Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce

Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce is a delightful, elegant dish that features crispy, breaded chicken breasts topped with a tangy, flavorful lemon sauce. The balance of zesty lemon, savory chicken, and buttery sauce creates a meal that feels both indulgent and fresh. This dish is perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Piccata recipe is a perfect blend of crispy and tender chicken, paired with a rich and tangy lemon sauce that adds just the right amount of zest. The bright flavor of lemon combined with garlic and a hint of heat from the hot pepper sauce brings a unique, mouthwatering taste to the dish. Plus, it’s quick and easy, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 8 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)

• ½ cup egg substitute

• 2 tablespoons plus ¼ cup chicken broth, divided

• 5 tablespoons lemon juice, divided

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• ⅛ teaspoon hot pepper sauce

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup minced fresh parsley

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 3 teaspoons olive oil, divided

• 2 tablespoons butter

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Flatten the Chicken:

1. Flatten the chicken to ¼-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.

Prepare the Egg Mixture:

2. In a shallow dish, combine the egg substitute, 2 tablespoons chicken broth, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, minced garlic, and hot pepper sauce.

Prepare the Flour Mixture:

3. In another shallow dish, combine the flour, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and salt.

Coat the Chicken:

4. Coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, dip in the egg substitute mixture, and coat again with the flour mixture.

Cook the Chicken:

5. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1-1/2 teaspoons olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 chicken breast halves and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the juices run clear. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm. Drain any drippings.

6. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken and olive oil, then keep warm.

Make the Lemon Sauce:

7. In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the remaining chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a boil and cook uncovered until the sauce reduces by a fourth.

Serve:

8. Drizzle the sauce over the cooked chicken and serve.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 8 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Calories per serving: 330 kcal

Variations

• Add capers: Classic Chicken Piccata often includes capers for an added briny flavor. Add a tablespoon or two when making the lemon sauce for an authentic touch.

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon sauce if you want a bit more heat.

• Swap the chicken: Try this recipe with thinly sliced turkey breast for a lighter variation.

• Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for a gluten-free option.

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth to keep the chicken moist, then warm the sauce separately.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular eggs instead of egg substitute?

Yes, you can use regular eggs if you prefer. Simply whisk 2 eggs together in place of the egg substitute.

2. Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?

While bone-in chicken can be used, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s cooked through. Boneless chicken cooks more quickly and evenly in this recipe.

3. Can I make the lemon sauce ahead of time?

It’s best to make the sauce fresh, as it’s meant to be served warm and drizzled over the chicken. However, you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it just before serving.

4. What can I serve with Chicken Piccata?

Chicken Piccata pairs wonderfully with side dishes such as roasted vegetables, pasta, rice, or a simple salad.

5. How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or when the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.

6. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

If using frozen chicken breasts, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Frozen chicken may not cook evenly or as quickly as fresh chicken.

7. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make the dish dairy-free, replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.

8. Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

9. How can I add more flavor to the sauce?

You can add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce for extra flavor.

10. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double this recipe to serve more people. Just make sure you have a large enough skillet to cook the chicken in batches.

Conclusion

Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce is a delicious, quick, and elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of crispy chicken, tangy lemon sauce, and rich flavors will leave everyone at the table satisfied. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests, this dish is sure to impress!

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