Recipe: Buca di Beppo Chicken with Lemon

BUCA DI BEPPO CHICKEN WITH LEMON
Chef: Vittorio Renda, Buca di Beppo, 10/6/2001
Source: KARE11, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Minnesota

4 large lemons, divided use
1/4 cup of olive oil
2 (6 ounce each) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt
1 cup of flour
1/4 cup of white wine
1/2 stick of unsalted butter, softened
Small handful of drained capers

Cut three lemons in half and use for fresh lemon juice. Pour the juice through a fine strainer. Cut the last lemon into wedges for garnish.

Begin to heat the olive oil in a 12 inch saute pan on medium-high.

While oil is getting hot, lightly season both sides of the chicken breast with salt. Lightly dust the chicken breast in the flour. Shake off excess flour. Place chicken in the saute pan skin side down.

When the chicken is golden brown, turn over and brown the other side as well. It is important to brown both sides to insure the chicken is completely cooked through.

When both sides are nice and brown, add white wine and lemon juice. Continue to cook for approximately two to three minutes. The liquid should reduce approximately half.

Once the liquid is reduced, remove the chicken breasts from the pan and turn off heat. Check to make sure the chicken breasts are cooked by turning each piece of chicken over and cutting it halfway through with a knife. There should be no visible pink. If the chicken is not completely cooked through, place in a 400 degree oven for five minutes to complete cooking.

Finish the sauce by placing the softened butter in the pan. Using rubber spatula, work the butter into the sauce as it melts.

TO SERVE:
Pour sauce directly on top of chicken breasts. Garnish with capers and lemon wedges.