Looking for a delicious and healthy meal that won't break the calorie bank? Look no further than this 1 serving Lemon Chicken Piccata recipe, which comes in at a mere 176 calories per serving.
Not only is this dish low in calories, it's also packed with nutritional benefits. Chicken provides an excellent source of protein, while the lemon and capers in the piccata sauce offer a healthy dose of vitamin C and antioxidants.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at this tasty dish, including its nutritional information, variations, and serving suggestions. So let's get cooking!
Recipe Ingredients
To make this Lemon Chicken Piccata, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp capers, drained
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Make sure to have all your ingredients ready and prepped before beginning the cooking process.
Recipe Instructions
Here are the steps to make Lemon Chicken Piccata:
- Pound the chicken breast to an even thickness.
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers to the skillet. Bring to a boil, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
This recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve with a side of vegetables or a light salad to round out the meal.
Here is the nutritional information for one serving of Lemon Chicken Piccata:
- calories: 176
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 6g
- Sugar: 1g
As mentioned earlier, this dish is low in calories and high in protein. It's also a good source of vitamin C and iron, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
Serving Suggestions for Lemon Chicken Piccata
Wondering what to serve with Lemon Chicken Piccata? Here are some ideas:
- Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
- A light salad with a vinaigrette dressing
- Quinoa or a small serving of brown rice
- Mashed or roasted sweet potatoes
The possibilities are endless when it comes to side dishes for this flavorful meal.
What is Chicken Piccata?
Chicken Piccata is an Italian dish made with chicken breast cutlets, lemon, butter, and capers. The chicken is dredged in flour, sautéed, and then served with a lemon-caper pan sauce.
What is Lemon Chicken Piccata?
Lemon Chicken Piccata is simply a variation of Chicken Piccata that includes freshly squeezed lemon juice in the pan sauce. The lemon adds a bright, tangy flavor to the dish and boosts the nutritional value with its vitamin C content.
Variations of Lemon Chicken Piccata
While the classic Lemon Chicken Piccata recipe is delicious on its own, there are many variations you can try to mix things up. Here are a few ideas:
- Add a splash of white wine to the pan sauce for extra depth of flavor
- Swap out the chicken breast for thinly sliced pork or veal cutlets
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make the dish vegetarian
- Add some chopped artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes to the pan sauce
Get creative and try different flavor combinations that suit your taste!
Getting Creative with Lemon Chicken Piccata
Lemon Chicken Piccata is a versatile dish that can be used in many different ways. Here are some fun ideas to try:
- Make a double batch of the recipe and freeze half for later
- Use the leftovers to make a salad or wrap for lunch the next day
- Top the chicken with some shaved Parmesan cheese for some added richness
- Serve the chicken over a bed of pasta or zucchini noodles for a heartier meal
The possibilities are endless when it comes to getting creative with this delicious dish.
Preparing Lemon Chicken Piccata for a Crowd
If you're planning on serving Lemon Chicken Piccata to a larger group, here are a few tips to make the process easier:
- Make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it right before serving
- Cook the chicken in batches to ensure it cooks evenly and stays tender
- Serve the chicken on a platter with the sauce on the side so guests can help themselves
- Provide a variety of side dishes to round out the meal, such as roasted vegetables, mixed greens, and garlic bread
With a little bit of planning, you can serve up a delicious and impressive meal that will impress your guests.
Lemon Chicken Piccata FAQ
Still have questions about Lemon Chicken Piccata? Here are some frequently asked questions:
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? - Yes, you can make the chicken ahead of time and reheat it in the sauce just before serving.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast? - Yes, but keep in mind that thighs will have a higher fat content and may require a longer cooking time.
- What should I serve with Lemon Chicken Piccata? - See the 'Serving Suggestions' section for ideas.
- How should I store leftovers? - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Hopefully, these answers will help you feel confident in making this tasty dish.
5 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Lemon Chicken Piccata
1. What is Chicken Piccata?
Chicken Piccata is a popular Italian dish that features chicken breast cutlets which are lightly floured and sautéed, served with a lemon-caper sauce made with butter, fresh lemon juice, capers, and chicken broth. It is often served with pasta or rice.
2. How many calories are in Lemon Chicken Piccata?
One serving of Lemon Chicken Piccata typically contains 176 calories. However, the calorie count may vary depending on the portion size and the specific ingredients used in the recipe.
3. What ingredients are used in Lemon Chicken Piccata?
Lemon Chicken Piccata primarily consists of chicken breast cutlets, flour, olive oil, butter, minced garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. The dish may also be seasoned with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.
4. Is Lemon Chicken Piccata healthy?
Lemon Chicken Piccata can be a healthy meal option if prepared using lean chicken breast, whole grain pasta or rice, and low-fat or non-fat ingredients. However, it is important to watch portion sizes and limit added fats and sodium from butter and chicken broth.
5. How is Lemon Chicken Piccata typically served?
Lemon Chicken Piccata is typically served hot with pasta or rice, and may be garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course for lunch or dinner.