Mediterranean Sunshine Chicken Piccata
Recipe Introduction: Mediterranean Sunshine Chicken Piccata
Fancy a quick trip to sunny Greece without leaving your kitchen? Me too! Honestly, this MEDITERRANEAN STYLE CHICKEN PICCATA recipe is my go-to when I'm craving something bright, flavourful, and surprisingly easy.
It's all about that zingy lemon butter sauce loaded with Mediterranean goodness. This recipe delivers all the healthy feeling and taste.
Mediterranean Flavours, Made Easy
Think classic Chicken Piccata Recipe , but with a sunny twist. We're talking succulent chicken breasts basking in a luscious sauce of lemon, butter, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives.
Bellissimo! It's a delightful dish that captures the essence of the Mediterranean.
This Mediterranean Chicken Breast recipe hails from my desire to put on the table a fast and balanced diet. It's ready in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for a midweek meal.
The recipe yields four servings.
Why You'll Love This Chicken
This recipe is a winner because its ingredients are fresh and tasty! It's packed with protein and healthy fats. This One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken dish is perfect for a family dinner or even a fancy brunch.
What makes this recipe special? It's the harmonious blend of flavours and the ease of preparation.
Ready to get cooking? First, let's round up our ingredients! This Mediterranean Chicken Dinner Ideas will become a staple!
Ingredients & Equipment for Your MEDITERRANEAN STYLE CHICKEN PICCATA
Right, let's get down to brass tacks! Honestly, nailing the ingredients is half the battle with this Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata .
This dish is all about fresh, vibrant flavours, so quality really matters.
Main Ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken Breast
You'll need:
- Four boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces/170 grams each). Give 'em a good whack till they're about 1/2 inch thick. Honestly, that pounding makes all the difference!
- 1/2 cup (60g) plain flour, seasoned with salt and pepper. Don't skip the seasoning!
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil.
- 2 tablespoons (30g) proper butter.
For the chicken, look for breasts that are plump and pink, not pale and watery. It's worth paying a bit more for decent quality.
Also you can use Mediterranean Style Chicken to get it better
The Chicken Piccata Recipe Sauce Stars
- 1/4 cup (60ml) dry white wine. Something like a Sauvignon Blanc is beaut.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice. Get those lemons juiced fresh; it's key! That's about 2 big lemons, yeah?
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained.
- 1/2 cup (75g) sun-dried tomatoes. The oil-packed ones, drained and roughly chopped.
- 1/2 cup (75g) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved.
- 2 tablespoons (30g) more butter.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil. Fresh herbs are where it's at. The flavor will be amazing!
- 1 clove garlic, minced.
Lemon Butter Chicken with Olives : Seasoning Notes
This is where you can really make it your own. A good pinch of salt and pepper is essential. The oregano, basil, and parsley are a match made in heaven.
But don't be shy! A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes is great if you fancy a bit of a kick.
You can easily sub dried herbs for fresh, just use about a teaspoon per tablespoon.
Equipment Needed for Your Healthy Chicken Piccata Recipe
You don't need loads of fancy gear for this Chicken Piccata Easy . Just:
- A large frying pan. Stainless steel or cast iron is ideal.
- A meat mallet (or a rolling pin if you're skint!).
- Shallow dishes for dredging the chicken.
- A lemon juicer.
- A small saucepan. Now you have everything to prepare a delicious One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken
Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata : Cooking It Like a Pro
Oh my gosh, are you ready for a flavour explosion? I'm talking about my Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata . It’s a total game changer.
It is easy to make and delivers restaurant quality taste right to your table!
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Boss!
Right then, first things first, let's get organised. We call this mise en place in the cooking world. Sounds fancy, doesn't it? Honestly, it just means having everything chopped, measured, and ready to go before you even turn on the hob.
- Essential bits : Pound your chicken breasts to about 0.5 inch thickness. Mix the flour with salt and pepper in a shallow dish. Chop those sun-dried tomatoes, olives, garlic, and herbs. Juice your lemons too.
- Time saving tip : If you’re short on time, buy pre-pitted olives. Life's too short to pit olives, you know?
- Safety check : Keep your work surfaces clean and wash your hands before you handle the chicken. Nobody wants a dodgy tummy!
step-by-step: From Hob to Heaven
Here's the deal. It might seem complicated, but follow these steps and you'll be golden.
- Dredge the chicken : Coat those chicken breasts in your seasoned flour. Give 'em a good shake to get rid of the excess.
- Sauté time : Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Sauté the chicken for about 4- 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature needs to hit 165° F/ 74° C .
- Garlic goodness : Remove the chicken and add minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds . Make sure it smells amazing.
- Deglaze magic : Pour in the white wine and scrape up those browned bits from the bottom of the pan. It's all flavour, baby!
- Simmer power : Add chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer for 3- 5 minutes , until the sauce reduces slightly.
- Final flourish : Stir in the capers, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and butter. Keep stirring until that butter melts.
- Chicken reunion : Pop the chicken back in the pan, spoon the sauce all over it, and heat through.
- Serve and enjoy : Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Serve this Healthy Chicken Piccata Recipe immediately, with orzo and a side of Greek salad.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Piccata Game
Want to take your Mediterranean Chicken Breast Piccata to the next level? Here are my secrets.
- Pound it : Pounding the chicken evenly means it cooks faster and more consistently.
- Don't overcrowd : Cook the chicken in batches. If you cram too much in, it'll steam instead of brown. And nobody wants soggy chicken.
- Fresh is best : Using fresh herbs makes a HUGE difference. Seriously, don’t skimp on those!
Honestly, this Chicken Piccata Easy recipe is one of my go-to's when I want something impressive but not too fussy.
The bright flavours of the Lemon Butter Chicken with Olives and the simplicity of the cooking method make it a winner every time.
Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Recipe Notes for Your Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata Adventure
Right, so you're thinking of making my ? Ace! Before you get started, let's have a little chinwag about some extra bits and bobs to make sure it’s absolutely tip-top.
This ain't just a meal; it's an experience! Honestly, cooking this dish feels like a mini vacay to the Med. Think of that lemon smell, so lush!.
Serving Suggestions for a Proper Feast
Fancy making your Mediterranean Chicken Dinner Ideas shine? For plating, I reckon piling it high on a warm plate with a generous drizzle of that gorgeous sauce is the way to go.
A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley makes it look proper posh.
As for sides, you know, something simple works best. Orzo pasta with a drizzle of olive oil and some herbs is always a winner.
Roasted asparagus is dead easy too, or even a fresh Greek salad. Don't forget some crusty bread for mopping up that lemony, buttery sauce.
A must!. To drink, I would suggest a crisp white wine or even a jug of refreshing iced tea.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
If you've got leftovers of your Mediterranean Chicken Breast , pop them in an airtight container. It will be safe in the fridge for up to 3 days .
The sauce thickens up a bit, but it's still absolutely banging.
Freezing isn't really recommended, to be honest. The sauce can get a bit funny when defrosted. To reheat it, gently warm it in a pan over a medium heat.
Make sure the chicken's piping hot all the way through. Always use a thermometer!
Variations on a Theme: Adapting Your Chicken Piccata Easy
Want to tweak things a bit? No worries, it's your kitchen! For a Healthy Chicken Piccata Recipe , try using whole wheat flour for dredging the chicken, reducing the amount of butter, and bumping up the veggies on the side.
Swapping chicken for halloumi can make it vegetarian.
Fancy a bit of spice? Chuck in a pinch of red pepper flakes. During summer months, basil is so lus!. This is your chance to experiment!.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Ok, so roughly each serving of this Mediterranean Chicken dish will give you around 450 calories , with a healthy dose of 45g of protein .
You also get 25g of fat and 10g of carbs . This dish is packed with goodness from the fresh herbs, lemon, and olive oil.
Don't underestimate these ingredients!. It is a great option for a balanced, flavourful meal that feels like a treat but is actually pretty good for you!
Honestly, this Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe is a winner. Don't be scared to give it a go! With these tips, you'll have a Lemon Butter Chicken with Olives dish that's better than anything you'd get in a restaurant.
Happy cooking, my friend!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata and how does it differ from the classic?
Think of it as Chicken Piccata going on holiday! While classic Piccata is all about lemon, butter, and capers, this Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata adds sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, and basil.
It's brighter, more flavourful, and brings those lovely Mediterranean vibes right to your dinner table a proper taste of sunshine.
Can I make this Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata ahead of time?
You can definitely prep some components in advance! You could pound and flour the chicken breasts, chop the vegetables and herbs, and even mix the sauce ingredients (except for the butter). Store everything separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply cook the chicken, finish the sauce, and combine.
Avoid making the entire dish ahead of time as the chicken can become a bit rubbery and the sauce may lose some of its zing.
I'm not a fan of olives - can I leave them out of the Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata?
Absolutely, you can tailor the recipe to your liking! If you're not keen on Kalamata olives, simply omit them. You could consider adding a different briny element in their place, like artichoke hearts. It won't be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious!
What's the best way to store leftovers and how long will it last?
Leftover Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It's best consumed within 2-3 days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over medium low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Avoid microwaving if you can, as it can make the chicken tough.
Is this Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
This dish can be a relatively healthy option. Chicken is a lean protein, and the Mediterranean diet is generally considered very good for you! However, it does contain some fat from the olive oil and butter, and the sodium content can be high due to the olives and capers.
To make it healthier, you could reduce the amount of butter, use low-sodium chicken broth, and serve with plenty of vegetables.
Any tips for getting the chicken perfectly cooked without drying it out?
The key is to not overcook it! Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is crucial, as it ensures it cooks evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness - the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Also, don't overcrowd the pan when sautéing; cook in batches to maintain a good sear.
Remove the chicken from the pan as soon as it's cooked through, and let it rest before adding it back to the sauce. All of this prevents the chicken from becoming dry and tasteless.
Mediterranean Sunshine Chicken Piccata
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 0g |
