Chicken Piccata in a Pressure Cooker
Italian chicken with full lemon flavor. It is important to use fresh lemons. Serve with sauteed green beans topped with toasted slivered almonds.
Italian chicken with full lemon flavor. It is important to use fresh lemons. Serve with sauteed green beans topped with toasted slivered almonds.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves crushed
- 6 chicken breast halves
- 4 shallots
- 1 tablespoon sherry wine
- 1 cup pimento stuffed olive minced
- 1 tablespoon potato starch or 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/4 cup fresh parmesan cheese (1 ounce) or 1/4 cup fontin grated
- 1 lemon thinly sliced, to garnish
- Carbohydrate 15.7163351512347 g
- Cholesterol 186.24312500237 mg
- Fat 27.8584619481692 g
- Fiber 1.31640969310045 g
- Protein 57.9251670849231 g
- Saturated Fat 7.87480486198129 g
- Serving Size 1 1 chicken breast halves, 6 serving(s) (351g)
- Sodium 322.80315294915 mg
- Sugar 14.3999254581343 g
- Trans Fat 2.52945286126878 g
- Calories 552 calories
Step-by-step
- Lightly dust chicken pieces with flour (easily done by putting flour in a bag, then chicken and shaking; excess flour can be shaken off).
- In pressure cooker, heat oil.
- Add chicken breasts, two at a time, and saute in hot oil until brown on all sides, using long-handled tongs to turn.
- Set aside.
- Add shallots and garlic and saute in oil, scraping bottom of pan to loosen browned particles remaining from chicken.
- Stir in broth, lemon juice, sherry, salt, pepper, basil, and olives.
- Mix well.
- Add chicken pieces skin side down.
- Secure lid.
- Over medium-high heat, develop steam to high pressure.
- Reduce heat to maintain pressure and cook 10 minutes.
- Release pressure according to manufacturer's directions.
- Remove lid.
- Stir chicken mixture, then transfer chicken to serving platter, and cover to retain heat.
- Whisk sour cream and starch together.
- Stir into cooking liquid and cook over medium heat 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Spoon sauce over chicken.
- Sprinkle with cheese and garnish with lemon slices.
A Busy Woman's Guide to Delicious and Easy Weeknight Dinners: Chicken Piccata in a Pressure Cooker
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between early mornings, demanding jobs, school runs, and extracurricular activities, finding time for a wholesome, delicious dinner often feels like a Herculean task. But what if I told you there's a way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen? The secret? My trusty pressure cooker and this amazing Chicken Piccata recipe.
I've always loved Chicken Piccata. That bright, zesty lemon flavor, the tender chicken, the creamy sauce – it's pure comfort food. But the traditional method, with its careful browning and simmering, often felt too time-consuming on a busy weeknight. That's where my pressure cooker came to the rescue. This incredible kitchen gadget has revolutionized my weeknight dinners, and this recipe is a perfect example of its versatility and efficiency.
This Chicken Piccata recipe is not just fast; it's incredibly flavorful. The pressure cooking method locks in the juices of the chicken, resulting in incredibly tender and moist breasts. The sauce, a vibrant blend of lemon juice, chicken broth, and a touch of sherry, is bright, tangy, and utterly addictive. And the best part? The entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, from prep to plate!
Beyond the Recipe: A Weeknight Dinner Strategy
This recipe isn’t just about the Chicken Piccata; it's about reclaiming your evenings. Here are some tips that have helped me manage weeknight dinners more effectively:
- Meal Prep on the Weekend: Chopping vegetables, marinating meats, and even partially prepping the sauce on the weekend frees up precious time during the week.
- Embrace the Freezer: Double the recipe and freeze half for another night. Having a ready-made meal in the freezer is a lifesaver on those extra busy evenings.
- Simple Side Dishes: Pair your Chicken Piccata with simple sides like steamed green beans (as suggested in the recipe), a quick salad, or roasted potatoes. Avoid anything that requires extensive preparation.
- Get the Family Involved: Enlist the help of older children with age-appropriate tasks like setting the table or washing vegetables. It's a great way to bond and share the responsibility.
- Embrace Imperfection: Don't strive for perfection. Dinner doesn't have to be a gourmet masterpiece every night. Focus on creating a delicious, healthy, and enjoyable meal for your family, even if it means skipping a garnish or two.
The Magic of the Pressure Cooker
My pressure cooker isn't just a gadget; it's a lifesaver. It's helped me regain control over my time, allowing me to spend less time cooking and more time with my family. Beyond this Chicken Piccata, I use it for everything from stews and soups to rice and beans. It's incredibly versatile, energy-efficient, and makes even the most complex recipes surprisingly easy.
So, the next time you're staring at the clock, feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of dinner, remember this Chicken Piccata recipe. It's a testament to the fact that healthy, delicious, and restaurant-quality meals are entirely achievable, even on the busiest of weeknights. It's about making smart choices, utilizing tools like the pressure cooker, and embracing a little bit of kitchen efficiency. And most importantly, it's about savoring the moment and sharing a wonderful meal with the people you love.
Beyond the Chicken Piccata: Expanding Your Pressure Cooking Repertoire
Once you’ve mastered this recipe, the possibilities are endless! Explore different pressure cooker recipes for a diverse range of flavors and cuisines. Experiment with different herbs and spices, or try substituting different proteins like pork tenderloin or shrimp. You can also adapt this sauce to create other delicious dishes. The key is to have fun, experiment, and discover the magic that the pressure cooker can bring to your kitchen!
This Chicken Piccata recipe isn't just a meal; it's a symbol of reclaiming your time and enjoying a delicious, stress-free dinner. So, embrace the simplicity, savor the flavors, and enjoy the extra time you'll have in your evening. Happy cooking!
