Sunday, March 7, 2010

Chicken Picatta - There Is A Lot Of Versatility In This Dish

This recipe for Chicken Picatta is one of my favorite Italian dishes by Giada De Laurentiis. There is a lot of versatility in this dish as you can use veal or pork in place of the chicken.

It is simple and easy yet elegant enough for company. I will often make a recipe and a half of the sauce because I like a lot of sauce.

Ingredients:

2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts, butterflied and then cut in half

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

All-purpose flour, for dredging

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

Small can peas or 3 T capers

5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup chicken stock

1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped (as garnish – optional)

Directions:

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge chicken in flour and shake off excess.In a large skillet over medium high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 3 tablespoons olive oil. When butter and oil start to sizzle, add 2 pieces of chicken and cook for 3 minutes. When chicken is browned, flip and cook other side for 3 minutes. Remove and transfer to plate. Melt 2 more tablespoons butter and add another 2 tablespoons olive oil. When butter and oil start to sizzle, add the other 2 pieces of chicken and brown both sides in same manner. Remove pan from heat and add chicken to the plate.Into the pan add the lemon juice, stock and peas. Return to stove and bring to boil, scraping up brown bits from the pan for extra flavor. Check for seasoning. Return all the chicken to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove chicken to platter. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to sauce and whisk vigorously. Pour sauce over chicken.

Note: This was great with the mashed potatoes that I whipped up with seasonings and sour cream. They were so creamy and light, they almost looked like frosting.

Bon Appetit!