Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that perfectly marries the zesty brightness of lemon with the rich crunch of walnuts! This Walnut Crusted Lemon Chicken Piccata is not just a meal; it's an experience that will transport your dinner table straight to the heart of Italy. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 35 minutes, you’ll have a gourmet dinner ready to impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners and discover the secret to a restaurant-quality dish at home? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup capers
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by placing each breast between plastic wrap and gently pounding to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Create a breading station: In one shallow dish, place the flour; in a second dish, beat the eggs; in a third dish, spread the finely chopped walnuts.
- Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with chopped walnuts, pressing gently to ensure nuts adhere.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil, ensuring enough to lightly coat the pan's bottom.
- Cook the walnut-crusted chicken for approximately 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, being careful not to burn the walnut coating.
- Remove chicken and set aside on a warm plate. In the same skillet, add lemon juice and capers, scraping up any browned bits.
- Create a quick pan sauce by simmering the lemon and caper mixture for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately, accompanied by your choice of side dishes like roasted vegetables or pasta.
Tips
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: Ensure your chicken breasts are of even thickness to promote uniform cooking. This will help achieve that perfect golden crust while keeping the meat juicy.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! Seasoning the chicken before breading enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Create a Breading Assembly Line: Organizing your breading station with flour, eggs, and walnuts will make the process smoother and more efficient.
- Watch the Heat: When cooking the chicken, maintain a medium-high heat. Too hot, and the walnuts may burn; too low, and the chicken won't cook through.
- Make the Sauce with Care: After cooking the chicken, deglaze the pan with lemon juice and capers to capture all the delicious browned bits. This will add depth to your sauce.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best served fresh. Pair it with roasted vegetables or pasta for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 180mg
