Oven-Baked Chicken Piccata: A Healthier Twist on a Classic

Chicken Piccata, with its bright lemon-caper sauce, is a beloved Italian-American classic. However, the traditional pan-fried method can be a bit heavy on the oil. This recipe offers a delicious and healthier alternative: Oven-Baked Chicken Piccata! By baking the chicken instead of frying it, you significantly reduce the amount of fat without sacrificing flavor or texture. This version is just as tangy, flavorful, and satisfying as the original, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

## Why Bake Chicken Piccata?

There are several reasons why baking chicken piccata is a great option:

* **Healthier:** Baking uses less oil, reducing the overall fat content of the dish.
* **Easier:** Baking is a more hands-off method than pan-frying, freeing you up to prepare other parts of your meal.
* **Less Mess:** No splattering oil all over your stovetop!
* **Even Cooking:** Baking ensures the chicken cooks evenly, preventing some parts from being overcooked while others are undercooked.
* **Still Delicious:** You still achieve a tender, juicy chicken with a flavorful, tangy sauce.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this oven-baked chicken piccata:

* **Chicken Breasts:** About 1.5-2 pounds, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Aim for evenly sized breasts to ensure consistent cooking. You can also use chicken cutlets for faster cooking.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** For dredging the chicken. You can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To season the chicken and the sauce. Freshly ground black pepper is always recommended for the best flavor.
* **Garlic Powder:** Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the chicken coating.
* **Dried Oregano:** Enhances the savory flavor of the chicken.
* **Olive Oil:** For drizzling on the chicken and for the sauce. Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
* **Chicken Broth:** Low-sodium chicken broth is preferred, so you can control the salt level. You can also use homemade chicken broth.
* **Lemon Juice:** Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for the bright, tangy flavor of piccata. Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh is always better.
* **Lemon Zest:** Adds a concentrated lemon flavor to the sauce. Be sure to zest the lemon *before* juicing it.
* **Capers:** These briny little buds are a key ingredient in piccata. Drain them well before adding them to the sauce.
* **Butter:** Adds richness and flavor to the sauce. Use unsalted butter, so you can control the salt level.
* **Fresh Parsley:** For garnish. Adds a fresh, vibrant touch to the finished dish. Flat-leaf parsley (Italian parsley) is preferred.
* **Optional: Dry White Wine:** A splash of dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) can add depth of flavor to the sauce. If you don’t want to use wine, simply substitute with more chicken broth.

## Equipment

* **Baking Sheet:** A large baking sheet is needed to bake the chicken. You can line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
* **Shallow Dishes:** For dredging the chicken in flour.
* **Lemon Zester:** To zest the lemon.
* **Lemon Juicer:** To juice the lemon.
* **Small Saucepan:** To make the piccata sauce.
* **Whisk:** To whisk the sauce ingredients together.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make delicious oven-baked chicken piccata:

**1. Prepare the Chicken:**

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This will help them cook evenly. Place the chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound it.
* In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
* Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. Shake off any excess flour.

**2. Bake the Chicken:**

* Place the dredged chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
* Drizzle the chicken with olive oil.
* Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.

**3. Prepare the Piccata Sauce While the Chicken Bakes:**

* While the chicken is baking, prepare the piccata sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
* Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and capers to the saucepan.
* If using white wine, add it now.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened. Whisk occasionally to prevent sticking.
* Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.

**4. Assemble and Serve:**

* Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven.
* Place the baked chicken breasts on a serving platter.
* Spoon the piccata sauce over the chicken.
* Garnish with fresh parsley.
* Serve immediately.

## Tips for the Perfect Oven-Baked Chicken Piccata

* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
* **Use Fresh Lemon Juice:** Fresh lemon juice is key to the bright, tangy flavor of piccata. Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh is always better.
* **Don’t Skip the Capers:** Capers add a salty, briny flavor that is essential to piccata. Drain them well before adding them to the sauce.
* **Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more lemon juice for extra tang, or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
* **Pound the Chicken Evenly:** Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures that it cooks evenly.
* **Let the Chicken Rest:** Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking before cutting into it. This will help it retain its juices.
* **Deglaze the Baking Sheet (Optional):** After removing the chicken from the baking sheet, you can deglaze the pan with a bit of chicken broth or white wine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and add them to the piccata sauce for extra flavor.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for dredging the chicken.
* **Dairy-Free:** Substitute the butter in the sauce with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
* **Vegetarian:** Substitute the chicken with thick slices of eggplant or cauliflower. Dredge them in the flour mixture and bake as directed.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
* **Add Vegetables:** You can add vegetables to the baking sheet along with the chicken, such as asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper before baking.
* **Use Chicken Cutlets:** Chicken cutlets cook faster than chicken breasts, making them a great option for a quick weeknight meal. Reduce the baking time accordingly.
* **Add Mushrooms:** Sauté sliced mushrooms in the saucepan before adding the chicken broth and other sauce ingredients. This will add a savory, earthy flavor to the sauce.

## Serving Suggestions

Oven-baked chicken piccata is delicious served with a variety of sides, including:

* **Pasta:** Serve over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair. Toss the pasta with some of the piccata sauce for extra flavor.
* **Rice:** Serve with steamed rice, risotto, or rice pilaf.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with chicken piccata.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad is a refreshing accompaniment to chicken piccata.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious piccata sauce.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

* The chicken can be dredged in the flour mixture and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Cover the chicken tightly with plastic wrap.
* The piccata sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce gently before serving.

## Storage Instructions

* Leftover chicken piccata can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* Reheat the chicken gently in the oven or microwave.

## Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

* Calories: 350-400
* Protein: 40-45g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g

*Please note that nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Oven-Baked Chicken Piccata Recipe

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 25 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
* 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
* 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
* 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon lemon zest
* 2 tablespoons capers, drained
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
* Optional: 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. If chicken breasts are thick, pound them to 1/2-inch thickness.
3. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
4. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
5. Place chicken on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. While chicken bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
8. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and capers to the saucepan. If using, add white wine.
9. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, until slightly thickened, whisking occasionally.
10. Taste sauce and adjust seasoning as needed.
11. Remove chicken from oven and place on a serving platter.
12. Spoon piccata sauce over the chicken.
13. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Enjoy your delicious and healthier Oven-Baked Chicken Piccata!