Foodie Files

This is a recipe that we got from the food network and have made our own. It is delightful. Here is the exact recipe from the food network site, but we have also added some things here and there that are really good. Early on we realized that putting all of this over pasta makes a complete meal. I think we would really recommend wheat pasta for any dish. It seems to stand up to sauce really well. We also added sliced button mushrooms tonight since we didn't have that much pasta, which turned out well. Warning: gratuitous butter.

Chicken Piccata
2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts, butterflied and cut in half
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
All-purpose flour, for dredging
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup chicken stock
1/4 cup brined capers, rinsed
1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dedge chicken in flour and shake off excess.

In a large skillet over medium high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 3 tablespoons olive oil. When butter and oil start to sizzle, add 2 pieces of chicken and cook for 3 minutes. Remove and transfer to plate. Melt 2 more tablespoons butter and add another 2 tablespoons olive oil. When butter and oil start to sizzle, add the other 2 pieces of chicken and brown both sides in same manner. Remove pan from heat and add chicken to the plate.

Into the pan add the lemon juice, stock and capers. Return to stove and bring to boil, scraping up brown bits from the pan for extra flavor. Check for seasoning. Return all the chicken to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove chicken to platter. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to sauce and whisk vigorously. Pour sauce over chicken and garnish with parsley.

If you are making pasta to go with it you will want to put it in the water about the time you take the chicken out of the sauce the first time.