Easy Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe: Zesty Perfection

Succulent lemon chicken piccata elevates weeknight dinners from mundane to magnificent.

Bright citrus notes dance with tender chicken, creating a sophisticated yet approachable meal.

Mediterranean-inspired flavors burst through a delicate, crispy exterior that promises culinary excitement.

Restaurants charge premium prices for this elegant dish, but home cooks can master it with confidence.

Professional chefs appreciate the delicate balance of tangy and rich ingredients that transform simple proteins.

A perfectly executed piccata requires technique and understanding of flavor interactions.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of zesty and buttery sensations: savor every moment.

Chef’s Tips for Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Piccata

• Revive Broken Sauce: Whisk a cold tablespoon of water to restore smoothness if sauce separates during cooking.
• Prep Ahead Perfection: Bread chicken earlier in the day and refrigerate, simplifying your entertaining menu.
• Sprinkle Fresh Flavor: Chop parsley moments before serving to maximize its bright, aromatic punch.
• Space Wisely: Cook chicken in separate batches to maintain crisp breading and consistent pan temperature.
• Butter Brilliance: Incorporate cold butter off direct heat for a luxurious, glossy sauce that won't separate.

Maintaining Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Piccata

• Vacuum Sealing: Lock in freshness by using a vacuum sealer for the chicken piccata. This method removes air completely, preventing freezer burn and preserving the delicate lemon sauce's vibrant flavors. Carefully place chicken and sauce in separate vacuum-sealed bags to maintain optimal texture and taste.
• Portion Packaging: Divide the piccata into individual serving sizes before storing. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags, pressing out excess air to prevent freezer crystals. Label each package with the date and contents, ensuring easy meal planning and quick retrieval.
• Sauce Separation Strategy: Keep the lemon sauce in a separate airtight container from the chicken. This prevents soggy breading and maintains the crispy texture of the chicken cutlets.

Fun Ways to Update Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Piccata

• Mediterranean Magic: Swap bread crumbs with crushed pistachios for a nutty crunch. Add oregano and crumbled feta cheese to the flour mixture for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Herb Garden Blend: Incorporate fresh thyme, rosemary, and basil into the bread crumb coating. Use white wine vinegar instead of wine to create a lighter, more herbaceous sauce.
• Spicy Southern Kick: Mix cayenne pepper and smoked paprika into the bread crumbs. Replace lemon juice with fresh lime juice and add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a zesty, spicy version.
• Crispy Parmesan Crunch: Mix grated Parmesan cheese directly into the bread crumbs. Sprinkle additional Parmesan over the chicken before baking to create a golden, crispy cheese crust that adds rich, savory depth to the dish.

Summation of Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Piccata

Lemon chicken piccata emerges as culinary poetry, dancing between zesty brightness and comforting elegance.

Mediterranean influences whisper through each tender bite, connecting home cooks with generations of flavor traditions.

Crisp bread crumbs provide delightful texture against succulent chicken, creating harmonious contrasts.

Garten’s signature technique elevates simple ingredients into extraordinary experiences.

Lemon sauce drapes luxuriously, binding ingredients with tangy sophistication.

Passionate chefs will discover pure joy through this delectable recipe – so grab those ingredients, let creativity flow, and share this masterpiece with your cherished circle.

Click those social media buttons, spread deliciousness, and inspire fellow cooking enthusiasts to embrace culinary adventure!

Why Ina Garten’s Lemon Chicken Piccata Tastes So Bright

• Speedy Gourmet Delight: Whip up a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Texture Paradise: Experience a mouthwatering combination of crispy, golden-brown bread crumb coating and tender, juicy chicken that delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite.
• Zesty Flavor Explosion: The bright, tangy lemon sauce cuts through the richness of the chicken, creating a vibrant and refreshing taste that dances on your taste buds and elevates the entire dish.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: With simple step-by-step instructions and basic techniques like pounding, coating, and baking, this recipe ensures even novice cooks can confidently create a impressive meal that looks and tastes professionally prepared.

Must-Have Ingredients for Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Piccata

• Chicken Breast: Lean meat that forms the main component of the dish, best when fresh and evenly thick for consistent cooking.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken and provide basic seasoning.

• Flour: Creates a light, crispy exterior for the chicken and helps the egg mixture adhere.
• Eggs, Water: Helps bread crumbs stick to the chicken and creates a binding layer for the coating.
• Bread Crumbs: Provides a golden, crunchy texture to the outside of the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Used for initial chicken browning and adds a subtle rich flavor.
• Butter: Provides richness to the sauce and helps create a smooth, glossy finish.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Halves, Lemon Slice: Adds bright, citrusy flavor and provides a fresh, tangy element to the dish.
• White Wine: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce, creating a sophisticated flavor profile.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a fresh, green garnish that adds color and a light herbal note.

How to Create Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Piccata

Step 1: Set Up the Oven

Warm your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and beautiful presentation.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

• Place chicken breasts between parchment paper
• Gently pound until 1/4-inch thick and uniform
• Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper

Step 3: Create the Crispy Coating

• Plate 1: All-purpose flour
• Plate 2: Egg wash (1 egg + water)
• Plate 3: Breadcrumbs

Dip each chicken breast in order: flour → egg wash → breadcrumbs

Step 4: Brown and Bake the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
• Cook chicken 2 minutes per side until golden brown
• Transfer to baking sheet
• Bake in preheated oven for 5-10 minutes

Step 5: Craft the Zesty Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt butter
• Add fresh lemon juice (about )
• Pour in white wine
• Drop in lemon halves
• Simmer until liquid reduces by half
• Remove from heat
• Stir in remaining butter
• Discard lemon halves

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

• Place chicken on serving plates
• Drizzle sauce generously
• Garnish with fresh lemon slice
• Sprinkle chopped parsley on top

Serve immediately and enjoy your restaurant-quality meal!

Ina Garten Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Lemon chicken piccata brings zesty Mediterranean flavors straight to your dinner table. Crispy chicken cutlets dance with tangy lemon sauce, creating a classic Italian-American dish that delivers bold, elegant taste in minutes.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coating Ingredients:

• ½ cup (60 grams) flour
• 1 large egg
• ½ tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) water
• ¾ cup (85 grams) seasoned bread crumbs

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• Salt and pepper for seasoning
• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) unsalted butter, divided
• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) dry white wine
• Olive oil for cooking
• Lemon slices for serving
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
2. Carefully position each chicken breast between two sheets of parchment paper, then gently pound them to an even 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin for consistent cooking.
3. Create a three-station breading setup: spread flour on the first plate, whisk eggs with water on the second plate, and arrange bread crumbs on the third plate for a thorough coating process.
4. Meticulously coat each chicken breast by first dredging in flour, shaking off excess, then dipping in the egg mixture, and finally rolling in bread crumbs to create a crispy exterior.
5. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then carefully place the breaded chicken breasts and cook for approximately two minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
6. Transfer the browned chicken to the prepared baking sheet and place in the preheated oven for 5-10 minutes to complete cooking and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Using the same skillet, melt one tablespoon of butter and add freshly squeezed lemon juice, white wine, and lemon halves to create a vibrant pan sauce.
8. Simmer the sauce until the liquid reduces by half, concentrating the flavors and creating a rich, glossy consistency.
9. Remove the skillet from heat, stir in the remaining butter to create a smooth, luxurious sauce, and discard the lemon halves.
10. Plate the chicken breasts, generously spoon the warm lemon sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh lemon slices and finely chopped parsley for a bright, appetizing presentation.

Notes

• Keep chicken at room temperature before cooking to help ingredients blend seamlessly and ensure even coating.
• Serve piping hot for maximum crispiness and flavor intensity, capturing the perfect moment of culinary delight.
• Fresh parsley transforms the dish with vibrant green color and a delicate herbal undertone that brightens the entire plate.
• Versatility shines through with this recipe, working beautifully with both chicken breasts and tender cutlets for diverse meal options.
• Parchment paper becomes your kitchen ally, preventing messy sticking and simplifying cleanup during preparation and baking stages.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg