Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata with Angel Hair Pasta
Indulge in a restaurant-quality experience with this Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata, offering a perfect balance of tangy lemon and creamy richness. This delightful dish features tender chicken breasts, lightly seasoned and browned to perfection, nestled in a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce. Paired with al dente angel hair pasta, it's an elegant meal that won't keep you in the kitchen for long. Plus, the added option of capers can provide a delightful briny contrast. This recipe allows you to adjust the lemon intensity to your liking by adding more chicken broth or cream as needed. With Parmesan and fresh parsley sprinkled generously, this dish is sure to impress any guest!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (Pounded to half thickness)
Seasoned salt & freshly ground black pepper
To taste (None)
Garlic powder
To taste (None)
All-purpose flour
1/3 cup (None)
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Optional)
Butter
3 tablespoons (None)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (More if needed)
Dry white wine
1 cup (None)
Low sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup (None)
Lemon juice
From 2 whole lemons (None)
Heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup ((35%))
Chopped fresh parsley
To garnish (Chopped)
Angel hair pasta
1 pound dry (Cooked to al dente)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
To taste (None)
Instructions
1
In a shallow bowl, combine 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
2
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with seasoned salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then dredge lightly in the flour mixture. Set the coated chicken on a plate.
3
Heat 3 tablespoons of butter and 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
4
Add 2 chicken breasts to the skillet; cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Adjust cooking time based on thickness.
5
Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil or keep warm in a 200°F oven.
6
Repeat the process with the remaining chicken breasts, adding more oil if necessary. Lower the heat as needed to prevent over-browning.
7
Reduce heat to medium-low and deglaze the skillet with 1 cup of dry white wine, 3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth, and the juice of 2 lemons. Stir and scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate brown bits.
8
Let the sauce simmer and reduce by about half, whisking continuously. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
9
Once reduced, pour in 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream, whisking over low heat. Taste the sauce and adjust lemon flavor by adding more broth or cream if desired.
10
Place each chicken breast on a serving plate, with a mound of cooked angel hair pasta on the side.
11
Ladle the sauce generously over the chicken and pasta.
12
Finish with a garnish of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata?
It is a restaurant-quality dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts in a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce served over angel hair pasta.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Angel hair pasta is recommended for this recipe as its delicate texture perfectly complements the creamy lemon sauce.
How should I prepare the chicken breasts?
The chicken breasts should be pounded to half thickness to ensure even cooking and a tender texture.
What seasonings are used for the chicken?
The chicken is seasoned with seasoned salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder before being dredged in flour.
What is in the flour mixture?
The dredging mixture consists of 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a subtle hint of heat.
What kind of oil and butter should I use for frying?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of butter and 3 tablespoons of olive oil to achieve a golden brown crust on the chicken.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
Cook the chicken for approximately 3-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown, depending on thickness.
How do I keep the chicken warm while making the sauce?
Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil or keep it in a warm 200°F oven.
What liquids are used to deglaze the pan?
The skillet is deglazed using 1 cup of dry white wine, 3/4 cup of low sodium chicken broth, and the juice of 2 lemons.
What does deglazing the skillet involve?
Deglazing involves stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate the flavorful brown bits left behind after cooking the chicken.
How much should the sauce be reduced?
The sauce should simmer and reduce by approximately half before adding the heavy cream.
What type of cream is used for the sauce?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of heavy whipping cream (35%) to create a rich and smooth consistency.
How can I adjust the lemon intensity?
You can adjust the flavor by adding more chicken broth to mellow it out or more cream to increase the richness.
Can I add capers to this dish?
Yes, adding capers is a great option to provide a delightful briny contrast to the creamy sauce.
Is the cayenne pepper mandatory?
No, the 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper is optional and can be omitted if you prefer no spice.
What garnishes should I use?
The dish is best finished with a garnish of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
For the best results, the juice of 2 whole fresh lemons is recommended for a bright, authentic citrus flavor.
What kind of white wine is best for the sauce?
A dry white wine is preferred for deglazing to add depth without excessive sweetness.
How do I prevent the chicken from over-browning?
Lower the heat as needed and add more olive oil if necessary to ensure the chicken browns evenly without burning.
How do I serve the Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata?
Place a chicken breast on a plate with a mound of angel hair pasta and ladle the sauce generously over both.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, it is an elegant, restaurant-quality meal that is sure to impress guests while being relatively quick to prepare.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
While the recipe specifies breasts, you can use thighs, though you may need to adjust the cooking time.
What is the role of garlic powder in this recipe?
Garlic powder is used to season the chicken directly, providing a savory base layer of flavor.
How do I cook the pasta for this dish?
The angel hair pasta should be cooked until it is al dente to maintain a firm texture under the sauce.
What if I don't have seasoned salt?
You can use a mix of regular salt and a pinch of paprika or onion powder as a substitute.
How many chicken breasts does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed for 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Should I whisk the sauce?
Yes, whisk continuously while reducing the sauce and adding the cream to ensure a smooth, emulsified texture.
What provides the 'tangy' flavor in this dish?
The tanginess comes from the combination of fresh lemon juice and dry white wine.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, the combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and pasta makes it a sophisticated comfort food.
Can I make this gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend for dredging and serving over gluten-free pasta.