Chicken piccata conundrum: does it need pasta? let’s dish the truth

Chicken piccata is a classic Italian dish that consists of chicken breasts dredged in flour and then sautéed in butter and olive oil. The chicken is then topped with a tangy lemon-butter sauce and capers. Chicken piccata is typically served with a side of pasta, but it can also be enjoyed with other sides such as rice or vegetables.

The History of Chicken Piccata

Chicken piccata is believed to have originated in the northern Italian region of Lombardy. The dish was first mentioned in a cookbook in the early 19th century. Chicken piccata quickly became popular throughout Italy and eventually spread to other parts of the world.

The Ingredients in Chicken Piccata

The main ingredients in chicken piccata are chicken breasts, flour, butter, olive oil, lemon juice, capers, and parsley. Some recipes also call for white wine or chicken broth.

How to Make Chicken Piccata

Chicken piccata is a relatively easy dish to make. Here are the steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Dredge the chicken breasts in flour.
4. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
6. Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set aside.
7. Add the lemon juice, capers, and parsley to the skillet.
8. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
9. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
10. Serve the chicken piccata over pasta or with your favorite side dish.

What to Serve with Chicken Piccata

Chicken piccata is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Pasta: Chicken piccata is most commonly served with pasta. You can use any type of pasta you like, but some good options include spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine.
• Rice: Chicken piccata can also be served with rice. White rice is a good option, but you can also use brown rice or wild rice.
• Vegetables: Chicken piccata can be served with a variety of vegetables. Some good options include roasted vegetables, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad.

Variations on Chicken Piccata

There are many different variations on chicken piccata. Here are a few ideas:

• Chicken piccata with artichokes: Add artichoke hearts to the skillet when you add the lemon juice, capers, and parsley.
• Chicken piccata with sun-dried tomatoes: Add sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet when you add the lemon juice, capers, and parsley.
• Chicken piccata with mushrooms: Add mushrooms to the skillet when you add the lemon juice, capers, and parsley.
• Chicken piccata with white wine: Add white wine to the skillet when you add the lemon juice, capers, and parsley.
• Chicken piccata with chicken broth: Add chicken broth to the skillet when you add the lemon juice, capers, and parsley.

The Bottom Line: A Versatile and Delicious Dish

Chicken piccata is a classic Italian dish that is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. It is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion dish, chicken piccata is a surefire crowd-pleaser.

Information You Need to Know

• What is chicken piccata?

Chicken piccata is a classic Italian dish that consists of chicken breasts dredged in flour and then sautéed in butter and olive oil. The chicken is then topped with a tangy lemon-butter sauce and capers.

• Does chicken piccata come with pasta?

Chicken piccata is typically served with a side of pasta, but it can also be enjoyed with other sides such as rice or vegetables.

• What are the ingredients in chicken piccata?

The main ingredients in chicken piccata are chicken breasts, flour, butter, olive oil, lemon juice, capers, and parsley. Some recipes also call for white wine or chicken broth.

• How do you make chicken piccata?

To make chicken piccata, first preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and dredge them in flour. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set aside. Add the lemon juice, capers, and parsley to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Serve the chicken piccata over pasta or with your favorite side dish.

• What are some variations on chicken piccata?

There are many different variations on chicken piccata. Some popular variations include chicken piccata with artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, white wine, or chicken broth.