Description
Lemon caper chicken cutlets deliver a zesty Mediterranean-inspired dream on your plate. Delicate chicken breasts dance with tangy capers and bright citrus, creating a perfect balance of flavors that will transport you to coastal Italian kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 large or 2 small butterflied chicken breasts or chicken cutlets (about 0.75 pound / 340 grams)
Flours and Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons rice flour
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Cooking Fats and Aromatics:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons avocado or grapeseed oil
- 1 large shallot, finely minced (about 3 tablespoons)
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon drained capers
- ½ of a small-medium preserved lemon, finely chopped
- Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Transform whole chicken breasts into uniform cutlets by slicing large pieces in half and gently pounding between plastic wrap to create an even 1/2-inch thickness.
- Create a delicate flour coating by blending all-purpose and rice flours in a shallow container.
- Prepare a skillet over medium-high heat, introducing oil and butter until the butter develops a soft, foamy texture.
- Season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, then delicately coat each piece in the flour mixture, carefully removing excess powder.
- Carefully place floured chicken into the heated skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust for approximately 3 minutes, ensuring complete cooking.
- Transfer perfectly cooked chicken to a serving plate, maintaining its warmth.
- In the same skillet, sauté finely chopped shallots and red pepper flakes until aromatic and slightly softened.
- Deglaze the pan by adding fresh lemon juice, briny capers, and zesty preserved lemon, allowing the ingredients to meld and simmer briefly.
- Finish the sauce by whisking in remaining butter to create a silky, luxurious coating.
- Plate the golden chicken cutlets, generously drizzle with the vibrant sauce, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Quick Chicken Prep: Slice large chicken breasts into even pieces and pound to uniform thickness for consistent cooking and tender results.
- Flour Coating Trick: Create a light, crispy exterior by mixing all-purpose and rice flours, which helps achieve a delicate golden-brown crust.
- Perfect Searing Technique: Use medium-high heat with oil and butter to develop a beautiful golden color and lock in juicy chicken flavors.
- Flavor-Building Sauce: Develop a bright, tangy sauce directly in the same skillet using shallots, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and capers for maximum taste.
- Butter Finish: Whisk in remaining butter at the end to create a silky, rich sauce that clings beautifully to the crispy chicken cutlets.
- Elegant Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and fresh herbal note that elevates the entire presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg