Craving chicken piccata? here’s the secret to crispy, breaded perfection

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of breaded chicken piccata, a culinary masterpiece that combines the crispy crunch of breaded chicken with the tangy zest of a lemon-caper sauce. This delectable dish is sure to impress any palate, making it perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home. Follow our step-by-step guide to master the art of making breaded chicken piccata and tantalize your taste buds with every bite.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil

For the Lemon-Caper Sauce:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1/4 cup capers
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

1. Pound the chicken breasts: Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
2. Season the chicken: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken breasts in the seasoned flour mixture.
3. Create the breading: In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and eggs.
4. Bread the chicken: Dip the seasoned chicken breasts into the breading mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Frying the Chicken

1. Heat the oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Fry the chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Drain the chicken: Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Making the Lemon-Caper Sauce

1. Melt the butter: In a separate skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Add the lemon juice and wine: Stir in the lemon juice and white wine (if using) and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
3. Add the capers and parsley: Stir in the capers and chopped fresh parsley.
4. Season to taste: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembling the Dish

1. Pour the sauce over the chicken: Transfer the breaded chicken breasts to a serving platter and pour the lemon-caper sauce over them.
2. Garnish: Garnish the dish with additional chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Tips and Tricks

• For a crispier coating, double-bread the chicken by dipping it in the egg mixture and breading it again.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute with chicken broth.
• Serve the breaded chicken piccata with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or pasta.

Variations

• Chicken Piccata with Artichokes: Add 1/2 cup of canned artichoke hearts to the lemon-caper sauce for a savory twist.
• Chicken Piccata with Mushrooms: Sauté 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms in the butter before adding the lemon juice and white wine.
• Baked Chicken Piccata: Instead of frying the chicken, bake it in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

The Bottom Line

Mastering the art of breaded chicken piccata is a culinary adventure that will reward you with a dish that is both delectable and visually stunning. By following our step-by-step guide and experimenting with different variations, you can create a memorable dining experience that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests. So gather your ingredients, heat up your skillet, and embark on a culinary journey that will elevate your cooking skills and delight your palate.

Questions We Hear a Lot

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but they may take slightly longer to cook through.

2. Can I make the lemon-caper sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the lemon-caper sauce ahead of time and reheat it before serving.

3. What can I serve with breaded chicken piccata?
Breaded chicken piccata can be served with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, pasta, or a simple green salad.