How to Make Perfectly Crispy Chicken Piccata by Giada De Laurentiis

If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, then you’ve likely heard of Chicken Piccata by Giada De Laurentiis. This savory and tangy dish has become a popular choice for foodies around the world, and it’s not hard to see why. With its tender chicken, crispy exterior, and flavorful sauce, Chicken Piccata is the perfect meal for any occasion.

At its core, Chicken Piccata is a simple dish that’s easy to make. It typically consists of lightly floured chicken cutlets that are pan-fried until golden brown, then topped with a delicious lemon-butter sauce.

While the recipe may seem straightforward, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to take your Chicken Piccata to the next level.

Choosing the Right Chicken

One of the most important steps in making Chicken Piccata by Giada De Laurentiis is choosing the right chicken. You want to select chicken breasts that are thin and evenly sized. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out. Additionally, be sure to trim any excess fat or skin from the chicken breasts before cooking.

Ingredients for Chicken Piccata by Giada De Laurentiis

The key ingredients in chicken piccata are chicken, flour, lemon juice, capers, and white wine. Let’s take a closer look at each ingredient:

• Chicken: The star of the dish, chicken breasts are the most commonly used cut of meat for chicken piccata. The chicken should be boneless and skinless, making it easy to coat and cook.
• Flour: Coating the chicken in flour before cooking helps to create a crispy outer layer and also helps the sauce adhere to the meat.
• Lemon Juice: The tangy and zesty flavor of lemon juice gives chicken piccata its signature taste.
• Capers: These small, briny buds add a salty and sour flavor to the dish that pairs perfectly with the lemon and chicken.
• White Wine: The white wine used in the sauce adds depth and richness to the dish.

Preparing Chicken Piccata by Giada De Laurentiis

To prepare chicken piccata, follow these simple steps:

1. Preparing the Chicken: Begin by placing the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and remains juicy.
   • Next, season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs if you prefer.
2. Coating the Chicken: To coat the chicken, place some flour in a shallow dish or plate. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess. This will create a thin coating on the chicken that will help it brown and create a crispy texture.
3. Cooking the Chicken: Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or a combination of both. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
   • When cooking the chicken, it is important not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook the chicken in batches depending on the size of your pan.
4. Preparing the Sauce: After removing the chicken from the pan, reduce the heat to medium and add some garlic to the pan. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
   • Next, add some white wine to the pan and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will add flavor to the sauce.
   • Add some chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers to the pan and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it has thickened slightly.
5. Finishing the Dish: Once the sauce is ready, pour it over the cooked chicken and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes.

Recipe Video

Serving Chicken Piccata by Giada De Laurentiis

Chicken piccata can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. Additionally, it pairs well with a crisp green salad or a light soup. When it comes to wine pairings, opt for a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Moreover, If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet or in the oven until heated through. You can also use the leftover chicken piccata in other dishes, such as sandwiches, salads, or pasta dishes.