Chicken Piccata

2 boneless chicken breasts, cut in half

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Flour for dredging plus 1 teaspoon

2 tablespoons canola oil

3 tablespoons butter

½ yellow onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

6 scallions, chopped

1/3 to ½ cup sweet vermouth, sherry or white wine

Juice of 1 large lemon

1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and lightly crushed

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

1 lemon, sliced thinly

Place the chicken breasts, one at a time, on a sheet of plastic wrap; fold the wrap over to cover. Using the mallet, pound each breast to uniform thickness of ¼-inch.

Season the chicken liberally with the salt and pepper, dredge in the flour, shaking off any excess. In a heavy skillet just big enough to hold all the chicken, heat the oil and 2 tablespoons of butter.

When the oil and butter stop sizzling, add the chicken and cook, turning once, until just brown on both sides. Remove the chicken to a plate. Pour off any grease from the pan and add the remaining tablespoon of butter.

Add the onion to the skillet and saute until translucent. Add the garlic and the scallions and saute 1 more minute. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the flour over the vegetables and toss to combine.

Deglaze the pan with the vermouth and lemon juice. Add the capers and toss to combine. Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and reduce heat to low, simmering until chicken is cooked through, about 4 minutes.

Correct the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary, and serve on warm platter garnished with the parsley and lemon slices.

Yield: 2 servings