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Alison Roman Chicken Piccata recipe is a delightful culinary journey that brings together the rich flavors of tender chicken, zesty lemon, and briny capers in a harmonious symphony of taste and texture.
With a few simple steps, you can transform ordinary chicken breasts into a dish that exudes elegance and captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Here, we will explore the key elements that make this recipe a standout choice for those seeking a savory and satisfying meal.
Alison Roman Chicken Piccata Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, approximately 1-1 1/4 pounds
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 5 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil, like grapeseed or canola, plus extra
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, with extra for preference
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced with seeds removed
- 1 cup dry white wine, such as pinot grigio
- 1/2 cup parsley, coarsely chopped or torn, using tender leaves and stems
Instructions
- Begin by cutting each chicken breast crosswise from the thickest part to the thinnest, as if you were butterflying them, creating two thin pieces from each breast. This might be a bit tricky to explain, but you’ll understand when you do it.
- Place each thin chicken piece between folded parchment paper (plastic wrap works too) and gently pound them to achieve roughly 1/8″ thickness. It’s better to be slightly thicker than too thin, as very thin pieces could shred.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then set it aside. Thinly slice four of the garlic cloves and finely chop the remaining one; keep them aside.
- Heat two tablespoons of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers but doesn’t smoke (around 1-2 minutes). Add two chicken pieces, gently pressing them with tongs or a fish spatula for even browning.
- Cook until deeply golden brown on one side, usually 2-4 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken, adding more neutral oil if necessary.
- In the same skillet, without cleaning it, add 2 tablespoons of butter, the sliced garlic, and capers. Use a wooden spoon, tongs, or a fish spatula to scrape up the browned bits (more will come up when you add the wine).
- Cook until the garlic and capers become crispy and golden brown, typically around 2 minutes. Transfer half of the garlic and capers to a small bowl and set them aside.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, half of the sliced lemon, and all of the white wine to the skillet. Bring it to a simmer and cook until the liquid thickens and reduces by about half, which usually takes 4-6 minutes.
- With the skillet off the heat, add the remaining tablespoon of butter, the rest of the sliced lemon, and the finely chopped garlic. Swirl the skillet to melt the butter. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and more crushed red pepper flakes if desired. The sauce should have a tangy, buttery, spicy, and salty flavor.
- Spoon this delightful sauce over the chicken and sprinkle it with the reserved crispy garlic/capers, parsley, and additional crushed red pepper if you like. Enjoy!
What to Serve with Alison Roman Chicken Piccata
Alison Roman’s Chicken Piccata is a delicious and flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some options to consider:
- Pasta: Serve the chicken piccata with a side of pasta such as spaghetti or linguine tossed in olive oil, garlic, and parsley. This allows you to soak up the extra sauce from the piccata.
- Rice: Steamed white or brown rice can be a simple yet satisfying accompaniment to chicken piccata. It’s great for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or carrots complement the tangy flavors of the piccata sauce. Season the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting for added flavor.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with chicken piccata. They provide a comforting and hearty element to the meal.
- Salad: A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the chicken piccata. Consider using mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light dressing.
- Crusty Bread: Serve slices of crusty bread or garlic bread on the side to mop up the delicious sauce from the chicken piccata.
- Quinoa or Couscous: For a healthier option, serve chicken piccata with quinoa or couscous. These grains provide a nutritious base for the dish.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed vegetables such as green beans, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts can be served alongside the chicken piccata for a simple and nutritious meal.
Ultimately, choose sides based on your personal preferences and dietary restrictions, but these options should complement the flavors of Alison Roman’s Chicken Piccata nicely.
How to Store Alison Roman Chicken Piccata
To store Alison Roman’s chicken piccata or any chicken piccata, follow these guidelines:
- Cool Down: Allow the chicken piccata to cool down to room temperature before storing.
- Refrigeration: Store the chicken piccata in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume it within 3-4 days to ensure freshness.
- Freezing: Chicken piccata can be frozen for longer storage. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it can be stored for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen chicken piccata, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Sauce: If the chicken piccata is in a sauce, store them together to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
Always refer to the specific recipe for any unique storage instructions.
Alison Roman Chicken Piccata recipe is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking. By masterfully combining everyday ingredients and elevating them with technique and seasoning, this dish transforms into a culinary masterpiece.
The succulent chicken, vibrant lemon, and punchy capers blend seamlessly to create a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or craving a comforting homemade meal, this recipe is a go-to choice that never fails to impress.
