Italian Chicken - Recpie Book

 

Italian cuisine is known for its delicious flavors, and Italian chicken dishes are no exception. Here's a classic Italian chicken recipe for "Chicken Piccata," which features tender chicken breasts cooked in a lemony, buttery sauce with capers. It's a delightful dish that combines savory and tangy flavors:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Piccata Sauce:

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup brined capers, drained
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
   • Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
   • Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour, shaking off any excess.

2. Cook the Chicken:

   • Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
   • Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

3. Prepare the Piccata Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
   • Pour in the lemon juice, chicken broth, and capers, and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
   • Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken slightly.
   • Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and chopped parsley. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, until the sauce is well combined and slightly thickened.

4. Serve:

   • Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet with the piccata sauce, turning them to coat in the sauce.
   • Allow the chicken to heat through in the sauce for about 2 minutes.
   • Serve the chicken piccata hot, spooning the sauce over the top.

Chicken piccata is traditionally served with pasta or a side of vegetables. You can garnish it with extra chopped parsley and lemon slices for a fresh, vibrant presentation. Enjoy your homemade Italian chicken piccata!