Grab For Eats The CPK Chicken Piccata Recipe is a flavor-packed favorite that brings the taste of California straight to your kitchen. Known for its bright lemony sauce, briny capers, and tender chicken breasts, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor in every bite. It’s a comforting yet elegant meal that’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. If you’re missing a trip to California Pizza Kitchen, this homemade version of their beloved Chicken Piccata will surely satisfy your cravings.
The History Behind California Pizza Kitchen (CPK)
California Pizza Kitchen, or CPK, began in Beverly Hills in 1985 and quickly gained a reputation for its creative, California-style pizzas. Founded by two former federal prosecutors, Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax, CPK aimed to shake up the pizza scene with non-traditional toppings and fresh ingredients. But it didn’t stop at just pizza — their menu expanded to include unique pastas, salads, and entrées like the Chicken Piccata. Today, CPK is a household name with locations across the U.S. and in several other countries, known for putting a gourmet twist on casual dining favorites.
What Does Chicken Piccata Mean?
The word “piccata” comes from Italian cuisine and traditionally refers to a method of preparing meat — usually veal or chicken — by slicing, sautéing, and serving it in a sauce made of lemon juice, butter, and capers. “Piccata” literally means “larded” or “pounded flat,” which is exactly what happens to the chicken in this dish. The CPK Chicken Piccata Recipe adds its own California-inspired flair to this classic Italian favorite, blending richness with zesty freshness.
CPK Chicken Piccata Recipe Ingredients & Their Benefits
Let’s dive into the essential ingredients for this flavorful dish and explore what makes each of them not only delicious but also nutritious.
- Chicken Breasts (2 pcs): Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and high in protein, making them a heart-healthy choice.
- Fun fact: Chicken breast is one of the most popular cuts of poultry in the U.S. thanks to its versatility and low-fat content.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Used to coat the chicken, flour helps form a light crust when sautéed. Flour also thickens the sauce just a bit, creating that classic silky piccata texture.
- Fun fact: One cup of flour contains around 12 grams of protein!
- Olive Oil (½ cup): Olive oil adds richness and helps the chicken brown beautifully. It’s packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Interesting tidbit: Extra virgin olive oil is a staple in the Mediterranean diet, which is linked to longevity.
- White Wine (⅓ cup): Wine deepens the flavor of the sauce and adds complexity. If cooking for kids or avoiding alcohol, a splash of chicken broth and lemon juice works great too.
- Fun fact: Most of the alcohol burns off during cooking, leaving only the flavor behind.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Butter lends a luxurious finish to the sauce and balances the acidity of the lemon juice.
- Fun fact: A little butter can help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E from your meal.
- Garlic (2 cloves, chopped): Garlic infuses the dish with a savory aroma and flavor. It’s also known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
- Fun fact: Garlic has been used as a natural remedy for centuries!
- Capers (2 tbsp): These tiny green buds pack a tangy punch and are rich in antioxidants.
- Fun fact: Capers are actually flower buds picked before they bloom — a delicacy since ancient times!
- Lemon Juice (3 tbsp): Lemon brightens the entire dish and complements the richness of the sauce. It’s also high in Vitamin C.
- Fun fact: Lemons were once so valuable they were given as gifts to royalty.
- Chicken Stock (1½ cups): Stock adds depth and enhances the savory notes of the sauce. It’s also full of collagen and minerals.
- Fun fact: Homemade chicken stock can actually help support joint health.
- Heavy Cream (⅓ cup): Cream adds body and silkiness to the sauce. It also helps tame the tangy capers and lemon.
- Fun fact: Though indulgent, a small amount of cream can go a long way in elevating a dish.
- Chopped Parsley (½ cup): Parsley brings freshness and color to the final dish. It’s a good source of Vitamin K and antioxidants.
- Fun fact: In ancient Rome, parsley was considered a symbol of celebration and rebirth!
Utensils Needed for the CPK Chicken Piccata Recipe
Make sure you have these tools on hand before you begin:
- Meat mallet (for flattening chicken)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
How to Make the CPK Chicken Piccata Recipe at Home
Ready to whip up your own version of the CPK Chicken Piccata Recipe? Here’s a simple, step-by-step breakdown to guide you through it.
Step 1 – Prepare the Chicken: Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half horizontally and gently pounding them to an even thickness. Season each piece with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Step 2 – Dredge the Chicken: Coat the seasoned chicken in all-purpose flour, shaking off the excess. This will give the chicken a light, crispy crust when cooked.
Step 3 – Sauté to Perfection: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 4 – Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the white wine and let it reduce slightly. Add the butter and stir until melted. Then, stir in the garlic, capers, lemon juice, chicken stock, and cream. Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes.
Step 5 – Combine & Finish: Return the chicken to the skillet and let it cook in the sauce for another 5–7 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly and coat the chicken beautifully. Garnish with chopped parsley just before serving.
Perfect Pairings: Drinks That Complement the CPK Chicken Piccata Recipe
Looking for the perfect drink to enjoy with your CPK Chicken Piccata Recipe? Here are some refreshing pairings:
- Chardonnay – A lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the buttery lemon sauce with its subtle creaminess and citrus notes.
- Sparkling Water with Lemon – For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a splash of lemon adds effervescence and enhances the dish’s zesty flavors.
- Iced Green Tea – Mild and refreshing, green tea balances the richness of the sauce while offering antioxidants.
- Limoncello Spritz – This citrusy cocktail echoes the bright lemon notes in the dish while offering a touch of sweetness.
Special Occasions to Serve the CPK Chicken Piccata Recipe
This flavorful dish is perfect for:
- Date Nights – Elegant and satisfying, ideal for two.
- Dinner Parties – A crowd-pleaser with upscale vibes.
- Mother’s Day or Father’s Day – Treat your loved ones to something special.
- Holiday Gatherings – Adds variety to traditional menus.
- Birthday Dinners – A gourmet touch to the celebration.
How to Store the CPK Chicken Piccata Recipe
If you have leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat to preserve the sauce’s texture. Add a splash of broth or cream if needed.
How to Make Deliciously Irresistible CPK Chicken Piccata Recipe – So Good!
Equipment
- Meat mallet for flattening chicken
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 2 pcs chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup white wine
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp capers
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 ½ cup chicken stock
- ⅓ cup cream
- ½ cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half horizontally and gently pounding them to an even thickness. Season each piece with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Dredge the Chicken: Coat the seasoned chicken in all-purpose flour, shaking off the excess. This will give the chicken a light, crispy crust when cooked.
- Sauté to Perfection: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the white wine and let it reduce slightly. Add the butter and stir until melted. Then, stir in the garlic, capers, lemon juice, chicken stock, and cream. Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Combine & Finish: Return the chicken to the skillet and let it cook in the sauce for another 5–7 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly and coat the chicken beautifully. Garnish with chopped parsley just before serving.
Tips
- Pound chicken evenly for quicker, even cooking.
- If serving to kids, replace wine with broth and lemon juice.
- Want it spicier? Add crushed red pepper or chopped jalapeños.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Let the sauce simmer slowly to develop depth.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing the chicken — this keeps it crispy.
Nutrition
Conclusion
Making the homemade CPK chicken piccata recipe can be the best starter for weekend dinner. It’s a healthy dish that can be ready within only 30 minutes. So, this dish is the perfect dish for when you’re on a tight schedule.
What’s more, having the chicken piccata will meet your daily Vitamin C and protein value. This one dish perfectly matches your kids’ as well as adults’ demands. So, don’t miss making this delicious recipe at home.
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