Healthy Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe

Looking for a guilt-free option on your weight loss plan? You’re in luck! Try this amazing homemade Chicken Piccata recipe that’s as delicious as the classic Italian dish. With fewer calories and no guilt, this hearty dish features breaded chicken on a bed of flavorful pasta.

What is Chicken Picatta?

Dishing up an exciting fusion of zesty freshness and comforting warmth, the Lemon Chicken Piccata recipe is a delicious delight that hails from the heart of Italy. This dish, with its tantalizing blend of tangy lemons, tender chicken and aromatic herbs, navigates between indulgence and health-conscious eating.

The origin of this scrumptious dish can be traced back to the traditional Italian ‘Piccata’, typically made with veal or chicken, served in a sauce that boasts a delightful combination of lemon juice, capers and butter. Over time, this classic dish has been reimagined in countless ways across different cuisines, yet always maintaining its core essence – simple ingredients creating extraordinary flavors.

This Lemon Chicken Piccata recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the magic that can happen when health and taste are given equal importance in the kitchen. The star ingredient, chicken, is a lean source of high-quality protein that aids muscle growth and supports a healthy body weight. Meanwhile, lemons provide a generous dose of vitamin C, strengthening the immune system and enhancing skin health.

The cooking process itself is a symphony of sizzling sounds and mouthwatering aromas, as the chicken is lightly breaded and sautéed to golden perfection, then bathed in a luscious lemon-caper sauce. The result? A dish that’s as nutritious as it is appetizing, offering a refreshing twist on a beloved classic.

So, let’s embark on this culinary journey, exploring the vibrant flavors and wholesome benefits of this Healthy Lemon Chicken Piccata recipe. It’s not just about feeding the body, but also nourishing the soul with every delectably healthy bite.

How to Make Chicken Piccata

Dive into the world of Italian cuisine with a healthy twist – presenting the Healthy Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe. Schedule Italian night for you and the family because this recipe makes three whole servings, each delivering a satisfying 406 calories.

Don’t have anyone to share this Italian-inspired cuisine with? Throw the leftovers in the fridge and pack a serving for lunch the next day! For those on Nutrisystem, this meal counts as one SmartCarb, two PowerFuels and two Extras in the NuMi app.

The ingredients for this flavorful dish include whole wheat flour, black pepper, boneless chicken breast, olive oil, minced garlic, low sodium chicken broth, lemon juice, capers, nonfat plain Greek yogurt, cooked whole wheat pasta, and optional garnishes of chopped parsley and lemon slices.

Begin the cooking process by mixing together the flour and black pepper in a bowl. Next, roll the thinly sliced chicken in this flour mixture. Heat up some olive oil in a cast-iron skillet and brown the chicken on both sides over medium heat. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Add minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until it turns brown. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Stir in the lemon juice and capers next. The chicken is then added back into the skillet with these ingredients. Adjust the heat to medium, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for about 10 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.

Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt. The dish can now be served with pasta. For an additional touch of flavor and visual appeal, garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices.

What to Serve with Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata, with its savory lemon-caper sauce and tender chicken, is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides to complete the meal. Here are a few suggestions:

• Whole Wheat Pasta: This recipe already includes whole wheat pasta, which is a healthy and hearty option. The pasta helps soak up the delicious sauce and adds a satisfying texture to the meal.
• Spiralized Veggies: For a nutritious meal, try serving your chicken on a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles. Another flavorful option is spaghetti squash. You could use this in addition to or instead of regular pasta.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus or zucchini complement the tangy chicken piccata perfectly. They add color, texture and additional nutritional value to the plate.
• Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken piccata recipe. Consider adding some cherry tomatoes, cucumber and olives to bring in more Mediterranean flavors.
• Roasted Potatoes: For a heartier side, consider serving roasted baby potatoes. Their earthy flavor and crispy exterior balance the tanginess of the chicken piccata.
• Garlic Bread: A slice of warm garlic bread can be a comforting addition to the meal. It’s perfect for mopping up any leftover lemon-caper sauce!

If Italian food is your guilty pleasure, be sure to add this Slow Cooker Turkey Bolognese with Spaghetti Squash Pasta to your Flex meal menu.