Chef John'S Quick Chicken Piccata

1. 1

   Place chicken breasts between 2 layers of plastic wrap and pound to about 1/2 inch thick. If you don't have a meat mallet, you can use a small frying pan.

2. 2

   Season both sides of chicken breasts with cayenne, salt and black pepper, to taste; dredge lightly with flour and shake off excess. Alternatively, the flour can be put in a tea strainer and shaken over each side of the chicken.

3. 3

   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken in the pan, reduce heat to medium, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side; remove to a plate.

4. 4

   Add the capers to the remaining oil in the pan, smashing them slightly to release brine, until warmed through, about 30 seconds.

5. 5

   Pour white wine into skillet. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon (or other appropriate tool). Cook until the wine is reduced by half, about 2 minutes.

6. 6

   Stir lemon juice, water (or stock), and butter in to the reduced wine mixture; cook and stir continuously to form a thick sauce, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir parsley though the sauce.

7. 7

   Return chicken breasts to pan, cook until heated through, 1-2 minutes. Serve with sauce spooned over the top.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.