Healthy Chicken Piccata

When I think of comfort food, Healthy Chicken Piccata always comes to mind. It’s one of those dishes that takes me back to family dinners where the aroma of sautéed chicken and garlic filled the air, making everyone eager to gather around the table. I remember the first time I made it; I was nervous but excited, knowing I was about to create something special. The combination of tender chicken, tangy lemon, and savory capers creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Each bite is a reminder of the love and care that goes into cooking, and it never fails to impress my family and friends.

What You’ll Need for Healthy Chicken Piccata

When preparing Healthy Chicken Piccata, it’s crucial to use quality ingredients that work harmoniously together. The key players in this dish are the tender chicken cutlets, zesty lemon juice, and briny capers. Each ingredient contributes to the vibrant flavor profile that defines this classic dish.

• 4-5 boneless skinless chicken cutlets (pounded thin, about 1.25 lbs): These juicy cutlets are the star of the dish, perfectly absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken, enhancing its natural flavors.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This is used for a light coating on the chicken, creating a lovely crust when cooked.
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps in browning the chicken perfectly.
• 2 cloves minced garlic: Brings a wonderful aroma and depth to the sauce.
• 2 cups chicken broth: Serves as the base for the sauce, adding moisture and flavor.
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice: Provides a refreshing acidity that brightens the dish.
• 2 tbsp capers (drained and rinsed): Adds a briny flavor that pairs beautifully with the lemon.
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter: For richness in the sauce.
• 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (or more to taste): A creamy addition that can be adjusted based on preference.
• Angel hair pasta (for serving if desired): A delicate pasta that complements the dish nicely.
• Sliced lemons (for serving): Adds a fresh touch and visual appeal when serving.
• Parsley (for serving): A pop of color and freshness.

How to Cook Healthy Chicken Piccata

Cooking Healthy Chicken Piccata is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with enticing aromas. Follow these steps easily as you create a dish that everyone will love. Let’s get started!

1. Pound the chicken cutlets until they are about half an inch thick. This helps them cook evenly. Season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor. Next, take ½ cup of all-purpose flour and dredge each cutlet lightly, shaking off any excess flour. This creates a light crust that adds texture when cooked.

2. In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the floured chicken cutlets to the pan. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

3. Now, it’s time to make the sauce! Remove the skillet from the heat momentarily and add the minced garlic. Stir quickly, ensuring it doesn’t burn, as a burnt garlic can ruin the flavor. After about 30 seconds, it will become fragrant.

4. Return the skillet to the burner and pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet—they add incredible flavor! Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a light boil and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.

5. Next, add in the fresh lemon juice and capers. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. It should have a glossy appearance. Taste the sauce and adjust with more salt or pepper if necessary.

6. Return the chicken back to the skillet, along with any juices from the plate. Let it simmer in the sauce for about 4-5 minutes over medium-low heat. This allows the chicken to soak up all that delicious flavor.

7. At the end of the cooking time, stir in 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter until melted, giving the sauce a silky texture. If desired, add in 1 tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt for an extra creamy consistency.

8. To serve, place the chicken cutlets on a platter or individual plates. Spoon the sauce over the top and garnish with sliced lemons and parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your Healthy Chicken Piccata!

Customization Ideas

There are countless ways to make Healthy Chicken Piccata your own! Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve Healthy Chicken Piccata with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Changing the Pasta: Feel free to swap out angel hair pasta for your favorite type, such as whole wheat or gluten-free options.
• Adding Vegetables: Incorporate spinach or artichokes into the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.

Accompaniments for Healthy Chicken Piccata

Serving Healthy Chicken Piccata can be just as delightful as preparing it. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

• Angel Hair Pasta: Serve over a bed of angel hair pasta, allowing the sauce to cling beautifully to the noodles.
• Garlic Bread: Pair it with warm garlic bread for a comforting side that complements the flavors.
• Fresh Salad: A crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Roast or sauté seasonal vegetables like asparagus or zucchini as a healthy side.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even a romantic dinner date.

FAQ

Conclusion

Healthy Chicken Piccata is truly a delightful and vibrant dish that encapsulates the essence of home cooking. With its fresh ingredients and zesty flavors, it brings a touch of elegance to any meal. I encourage you to try making it for your next dinner; it’s bound to impress and satisfy. Get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as delicious as it is healthy!

Healthy Chicken Piccata

The ultimate comfort food, Healthy Chicken Piccata is a light yet flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, zesty lemon, and savory capers. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its delicious taste and vibrant presentation. Make it tonight!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4-5 pieces Chicken Cutlets pounded thin (about 1.25 lbs)
• to taste Salt
• to taste Pepper
• 1/2 cup All Purpose Flour
• 1-2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 cloves Minced Garlic
• 2 cups Chicken Broth
• 1/3 cup Fresh Lemon Juice
• 2 tbsp Capers drained and rinsed
• 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter
• 1 tbsp Plain Greek Yogurt or more to taste
• to taste Angel Hair Pasta for serving if desired
• to taste Sliced Lemons for serving
• to taste Parsley for serving

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Saucepan
• Chef's Knife
• Frying pan
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Pound chicken cutlets and season with salt and pepper. Roll in flour and shake off excess.
2. Heat oil in pan. Brown chicken on both sides over medium heat. Remove to a plate when brown, set aside.
3. Pull pan off the heat and add in minced garlic. Stir. Don’t burn the garlic!
4. When fragrant, add chicken broth and place pan back on heat. Scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Heat to a light boil and let sauce cook until reduced a bit.
5. Add lemon juice and capers. Simmer again until sauce is reduced some and slightly thickened.
6. Add butter and melt. Add chicken and any liquid on plate. Simmer together over a medium-low heat until sauce is to thickness desired. Pull off heat. Lightly stir in yogurt (can also skip this step and eat without adding yogurt).
7. Serve chicken alone or with angel hair pasta (I used the whole wheat kind) with some lemon slices on the side and parsley sprinkled over the top. Enjoy!

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Tip 3: Serve Healthy Chicken Piccata with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Tip 4: Feel free to swap out angel hair pasta for your favorite type, such as whole wheat or gluten-free options.
• Tip 5: Incorporate spinach or artichokes into the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.

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Meet Hailey Anderson

My passion is creating food that nourishes your body without sacrificing flavor. I’m our main recipe developer for vibrant salads, smoothies, and feel-good breakfasts. When I’m not blending or chopping, I’m right alongside Brooke and Jenna, helping to cook and test our new dinner and dessert recipes. I’m a firm believer in balance!