Alton Brown’s Chicken Piccata
Indulge in Alton Brown’s Chicken Piccata, a quick and flavorful dish that transports you to Italy with every bite. Featuring tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, this recipe is bathed in a tangy lemon-butter sauce punctuated by briny capers. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy weeknight dinner, it pairs beautifully with pasta or fresh veggies. With just 30 minutes of prep and cook time, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready in no time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Juice and zest of 2 fresh lemons
- 3 tbsp capers, drained
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and tools for preparation.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour until fully coated.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sear the chicken breasts for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown; transfer to a plate.
- In the same pan, add lemon juice, capers, and butter; stir until combined into a sauce.
- Return the chicken to the pan briefly to warm before plating; drizzle sauce over each piece and garnish with parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (approximately 225g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 685mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Add white wine to the sauce for extra flavor. Substitute capers with olives if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently on low heat.