Chicken Piccata is a delicious and timeless Italian dish known for its tangy and savory flavors. Originating from Italy, this dish has become a favorite in many households worldwide. Traditionally, Chicken Piccata is made by pan-frying chicken breast cutlets and serving them with a delightful lemon-butter-caper sauce. However, this Oven Baked Chicken Piccata version offers a healthier and more convenient way to enjoy the dish without sacrificing taste.
What is Chicken Piccata Made Of?
Chicken Piccata typically consists of chicken breasts, lemon juice, capers, and butter. The dish is known for its bright and tangy flavors, with the capers adding a unique briny taste. The Oven Baked Chicken Piccata variation allows you to create a healthier meal by using less oil while maintaining the dish’s essential flavors.
What Does Piccata Sauce Taste Like?
Piccata sauce is a delightful combination of tangy, buttery, and slightly salty flavors. The lemon juice provides a refreshing acidity, while the capers add a briny and savory note. The butter smooths out the flavors, creating a rich and creamy sauce that perfectly complements the chicken.
What Does Piccata Mean in Cooking?
In cooking, “piccata” refers to a method of preparing meat, usually chicken or veal, by slicing it thinly, seasoning it, and cooking it in a lemon-butter-caper sauce. This technique results in a dish that is tender, flavorful, and often accompanied by a delicious sauce.
Ingredients
For this Easy Oven Baked Chicken Piccata, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon slices, for garnish
For Oven Baked Chicken Piccata No Wine:
- Simply omit the wine and use additional chicken broth for the sauce.
For Oven Baked Chicken Piccata Thighs:
- Substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- In a large ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Piccata Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the butter until melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Serve
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Tips and Variations
Do You Cover Chicken When Baking in the Oven?
- For this recipe, you do not need to cover the chicken while baking. Leaving it uncovered allows the chicken to develop a golden crust while the sauce thickens.
Baked Chicken Piccata for a Crowd:
- To serve a larger group, simply double or triple the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Ensure the chicken pieces are arranged in a single layer for even cooking.
Healthy Baked Chicken Piccata:
- To make this dish even healthier, use whole wheat flour or almond flour for dredging the chicken. You can also reduce the amount of butter used in the sauce.
Sheet Pan Chicken Piccata:
- For a convenient one-pan meal, add sliced potatoes and green beans to the baking sheet along with the chicken. This allows the vegetables to soak up the delicious flavors of the piccata sauce.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 520mg
Oven Baked Chicken Piccata is a delightful and healthier twist on the classic Italian dish. This recipe offers a convenient way to enjoy the bright and tangy flavors of Chicken Piccata without the need for extensive frying. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress your guests with its rich flavors and tender chicken.
We encourage you to try this recipe and explore the many variations available. Share your experiences with us in the comments below and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes like this one. For more tasty and easy recipes, check out our Crispy Grilled Potato Wedges and Baked Eggs.