Introduction
This delightful chicken dish combines tender, pan-seared chicken with a creamy, lemony sauce enriched with capers and garlic. Complemented by angel hair pasta, it’s a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Simple yet flavorful, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
– 4 tablespoons olive oil
– ⅓ cup dry white wine
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, chopped
– 2 tablespoons capers
– 3 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1½ cups chicken stock
– ⅓ cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
– 8 oz angel hair pasta, cooked (for serving)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Enjoy preparing and indulging in this delicious chicken dish served over a bed of angel hair pasta, perfect for any night of the week!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thin pieces. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Dredge the Chicken
Dredge the chicken pieces in flour, shaking off any excess.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chicken and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Add White Wine
Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
Step 6: Incorporate Chicken Stock and Capers
Add the chicken stock, lemon juice, and capers. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
Step 7: Add Cream and Butter
Stir in the heavy cream and butter, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 8: Reheat Chicken in Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the pieces. Let them simmer in the sauce for about 2 minutes to reheat.
Step 9: Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve over cooked angel hair pasta.
Notes
Note 1: Chicken Thickness
Cutting the chicken thinly ensures it cooks evenly and quickly.
Note 2: Flour Preparation
Make sure to shake off excess flour to prevent a gummy texture.
Note 3: Wine Option
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute additional chicken stock.
Note 4: Cooking Time
Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Note 5: Pasta Cooking
Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions for best results.
Cook techniques
Butterflying Chicken Breasts
Butterflying chicken involves slicing each breast in half horizontally to create thinner pieces. This technique allows for quicker cooking and ensures even doneness throughout.
Seasoning
Always season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking. This enhances the flavor and helps to create a delicious crust when searing.
Dredging
Coat the chicken pieces in all-purpose flour after seasoning. Dredging helps to create a crispy exterior when cooked, adding texture to the dish.
Searing
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken pieces for about 3-4 minutes per side. This technique results in a golden-brown crust while keeping the meat juicy inside.
Deglazing
After cooking the chicken, add white wine to the skillet to deglaze. Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom for added flavor in the sauce.
Simmering
Allow the sauce to simmer with chicken stock, lemon juice, and capers to develop the flavors. Simmering also helps to reduce the sauce slightly.
Incorporating Cream
Stir in heavy cream and butter after simmering to enrich the sauce and create a creamy texture.
Reheating Chicken in Sauce
Return the chicken to the skillet to reheat in the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together before serving.
Plating
Serve the chicken and sauce over cooked angel hair pasta for a complete meal, garnishing with fresh parsley for color and freshness.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for breasts. They are more flavorful and will cook in a similar manner.
What if I don’t have white wine?
If you don’t have white wine, you can use chicken broth or a mixture of vinegar and water as an alternative.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just reheat gently before serving.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that any sauces or broth used are gluten-free.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you need a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative, but the sauce may be less rich.
Conclusion
This chicken dish combines tender, sautéed chicken breasts with a flavorful creamy lemon-caper sauce, making for a delightful meal. Served over angel hair pasta, it creates a well-rounded dish that is both elegant and easy to prepare. The combination of white wine, garlic, and fresh parsley enhances the flavors, resulting in a satisfying and delicious dinner option.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Piccata
Swap the heavy cream for more chicken stock and preserve the brightness by using capers and lemon for a classic piccata flavor.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Replace chicken with shrimp and follow the same cooking method, adding lemon zest for extra flavor.
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken
Incorporate sautéed mushrooms into the sauce, replacing the capers for a rich and savory twist.
Herbed Chicken with Spinach
Add fresh spinach to the skillet after the chicken is cooked, allowing it to wilt before mixing in the cream for a nutritious addition.
Lemon Basil Chicken
Replace parsley with fresh basil and add lemon zest for a refreshing alternative that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
