Description
Mediterranean style chicken piccata is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a bright and zesty sauce made with lemon juice capers and fresh herbs This recipe combines the savory taste of chicken with the tangy notes of lemon and the briny flavor of capers creating a well balanced meal perfect for a light lunch or dinner The dish is inspired by classic Mediterranean flavors and offers a delicious way to enjoy a simple yet elegant protein with vibrant accents
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts – 2 skinless and butterflied as described. To butterfly, slice each breast horizontally in half. Then place between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound with a mallet until about ½ inch thick.
Flour – ½ cup (whole wheat flour or almond flour can be used as alternatives)
Butter – 6 tablespoons (¾ stick). For a lighter version, use extra virgin olive oil instead of butter.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons, plus more as needed
Lemon Juice – ¼ cup
Chicken Stock – ½ cup
Capers – 1 ½ tablespoons, rinsed and chopped
Garlic Cloves – 2, smashed or minced
Optional – salt and pepper for seasoning
For garnish: sliced lemon and chopped parsley
Instructions
Place the flour in a shallow bowl. Prepare the chicken breasts by butterflying them as described. Season the chicken with salt and pepper if desired. Dredge each piece through the flour, shaking off any excess, then place on a plate. Repeat for all pieces.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter together with 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or use 3 tablespoons of olive oil if skipping butter). Cook the chicken in batches, 2 pieces at a time to ensure enough space in the skillet. Cook each side until golden brown, about 2 ½ minutes on the first side and 1 minute on the second side. Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate. Add more butter or olive oil as needed for remaining batches. You may not need all the butter called for.
After all the chicken is cooked and set aside, add lemon juice, chicken stock, capers, and garlic to the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, return the chicken to the skillet, and simmer until fully cooked, about 2 to 5 minutes more. Add additional butter or olive oil as needed and desired for richness.
Serve the chicken with the sauce spooned over top, garnished with sliced lemon and chopped parsley.
Notes
Try not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor
Simmer the sauce gently to avoid bitterness
Serve immediately for optimal taste and texture
Adjust seasoning gradually to suit your palate
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 8
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: mediterranean
Nutrition
- Calories: 480