Chicken piccata is a classic Italian dish that is made by pan-frying chicken cutlets and topping them with a lemon-caper sauce. The name “piccata” refers to the thin cutlets of meat that are used in the dish. In Italian, “piccata” means “small slice”.
The Origin of Chicken Piccata
Chicken piccata originated in Italy, but the exact origins are unclear. It likely developed as a quick, simple dish using ingredients that were readily available. Thinly sliced meats like veal or chicken can be cooked quickly, and lemons and capers were common ingredients in Italian cuisine.
The dish became popular in the United States in the early 20th century as Italian immigrants brought recipes like chicken piccata to America. It became a staple menu item in Italian-American restaurants and a standard dish in American home cooking.
The Meaning of “Piccata” in Italian
The Italian word “piccata” comes from the word “piccare”, which means “to pick” or “to peel”. It refers to small, thin slices of meat. Other Italian dishes like veal piccata also use this term to describe the thin cutlets of veal.
The word “piccata” is related to the Italian word “piccolo”, meaning small. So chicken piccata uses thin, small slices of chicken rather than large chicken breasts or pieces.
Preparing Chicken Piccata
To make chicken piccata, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are sliced horizontally to create thin cutlets. These cutlets are then dredged in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs to create a crispy coating when fried.
The chicken cutlets are pan-fried in olive oil or butter until golden brown and cooked through. Then, a sauce is made using lemon juice, butter, capers, and either chicken broth or white wine. The sauce is poured over the crispy chicken cutlets and the dish is finished with parsley and lemon slices.
Ingredients for Chicken Piccata
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Flour for dredging
- Eggs for dredging
- Breadcrumbs for dredging
- Olive oil or butter for frying
- Lemon juice
- Chicken broth or white wine
- Capers
- Parsley for garnish
- Lemon slices for garnish
Steps to Make Chicken Piccata
- Pound chicken breasts thin and slice horizontally into cutlets
- Season chicken with salt and pepper
- Dredge chicken in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs
- Fry chicken in batches until golden brown
- Finish cooking chicken in oven if needed until 165F internal temperature
- Make sauce by sautéing capers in pan drippings, deglazing pan with chicken broth and lemon juice
- Reduce sauce until thickened slightly
- Add chicken back to pan and coat with sauce
- Garnish with parsley and lemon slices
Serving Chicken Piccata
Chicken piccata is usually served with simple side dishes like pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. The bright, lemony sauce pairs well with starchy carbs or fresh produce.
Here are some serving suggestions for chicken piccata:
- Linguine or spaghetti
- Risotto or roasted potatoes
- Sauteed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
- Caesar salad or garden salad
- Focaccia bread or dinner rolls
The classic Italian flavors of chicken piccata make it a delicious, elegant meal for family dinners or dinner parties. It comes together quickly, making it an ideal weeknight dinner. Leftovers also store well for lunches the next day.
Variations on Chicken Piccata
While the classic version is made with chicken, veal piccata is also common in Italy and Italian restaurants. The veal cutlets are prepared the same way as chicken piccata.
Other variations on chicken piccata include:
- Lemon-caper sauce – The citrusy sauce is essential to piccata. Some versions use all lemon juice or all white wine.
- Capers – Capers provide a briny, salty flavor. Some recipes use caper berries instead for a milder flavor.
- Parsley – Fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley brightens the flavor. Dried parsley can be substituted.
- Proteins – Turkey, pork, or fish like tilapia can sub for chicken.
- Pasta – To make it more of a one-pot meal, pasta can be cooked right in the lemony pan sauce.
The possibilities are endless for riffing on the classic with different herbs, spices, proteins and substitutions while keeping the “piccata” style intact.
Chicken Piccata in Italian Cuisine
Chicken piccata combines several hallmark ingredients and cooking techniques of Italian cuisine:
- Thin cutlets – Meat and poultry are often pounded thin and quickly pan-fried in Italian cooking.
- Pan frying – From cutlets to frittatas, pan-frying is essential for Italian flavor.
- Lemon – Bright, acidic lemon balances rich flavors and cuts through creaminess.
- Capers – Capers add a salty, pungent bite and are used in sauces for meats and pastas.
- Parsley – Fresh parsley adds a pop of green flavor and freshness.
- Olive oil – Olive oil is the cooking fat of choice, adding fruitiness.
Chicken piccata combines these elements into a quick, flavorful dish that’s now a globally popular staple at Italian restaurants. The salty capers, bright lemon, and herby parsley cut through the rich chicken cutlets.
Ordering Chicken Piccata at Italian Restaurants
Chicken piccata is a menu staple at Italian restaurants from casual pizza joints to fine dining establishments. Here are some tips for ordering it:
- Check the description for key words like “pan-fried cutlets”, “lemon-caper sauce”, “chicken breast”.
- Ask if it’s chicken or veal – veal piccata will be more expensive.
- Request no pasta side if you want vegetables instead.
- Ask for light sauce or sauce on the side to control the amount.
- Inquire about gluten-free options if you have dietary needs.
- Clarify preparation method if you have food allergies.
At most restaurants, chicken piccata is a pretty straightforward menu item. But special requests can customize it to your preferences for the best dining experience.
Chicken Piccata Nutrition Facts
Chicken piccata can be a nutritious dinner option when made properly. Here are some key nutrition facts:
| Nutrient | Chicken Piccata (per 3oz serving chicken with 2 Tbsp sauce) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 258 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Protein | 27g |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Sodium | 434mg |
Chicken breast is a lean protein source, and using minimal olive oil for pan-frying instead of deep frying can reduce the fat content. Loading up on non-starchy vegetables instead of pasta or starchy carbs makes this meal even healthier.
Tips for a Healthier Chicken Piccata
- Use olive oil instead of butter for frying.
- Choose whole grain pasta or low-carb veggies as a side dish.
- Boost veggies by adding spinach or kale to the sauce.
- Use reduced sodium chicken broth and capers.
- Limit sauce to 2 tablespoons per serving.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice instead of using bottled juice.
The Popularity of Chicken Piccata
Chicken piccata has become a globally loved Italian recipe for several reasons:
- Quick cooking time – It comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Minimal ingredients – The ingredient list is simple and the dish isn’t complicated to make.
- Kid-friendly flavors – Its mild flavor appeals to children and picky eaters.
- Easy to adapt – It can be modified for different diets and tastes.
- Light and fresh – The lemon brightens up the flavor.
- Works for entertaining – It’s impressive enough for dinner parties but easy to execute.
Both home cooks and professional chefs love chicken piccata for its ease and bold, bright flavor profile. The iconic Italian recipe will undoubtedly continue to be a staple for years to come.
Conclusion
Chicken piccata is a classic Italian recipe made by pan-frying thin chicken cutlets and topping them with a tangy, salty lemon-caper sauce. The name “piccata” means “small slice” in Italian, referring to the pounded, thin cutlets of chicken breast used in the dish. While the exact origins are unknown, chicken piccata likely emerged as a quick meal using readily available ingredients in Italian cuisine. It has since become a menu essential at Italian restaurants and a staple family dinner around the world. With its quick cooking time, easy prep, kid-friendly flavors, and light freshness, chicken piccata’s popularity continues to endure as a bright, lemony crowd-pleaser.