Nancy'S Chicken Piccata
Tender chicken breasts in a tangy caper and parsley sauce with a hint of vermouth, perfect for an elegant yet approachable meal suited for special occasions or weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse and dry chicken breasts.
- Flatten with a meat mallet and cut into halves crosswise.
- Dredge the chicken in flour and shake off excess.
- Melt margarine in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the coated chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Pour in dry vermouth and chicken broth, bringing to a simmer.
- Cook until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in chopped fresh parsley and drained capers.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, spooning the sauce over the chicken.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Chicken Piccata, consider using fresh lemon juice alongside the broth for a tangy twist. If you don't have dry vermouth, white wine or chicken broth can work as substitutes. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging. Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary for even browning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Chicken Piccata over a bed of pasta, like spaghetti, for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of steamed asparagus or a fresh green salad. For an Italian-inspired dinner, consider serving it alongside Parmesan Risotto or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Heat gently until warmed through to maintain the chicken's tenderness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nancy'S Chicken Piccata contains roughly 818 calories, with 36g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (103% of the Daily Value), protein (73% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2467mg per serving (107% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, while chicken is traditional, you can substitute with thinly sliced turkey breast or even pork cutlets. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as pork may require a bit longer to cook through.
What can I use instead of capers?
If you don't have capers, green olives can be a good alternative, providing a similar briny flavor. You can also omit them entirely if desired, but it may alter the dish's characteristic taste.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Replace margarine with a dairy-free alternative such as olive oil or coconut oil. Additionally, ensure that any broth or wine used is also dairy-free for a fully compliant dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).