Can you bake chicken piccata? discover the surprising trick that will change your life
What To Know
- Baking chicken piccata is a great way to get all the flavor of the traditional dish without all the fuss.
- Baking chicken piccata is simply a matter of tossing the chicken breasts with the sauce ingredients and popping them in the oven.
- Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, chicken piccata is sure to please everyone at the table.
Chicken piccata is a classic Italian dish that is typically made by sautéing chicken breasts in a lemon-butter sauce. But what if you don’t have time to stand over the stove? Can you bake chicken piccata instead?
The answer is yes! Baking chicken piccata is a great way to get all the flavor of the traditional dish without all the fuss. And it’s just as delicious!
Benefits of Baking Chicken Piccata
There are several benefits to baking chicken piccata instead of sautéing it:
- It’s easier. Baking chicken piccata is simply a matter of tossing the chicken breasts with the sauce ingredients and popping them in the oven. There’s no need to stand over the stove and constantly stir the sauce.
- It’s healthier. Baking chicken piccata is a healthier way to cook it because it doesn’t require any added fat. The chicken is cooked in its own juices, which means that it is lower in calories and fat than sautéed chicken piccata.
- It’s more flavorful. Baking chicken piccata allows the flavors of the sauce to develop more fully. The chicken has time to absorb all the flavors of the lemon, butter, and capers, resulting in a more delicious dish.
How to Bake Chicken Piccata
Baking chicken piccata is easy! Here are the steps:
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, capers, garlic, and oregano.
3. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
4. Spread the chicken breasts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve the chicken piccata over pasta or rice.
Tips for Baking Chicken Piccata
Here are a few tips for baking chicken piccata:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for best results.
- If you don’t have capers, you can substitute green olives or chopped pickles.
- You can add other ingredients to your chicken piccata, such as artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms.
- Be sure to cook the chicken until it is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Serve the chicken piccata immediately with your favorite sides.
Variations on Chicken Piccata
There are many different ways to make chicken piccata. Here are a few variations:
- Chicken piccata with artichoke hearts. Add a can of artichoke hearts, drained and quartered, to the sauce.
- Chicken piccata with sun-dried tomatoes. Add a handful of sun-dried tomatoes, chopped, to the sauce.
- Chicken piccata with mushrooms. Add a cup of sliced mushrooms to the sauce.
- Chicken piccata with white wine. Add a cup of white wine to the sauce.
- Chicken piccata with cream. Add a cup of heavy cream to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken piccata is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:
- Pasta
- Rice
- Potatoes
- Vegetables
- Salad
Chicken Piccata: A Versatile Dish
Chicken piccata is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s easy to make, healthy, and flavorful. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, chicken piccata is sure to please everyone at the table.
Final Thoughts
So, can you bake chicken piccata? Yes, you can! And it’s just as delicious as the traditional sautéed version. So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, give baked chicken piccata a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. However, the cooking time may need to be adjusted.
Q: Can I make chicken piccata ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make chicken piccata ahead of time. Simply cook the chicken and sauce according to the recipe. Then, let the chicken cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze chicken piccata?
A: Yes, you can freeze chicken piccata. Simply cook the chicken and sauce according to the recipe. Then, let the chicken cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.