Piccata à la Catalina

Piccata à la Catalina: A Chicken Delicacy with Intense Flavor

Chicken Piccata is a recipe that combines simplicity with exceptional taste and is perfect for a quick yet refined dinner. This recipe, which I named "Piccata à la Catalina," brings together accessible ingredients and a cooking technique that transforms a simple chicken breast into a dish worthy of savoring on special occasions.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary Ingredients:
- 1 large chicken breast (approximately 400-500 g)
- 50 g butter
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 20 g flour
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs de Provence
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by slicing the chicken breast into thin pieces, about 1 cm thick. This technique will not only help cook the meat evenly but will also make the chicken more tender and easier to chew.

2. Flour Mixture:
In a bowl, mix the flour with salt and dried herbs de Provence. This mixture will add a subtle flavor and help create a delicious crust on the chicken. You can also add a bit of freshly ground black pepper for an extra flavor boost.

3. Melting the Butter:
In a large skillet, add the butter and let it melt over low heat. The butter adds a rich flavor to the dish, and its aroma will entice you to continue cooking.

4. Cooking the Chicken:
Dredge the chicken slices in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well coated, then shake off the excess. Add them to the skillet with melted butter over low heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden. Remove the chicken slices to a plate and set aside.

5. Preparing the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and paprika. Sauté over low heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning the paprika, which can impart a bitter taste to the sauce. Add the chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

6. Finishing the Dish:
Return the chicken slices to the skillet, pouring the lemon juice over them. Let it simmer on low heat for another 5-6 minutes so that the chicken absorbs the delicious flavors of the sauce. Once the dish is ready, turn off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.

7. Serving:
Serve the chicken on plates, drizzling it with the sauce from the skillet and sprinkling fresh parsley on top. You can pair it with a side of mashed potatoes or a crunchy green salad for a complete lunch or dinner.

Tips and Practical Advice:
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add a few capers to the sauce, which pair perfectly with the lemon and chicken.
- If you don't have herbs de Provence, you can use a combination of oregano, basil, and rosemary.
- Make sure the skillet is well heated before adding the chicken to achieve a golden and crispy crust.

Nutritional Information:
This recipe provides approximately 350 calories per serving, with a high protein content due to the chicken, as well as a considerable amount of healthy fats from the butter. Garlic and parsley add not only flavor but also nutritional benefits, being known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen chicken? It is recommended to use fresh chicken for better texture, but you can thaw the chicken beforehand and use it.
- What drinks pair well with this dish? A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling, will pair excellently with the flavors of this dish.
- How can I vary the recipe? Instead of chicken, you can use turkey or even fish, such as salmon, for a healthier option.

Piccata à la Catalina is a simple yet flavorful recipe that can quickly become your family’s favorite. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!