We are all struggling to get used to the new normal as the coronavirus sweeps across the globe. Italy was hit particularly hard, and as of right now (March 16th), the entire country has been shut down after a severe outbreak with massive casualties and deaths. I have several friends in Italy who are in the restaurant or tourist business, and this year will be a tough one for them.

I can only hope and pray that this serious condition resolves itself sooner rather than later and that life in Italy can get back to normal. My concern is that folks will be nervous about traveling to Italy, even after this situation is resolved. I personally am hoping to get back to Italy in the fall. Hopefully, by that time, this difficult time will be behind us.

Since we are all asked to stay home, away from other people as much as possible, it is a great time to experiment in the kitchen trying out new recipes. I love a great piccata dish, whether it is seafood, poultry, or even pork-based. This easy chicken piccata can be thrown together in mounts yetis elegant enough to serve to guests.

The trick to ensuring that the chicken is tender and moist is to cut the breasts crosswise into thin cutlets, and then use a meat mallet to pound the cutlets to an equal thickness. I find it easiest to cut the breasts partially frozen. These cutlets cook up very quickly, and by the time you brown them on both sides, they are basically cooked through.

This dish includes artichokes with the chicken to make it a little more modern, and I prefer fresh or frozen artichokes. I find that canned artichokes have a metallic taste, and marinated jarred artichokes have too many other flavors. Thaw the chokes fully before using, then pat dry with kitchen towels.

This dish is excellent served over buttered noodles, orzo, or with mashed potatoes. You could even add in some chopped spinach at the last few minutes to add even more flavor and nutrients.

Buon Appetito!
Deborah Mele 

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Chicken Piccata With Artichokes

Yield: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes 35 seconds

Total Time: 55 minutes 35 seconds

Tender chicken cutlets are topped with a lemony caper sauce in this traditional Italian dish.

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Ingredients

• 2 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Cut Crosswise In Half
• 1/2 Cup All-Purpose Flour
• Salt & Pepper To Taste
• 1/2 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 3 Tablespoons Butter
• 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
• 2 Cups Frozen Quartered Artichokes, Thawed & Patted Dry
• 1 Cup Dry White Wine
• 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth
• Juice of 1 Large Lemon
• 2 Tablespoons Salted Capers, Rinsed & Dried
• 2 Tablespoons Finely Chopped Parsley

Instructions

1. Pound the chicken cutlets with a meat mallet until equally thin, then cut each cutlet in half lengthwise.
2. Pour the flour onto a large plate and season it well with salt and pepper.
3. Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour.
4. In a large fry pan over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil until very hot.
5. Working in batches, add the chicken and cook, turning once, until golden brown on both sides, about 4 minutes per side.
6. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
7. Return the pan to medium-high heat; do not wipe the pan clean.
8. Melt another tablespoon of the butter and then add the artichoke quarters.
9. Sauté until golden, stirring halfway, about 4 to 5 minutes.
10. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
11. Stir in the wine, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
12. Bring to a low boil and cook until the liquid is reduced by half, about 3 to 4 minutes.
13. Stir in the broth, lemon juice and capers.
14. Reduce the heat to medium, bring to a gentle simmer and whisk in the remaining 1 Tbs. butter.
15. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes more.
16. Stir in the parsley.
17. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then return the chicken to the pan and turn to coat each piece with the sauce.
18. Cook just until the chicken is warmed through, about 2 minutes.
19. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 458Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 444mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 6gSugar: 9gProtein: 24g

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