Chicken Piccata from Maggiano's Little Italy features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts bathed in a zesty lemon butter sauce with capers and fresh parsley, served over a bed of al dente linguine, offering a harmonious blend of tangy, savory, and vibrant flavors.
Equipments
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Plastic wrap or parchment paper
- Shallow dish or plate
- Tongs
- Large skillet
- Saucepan
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Citrus juicer (optional)
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons capers, drained
- 12 oz (340g) linguine
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
When preparing Chicken Piccata, choose fresh chicken breasts that are evenly sized to ensure uniform cooking. Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness in the lemon butter sauce, highlighting the bright flavors of fresh lemon juice and capers. All-purpose flour is essential for dredging the chicken, creating a delicate crust that helps thicken the sauce. Fresh parsley added at the end contributes both color and a mild herbaceous aroma to the dish. Your effort to balance these ingredients will bring you closer to mastering the authentic taste of Chicken Piccata from Maggiano's Little Italy copycat menu.
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness between plastic wrap or parchment paper using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally for thinner cutlets.
- Season flour with kosher salt and black pepper in a shallow dish.
- Dredge chicken cutlets in seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken cutlets in skillet until golden and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and keep warm.
- Deglaze skillet with dry white wine, scraping browned bits from pan.
- Add chicken broth and bring mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in lemon juice and capers.
- Reduce sauce by simmering for 3-4 minutes.
- Swirl in remaining 2 tablespoons butter to emulsify the sauce.
- Boil linguine in a large pot of salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Toss cooked linguine lightly with a ladle of sauce.
- Arrange linguine on serving platter.
- Place chicken cutlets atop the pasta.
- Spoon the piccata sauce over chicken and pasta.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
- Garnish with lemon slices.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Chicken Piccata from Maggiano's Little Italy copycat menu features a tender, pan-seared chicken breast layered with a tangy lemon butter sauce enhanced by capers and fresh parsley. If dry white wine is unavailable, you can substitute with chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice to maintain the bright acidity of the sauce. For a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or cornstarch when dredging the chicken. When cooking linguine, salt your boiling water generously to enhance the pasta's flavor, and reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed. You can easily adapt the recipe by using skinless turkey cutlets in place of chicken breasts for a similar texture and flavor profile.
Tips
Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook uniformly and remain tender, preventing dryness. When dredging the chicken in the seasoned flour, shake off any excess to avoid a gummy texture during searing. Use medium-high heat in the skillet to achieve a golden crust without overcooking the chicken inside. Tossing linguine with a ladle of the piccata sauce before plating helps your pasta absorb the flavors, enhancing the overall dish.
Nutritions
Chicken Piccata from Maggiano's Little Italy provides a balanced source of protein from tender, skinless chicken breasts, contributing to muscle maintenance and repair. The dish includes heart-healthy fats from olive oil and unsalted butter, enhancing the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Low-sodium chicken broth and fresh lemon juice add flavor without excessive sodium, while linguine supplies complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. Your meal contains antioxidants from fresh parsley and capers, which support immune health and digestion.
Storage
Store leftover Chicken Piccata in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. Keep the chicken and linguine separate if possible to preserve texture, reheating gently in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out. Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for best taste and safety.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute chicken breasts with thinly sliced turkey cutlets for a leaner variant that still soaks up the lemon butter sauce beautifully. Swap dry white wine with a splash of chicken broth mixed with a teaspoon of white wine vinegar to accommodate those avoiding alcohol. For a richer, creamier sauce, add a tablespoon of heavy cream during the sauce reduction step. To enhance texture, try finishing the chicken under a broiler for 1-2 minutes after searing to achieve a slightly crispier crust.
Allergies
Chicken Piccata from Maggiano's Little Italy contains common allergens such as gluten from the all-purpose flour used to dredge the chicken, and dairy from the unsalted butter in the lemon butter sauce. The dish also includes wine and chicken broth, which may affect individuals with alcohol intolerance or specific dietary restrictions. You should inform the restaurant staff of any food allergies to ensure a safe dining experience.
Why this recipe?
Chicken Piccata from Maggiano's Little Italy is favored for its tender, perfectly sauteed chicken breast served in a tangy lemon-caper sauce that balances rich butter and fresh herbs. The dish's vibrant flavors and authentic Italian preparation make it a standout choice on the menu. You'll appreciate the opportunity to recreate this classic at home, capturing the restaurant's signature taste while customizing seasoning to your preference. Copying this recipe allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with fresh ingredients and control over every detail.