We call "piccata" a typically Italian way of preparing veal or chicken cutlets, which are quickly sautéed then served with a lemon and parsley sauce.
Ingredients
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
cayenne pepper, or to taste
salt and ground black pepper to taste
all-purpose flour for dredging
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon capers, drained
½ cup white wine
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
¼ cup water
3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut in 1/4-inch slices
2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
Directions
Step 1 Place chicken breasts between 2 layers of plastic wrap and pound to about 1/2-inch thick.
Step 2 Season both sides of chicken breasts with cayenne, salt, and black pepper; dredge lightly in flour and shake off any excess.
Step 3 Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken in the pan, reduce heat to medium, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side; remove to a plate.
Step 4 Cook capers in reserved oil, smashing them lightly to release brine, until warmed though, about 30 seconds.
Step 5 Pour white wine into skillet. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Cook until reduced by half, about 2 minutes.
Step 6 Stir lemon juice, water, and butter into the reduced wine mixture; cook and stir continuously to form a thick sauce, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir parsley through the sauce.
Step 7 Return chicken breasts to the pan cook until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes. Serve with sauce spooned over the top.
