Crispy Chicken Breasts with Lemon & Capers

Serves 4

To learn more, read:
A New Take on Crispy Coated Chicken
by Tony Rosenfeld
from Fine Cooking
Issue 84
Last Edit Date: 3/6/2013 4:29:00 PM

You’ll need to make a double batch of breadcrumbs for this recipe. You might want to use two pans so you can make the two batches at the same time.

more about:

4 small boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (6 to 7 oz. each), trimmed of excess fat
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
5 Tbs. capers (preferably nonpareils), rinsed, patted dry, and chopped
2 Tbs. chopped fresh thyme
3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
2 Tbs. Dijon mustard
1 lemon, zest finely grated, cut into wedges
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
3-1/2 cups Toasted Breadcrumbs

Heat the oven to 450°F. Put a flat rack on a large rimmed baking sheet lined with foil.

With a meat pounder or a heavy skillet, lightly pound the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap to even out the thickness of the breasts.

In a large bowl, mix 1/4 cup of the Parmigiano, 2-1/2 Tbs. of the capers, 1 Tbs. of the thyme, and the oil, mustard, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Squeeze one or two of the lemon wedges to get 1 Tbs. juice and add to the mixture, along with 2 Tbs. water. Add the chicken and toss to coat well. You can proceed directly to coating the chicken breasts with crumbs, or let them marinate in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Put the breadcrumbs in a large shallow dish and toss with the remaining 1/2 cup Parmigiano, 2-1/2 Tbs. capers, and 1 Tbs. thyme. Working with one piece at a time, transfer the chicken to the dish of crumbs, scoop some crumbs on top, and press well a couple of times so the crumbs adhere to both sides. Transfer to the rack on the baking sheet.

These crumbs are coarser than your average breadcrumbs, so it takes a little extra force to get them to adhere. My method is to pat a healthy amount of breadcrumbs on top of the chicken and then use the heel of my hand and a firm rotating motion to press the crumbs onto the chicken. Don't shake off the excess when transferring the breasts to the baking sheet; you want to keep as many crumbs on the chicken as possible.

Bake the chicken until it’s firm to the touch and registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 20 minutes. Serve immediately with the remaining lemon wedges for squeezing over the chicken.

Make Ahead Tips

Make the crumbs ahead. They'll keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature. Or if you want to whip up a few batches of crumbs, you can store them in a zip-top bag in your freezer for a couple of months.

Marinate ahead. You can pound the chicken and immerse it in the sticky flavor bath the day before you plan to cook it. The results will be excellent because the flavors will really sink into the meat.

nutrition information (per serving):
Size : based on four servings; Calories (kcal): 290; Fat (g): 11; Fat Calories (kcal): 100; Saturated Fat (g): 2.5; Protein (g): 37; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 5; Carbohydrates (g): 9; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 1.5; Sodium (mg): 540; Cholesterol (mg): 95; Fiber (g): 1;

Photo: Scott Phillips

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by highheat, 10/9/2009Very tasty. A "no need to fry" breaded chicken and an interesting variation on chicken melanese (breadcrumb and cheese). I agree with other comments, careful on capers - wash well and use less for less salty taste. What is neat that prep can be done the day before, assembled before guests arrive and baked while we are eating our salad.

by organplayr, 8/27/2009This has become my favorite way to do chicken breasts. I'm doing them today,about the 10th time, for relatives we are visiting in Idaho. In the RV, I mixed up the crumbs, marinated the chicken and am taking it to their house to cook tonight. I do suggest taking it easy on the capers and definitely rinse them well. Also, chop the capers very fine as their flavor can (did last time) overwhelm the rest of the flavors. Also, I've used several kinds of bread, including crusts, for the crumbs and think they add another dimension of flavor.

by thebusychef, 2/21/2009So good, will make again.

by cdlane25, 8/25/2008Absolutely loved this recipe! Tender chicken with an impecable crust. We are having again tonight.

by JoanT, 3/6/2008THIS WAS A HUGE HIT AT OUR HOME. IT'A ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!

by luvmy2, 2/27/2008Yumm!!! Great flavor. Very family friendly. Even my picky 6 yr old ate it!!

by TexasCPA, 12/28/2007The toasted bread crumbs are a wonderful change to my usual breaded chicken breasts. I accidentally missed the notation to rinse and chop the capers, resulting in a salty taste. It would have been better had I rinsed those capers. However, my family still liked the recipe very much.