Chicken Piccata

Ingredients

• 1 chicken breast (sliced into three cutlets)
• 0.5 tsp paprika (to season the chicken)
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder (to season the chicken)
• 0.5 tsp salt (to season the chicken)
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour (for the dredging mixture)
• 0.25 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
• 1 tsp paprika (for the flour mixture)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (for the flour mixture)
• 1 tsp salt (for the flour mixture)
• 0.25 cup olive oil (to cook the chicken)
• 0.5 tbsp butter (to cook the chicken)
• 0.33 cup white wine (or dry wine)
• 2.5 tbsp cold butter (for the sauce)
• 1 lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon)
• 0.5 tsp salt (for the sauce)
• capers (to taste)
• lemon zest (for serving)
• coarse salt (or flaky salt, for serving)

Steps

1. 1

   Slice the chicken breast into three thin cutlets.

2. 2

   Season the chicken cutlets with 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.

3. 3

   In a separate bowl, prepare the flour mixture by combining the flour, breadcrumbs (if using), 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp salt.

4. 4

   Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture until completely coated.

5. 5

   In a skillet (preferably stainless steel), heat the olive oil and 1/2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.

6. 6

   Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side, until well browned.

7. 7

   Flip the cutlets and cook for about 2 more minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

8. 8

   In the same skillet, add the white wine (or dry wine) to deglaze, scraping the bottom with a spatula to release the flavorful browned bits.

9. 9

   Add the lemon juice, 2 1/2 tbsp cold butter, salt, and capers to taste.

10. 10

    Whisk constantly until the butter melts and the sauce emulsifies.

11. 11

    Return the chicken to the skillet for a few moments to coat it and allow it to absorb some of the sauce.

12. 12

    Serve immediately, garnishing with lemon zest and a touch of coarse salt or flaky salt.

Notes

Using cold butter at the end is key to achieving a creamy, emulsified sauce. If using a stainless steel skillet, make sure to deglaze the bottom well to take advantage of all the concentrated flavor.

Nutrition per serving

• main course
• chicken
• piccata
• lemon
• capers
• quick dinner
• italian style