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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Coating: Dredge chicken in flour, shake off excess, dip in egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with bread crumbs, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- Sauce Refinement: Remove skillet from heat, incorporate remaining butter to create a smooth sauce. Discard lemon halves and prepare for final plating.
- 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