken during cooking.

Cooking Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Piccata Step-by-Step

Sizzle Chicken Delight

• Kickstart the Flavor Journey

Preheat the oven to a toasty 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, setting the stage for a mouthwatering culinary adventure.

• Transform the Chicken

Sandwich chicken breasts between parchment paper and gently tap until they’re wonderfully thin. Season both sides with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to awaken the taste buds.

• Create the Crispy Magic

Set up a three-stage coating station. Dunk each chicken piece first in flour, then give it a luxurious egg wash bath, and finally roll it in crispy breadcrumbs for that irresistible crunch.

• Brown and Bake to Perfection

Sizzle the chicken in a skillet with olive oil until it turns a gorgeous golden brown. Transfer to the baking sheet and let the oven work its magic for 5-10 minutes, developing a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

• Whip Up the Zesty Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and splash in fresh lemon juice and white wine. Let the liquid dance and reduce, creating a tangy, rich sauce that’ll make your taste buds sing. Swirl in a final pat of butter for luxurious finish.

• Plate with Passion

Lay the crispy chicken on plates, drench with the velvety sauce, and crown with a bright lemon slice and a confetti of fresh parsley. Your restaurant-worthy masterpiece is ready to devour!

Adjustments to Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Piccata

• Pound with Care: Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to evenly flatten chicken, ensuring consistent cooking and tender texture without tearing the meat.
• Crumb Customization: Swap traditional breadcrumbs with panko for extra crispiness, or mix in grated parmesan for added flavor and golden-brown crust.
• Sauce Swagger: Transform the sauce by substituting white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version, or add capers for a tangy Mediterranean twist.
• Herb Harmony: Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or tarragon in the breading or sauce to create unique flavor profiles that complement the chicken's delicate taste.

Plating Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Piccata Creatively

• Pair with Bright Salad: Toss together a crisp mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette to complement the rich, zesty chicken.
• Serve with Creamy Sides: Whip up some garlic mashed potatoes or creamy parmesan risotto to soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce and add luxurious texture.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Pour a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to enhance the lemony flavors and cut through the richness of the chicken.
• Bread for Sauce Dipping: Add a warm crusty baguette or artisan bread to the table, perfect for soaking up every last drop of the mouthwatering sauce.

Storing Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Piccata with Care

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Bread chicken cutlets up to 24 hours before cooking and store covered in refrigerator for maximum convenience.
• Refrigeration Magic: Store leftover chicken in airtight container for 3-4 days, keeping sauce separately to maintain crispy coating's texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months for quick future meals.
• Reheating Perfection: Warm refrigerated chicken in 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, adding splash of sauce to prevent drying and restore original moisture.

Zesty Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s lemon chicken piccata delivers a zesty Mediterranean delight with golden chicken cutlets draped in tangy sauce. Parsley and capers provide bright, bold accents that complement the tender chicken’s rich flavors.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tbsps (45 g) unsalted butter, divided
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
• ½ cup (120 ml) dry white wine
• ½ cup (60 g) flour
• ¾ cup (85 g) seasoned bread crumbs
• 1 large egg
• ½ tbsp (7.5 ml) water
• Salt and pepper for seasoning
• Olive oil for cooking
• Lemon slices for serving
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Create a three-station breading setup with flour, egg wash, and bread crumbs. Gently pound chicken breasts between parchment paper to an even 1/4-inch thickness.
2. Coating: Dredge chicken in flour, shake off excess, dip in egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with bread crumbs, ensuring complete and even coverage.
3. Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook breaded chicken for two minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown crust that locks in moisture.
4. Oven Finishing: Transfer seared chicken to a parchment-lined baking sheet, placing in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 5-10 minutes to complete cooking and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Pan Sauce Creation: In the same skillet used for searing, combine butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, white wine, and lemon halves. Simmer until liquid reduces by half, concentrating flavors and creating a rich, glossy consistency.
6. Sauce Refinement: Remove skillet from heat, incorporate remaining butter to create a smooth sauce. Discard lemon halves and prepare for final plating.
7. Serving: Plate chicken breasts, generously drizzle warm lemon sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh lemon slices and finely chopped parsley for a vibrant, restaurant-quality presentation.

Notes

• Tenderize with Care: Pound chicken evenly to 1/4-inch thickness for consistent cooking and delicate texture.
• Master the Breading Station: Set up three plates with flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs to ensure a perfectly crispy, golden coating.
• Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and juicy results.
• Sauce-Making Secrets: Reduce pan sauce slowly to concentrate flavors and create a luxurious, glossy finish that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg