A very kid-friendly chicken piccata recipe that is perfect for the busy back-to-school season. Packed with flavor and ready in less than twenty minutes, this is a simple weeknight dinner you can’t pass up.
Tasty Chicken Piccata
Chicken piccata is a delicious and flavorful dish that is enjoyed by both kids and adults. With a tangy and savory sauce, it is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to easily suit your family’s taste preferences.
Chicken piccata is an Italian dish that traditionally consists of chicken cutlets, dredged in flour, pan-fried, and served with a lemony capers sauce. The combination of flavors creates a tangy and zesty taste that is both refreshing and satisfying. However, when preparing a kid-friendly version, I make a few adjustments to cater to their palates.
Related: Chicken Piccata Meatballs
You’ve probably noticed that restaurants around the world have put their own spin on chicken piccata, incorporating lots of different ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and even mushrooms. While these additions can enhance the dish’s complexity and offer a variety of flavors to suit different tastes, I have found most kids and even adults prefer a very simple preparation. This simple version of chicken piccata is why it fall into the category of easy weeknight dinners and so perfect for the back-to-school season.
Let’s remember, despite its many variations, chicken piccata remains a beloved dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. Its tangy, savory flavors and tender chicken make it a versatile and satisfying choice for any meal.
Why Tenderloin for Kid-Friendly Chicken Piccata?
When it comes to making a kid-friendly version of chicken piccata, I have found tenderloin is the ideal choice. Tenderloin is a lean and tender cut of chicken that is perfect for anyone who prefers a softer texture. Its mild flavor pairs well with the tangy sauce, creating a well-balanced meal that will please the whole family.
In addition to its tender texture, tenderloin is also a healthier option for kids. It is a lean cut of meat, meaning it contains less fat and fewer calories compared to other cuts of chicken. This makes it a great choice for anyone who is looking for a nutritious option without sacrificing flavor.
When preparing tenderloin for chicken piccata, it’s important to handle the meat with care. Since tenderloin is a delicate cut, it can easily become tough if overcooked. It’s best to cook the tenderloin just until it is no longer pink in the center to ensure it remains juicy and tender.
Another benefit of using tenderloin for kid-friendly chicken piccata is that it cooks quickly. This is so helpful for all the busy parents who are short on time but still want to prepare a delicious meal for the family. With tenderloin, you can have a flavorful and kid-friendly chicken piccata on the table in no time. This chicken recipe was always my go-to when I was in the back-to-school season of my life.
Preparing the Chicken Tenderloin
Before you start cooking the chicken, it’s important to ensure that you have the right cut of tenderloin and that it is properly prepped.
Choosing the Right Chicken Tenderloin
When selecting the chicken tenderloin, look for pieces that are uniform in size and thickness. This will ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the dish. It’s also important to choose tenderloins that are fresh and of high quality to ensure the best taste.
One way to guarantee you have the right cut of tenderloin is to visit a local butcher. They can provide you with the freshest and highest quality chicken tenderloins. Additionally, you can look for organic or free-range options, which often have a better flavor and texture.
When examining the tenderloins, make sure they are free from any discoloration or unpleasant odors. They should have a pinkish color and a slightly firm texture. Avoid tenderloins that are slimy or have a strong smell, as these are signs of spoilage.
Furthermore, it’s essential to consider the size and thickness of the tenderloins. If they are too thick, they may take longer to cook and could result in an unevenly cooked dish. On the other hand, if they are too thin, they may become dry and overcooked. Aim for tenderloins that are about 1 inch thick for optimal results.
Turning Humble Chicken Breast Into Piccata
See the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions, this list is just an overview.
For Dredging:
- All-purpose flour: Coats the chicken and helps create a crispy crust when frying
- Table salt: Enhances flavor in the dredging mixture
- Coarsely ground black pepper: Adds a subtle spicy kick to the chicken
- Eggs: Act as a binding agent for the flour and panko
- Panko: Provides a crunchy coating for the chicken
- Dried parsley: Adds a hint of herbal flavor to the coating
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast tenderloins: Main protein source; coated and fried for texture
- Vegetable oil for frying: Used to cook the coated chicken, creating a crispy exterior
For Piccata Sauce:
The piccata sauce is the star of this dish and while capers are a traditional ingredient in piccata sauce, they may not be to everyone’s taste, especially kids. Fortunately, you can still achieve a delicious and flavorful sauce without the use of capers. You can always add them back if you like.
Ingredients for a Capers-Free Piccata Sauce
To make a capers-free piccata sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
- Butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds a tangy and citrusy flavor to balance the richness
- Dry white wine: Enhances flavor and adds depth to the sauce. You can also substitute chicken broth, it will just have less complexity in the final sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Seasons the sauce and balances flavors
- Fresh chives: Used as a garnish, providing a mild onion-like flavor and a pop of color
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Piccata
Achieving the Perfectly Crispy Chicken
The crispy texture comes from coating the chicken in flour and panko before cooking. This not only adds a golden crust but also helps in binding the flavors of the sauce with the chicken.
Balancing the Tangy Piccata Sauce
If you find the piccata sauce too tangy, you can balance it by adding a touch of honey or a pinch of sugar. This will mellow out the acidity.
Enhancing the Flavor with More Fresh Herbs
Incorporate more fresh herbs. Adding a handful of chopped parsley or basil to the sauce just before serving will infuse it with another burst of freshness.
Perfecting the Lemon Flavor
The key to achieving an even more well-balanced lemon flavor in your chicken piccata is to use both the juice and zest of the lemon. The juice provides a tangy brightness, while the zest would add another fragrant citrusy note that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Experimenting with Different Variations
While this chicken piccata recipe is undeniably delicious, don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations. You can try substituting chicken with veal or fish, or even adding capers or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Perfecting the Searing Technique
To achieve a perfectly seared chicken, make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the chicken. This will create a beautiful golden crust and seal in the juices, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
Mastering the Art of Timing
Timing is crucial when cooking chicken piccata. Overcooking the chicken can make it dry and tough, while undercooking it can result in raw and unsafe meat. Aim for a golden brown color on the outside and make sure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy on the inside.
Serving Suggestions for Kid-Friendly Chicken Piccata
To complete your kid-friendly chicken piccata meal, consider pairing it with side dishes that complement the flavors of the dish and add nutritional value.
Side Dishes to Complement Chicken Piccata
Some great side dishes to serve alongside chicken piccata can include buttered noodles, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
5 Additional Simple Weeknight Chicken Dinner Recipes
Chicken doesn’t need to be tasteless. With its health benefits and quick cooking time, consider it the perfect canvas. Here are five quick chicken recipes we adore, designed to infuse flavor into your weeknight rotation:
Piccata Perfection
I’m absolutely enamored with this incredibly simple and delightful recipe! When you give it a try, remember to capture a photo and mention @NOBLEPIG and #noblepig on INSTAGRAM. Each mouthful is bound to bring you pure delight.
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Chicken Piccata
Ingredients
Chicken Piccata:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. table salt
- 1 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tsps. dried parsley
- 2.5 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast tenderloins
- vegetable oil
- 4 tbsps. butter, divided
- 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp. fresh chives, minced
Instructions
Chicken Piccata:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare a 12 x 17 rimmed baking tray with parchment paper that has been sprayed lightly with cooking spray.
- Combine flour with salt and pepper. Combine panko with dried parsley. Using three shallow dishes, separate flour mixture, eggs and panko into each dish. Dredge each tenderloin in the flour first (shaking off excess), then the egg, followed by the panko mixture.1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp. table salt, 1 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper, 4 large eggs, beaten, 2 cups panko breadcrumbs, 2 tsps. dried parsley, 2.5 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast tenderloins
- In a large skillet over low heat, add 1-2 Tablespoons of vegetable oil. Working in batches, add several tenderloins to the pan and cook until slightly browned, 2 minutes on each side. Move them to the sheet pan and repeat with remaining chicken. Place sheet pan with browned chicken into the oven and bake for 10 minutes.vegetable oil
- Meanwhile, in a large sauté pan, melt 2 Tablespoons of butter over med-high heat. Add lemon juice and wine and boil over high heat until reduced by half, about five minutes. The mixture will taste very concentrated and mouth-puckering (it is supposed to). Add remaining 2 Tablespoons of butter and season slightly with salt and pepper.4 tbsps. butter, divided, 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 cup dry white wine or chicken broth, salt and pepper to taste
- When chicken is done, place on a large platter or individual plates and generously pour sauce over the chicken. Top with fresh chives. Serve immediately.1 tbsp. fresh chives, minced
Notes
Nutrition
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