Best 7 Chicken Tonnato Lightened Brightened Recipes

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Indulge in the delectable symphony of flavors that is Chicken Tonnato, a classic Italian dish that has captured hearts worldwide. This dish features tender chicken, enveloped in a creamy and tangy tuna-based sauce, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds. Our lightened and brightened version of Chicken Tonnato elevates the dish to new heights, while maintaining its authentic essence. Discover a symphony of flavors in this culinary masterpiece, where the delicate sweetness of the chicken mingles with the piquant tang of capers and the subtle nuttiness of pine nuts. This article presents a collection of recipes that showcase the versatility of Chicken Tonnato, from the classic preparation to innovative variations that add a modern twist to this timeless dish. Embark on a culinary journey as we explore the diverse flavors and textures that make Chicken Tonnato a beloved dish across cultures.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CHICKEN TONNATO (LIGHTENED & BRIGHTENED)



Chicken Tonnato (Lightened & Brightened) image

From the *Best Ever Chicken* cookbook edited by Linda Fraser & the intro says "This low-fat version of the Italian dish *Vitello Tonnato* is garnished w/fine strips of red pepper instead of the traditional anchovy fillets." The pic of the finished product was stunning & IMO this recipe works equally well as a luncheon entree for 4, starter course for 8 or dinner main-course if served w/bread &/or a veggie side dish of choice. (Time does not include cooling or chilling time). *Enjoy* !

Provided by twissis

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 27m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

16 ounces chicken breasts (4 oz each, skinned & boneless)
1 small onion (sliced)
1 bay leaf
4 black peppercorns
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
1 (7 ounce) can tuna (packed in brine, drained well)
3 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 red bell pepper (cut in thin Julienne strips)
48 small capers (well-drained)

Steps:

  • Put chicken breasts in a lrg saucepan in a single layer. Add onion, bay leaf, stock & peppercorns. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, cover & simmer for about 12 min, or till tender.
  • Turn off heat, allow chicken to cool in the stock & then remove w/a slotted spoon. Slice ea chicken breast in medallions, but keep ea intact to be plated individually when served. Set aside.
  • Boil stock till reduced to approx 5 tablespoons Strain thru a fine sieve & allow to cool.
  • Put tuna, mayonnaise, lemon juice + 3 tbsp of the reduced stock into a blender or food proc & puree till smooth. (I will use my immersion blender for this step).
  • Stir in enough of the remaining stock to reduce the sauce to the thickness of double cream & spoon equally over ea chicken breast.
  • Arrange strips of red bell pepper in a lattice pattern over ea breast. Put a caper in the center of ea square. Chill in fridge for at least 1 hr & serve cold w/a mixed green salad that includes cherry tomatoes for color.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 316.9, Fat 14.1, SaturatedFat 4, Cholesterol 94.1, Sodium 220.7, Carbohydrate 7.7, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 3.7, Protein 38

LIGHTENED-UP CHICKEN PICCATA



Lightened-Up Chicken Piccata image

Piccata is a classic preparation for chicken, but can be heavy on your diet as it's a butter and wine-based sauce. This lighter version saves you calories by adding the zip of white wine with a tiny bit of vinegar to finish (as opposed to a cup or more simmered down), and getting the most of 1 tablespoon of butter by swirling it into the sauce at the end.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 37m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 pound chicken scaloppini (about 4 ounces each)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour, divided
3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon, zest reserved for optional garnish, about 2 tablespoons juice
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
1 tablespoon capers, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Baby arugula for garnish
Whole-wheat angel hair pasta or roasted potatoes, for serving

Steps:

  • Season the chicken with salt and pepper and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon flour.
  • Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until very hot; cook the cutlets until opaque throughout, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer the cutlets to a plate. (Reserve the skillet.) Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium.
  • Add the remaining teaspoon oil and garlic to the same skillet; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk together the broth, lemon juice and 1 teaspoon flour, and add to the pan. Simmer sauce until reduced and thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the vinegar, parsley and capers. Swirl in the butter until sauce is shiny and slightly thickened.
  • Serve chicken with the sauce. Toss the arugula and freshly grated lemon zest with a light drizzle of olive oil; season to taste with salt and pepper, scatter over chicken. Serve with pasta or potatoes as desired.

Nutrition Facts : Sugar 0 grams, Protein 25 grams, Carbohydrate 4 grams, Sodium 326 milligrams, Cholesterol 80 milligrams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Fat 9.5 grams, Calories 207

VITELLO TONNATO



Vitello Tonnato image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 9h45m

Yield 4 to 6 appetizer servings

Number Of Ingredients 25

1/2 cup Mayonnaise, recipe follows
Kosher or other coarse-grain salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
Chopped parsley leaves, for garnish
Lemon slices, for garnish
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup dry white wine
1 (2 to 2 1/2-pound) veal roast from the leg or loin, boned and tied
1 cup chopped yellow onions
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 large sprig fresh rosemary
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
2 (6-ounce) cans oil-packed solid white tuna, drained
8 anchovy fillets, drained and chopped
2 teaspoons capers, rinsed, plus extra for garnish
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 large egg, at room temperature*
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large Dutch oven or casserole, combine the veal, chicken stock, wine, onions, carrots, celery, rosemary, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Add water as needed to cover the meat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover tightly. Simmer, turning once, until the meat is tender and an instant-read thermometer registers 145 to 150 degrees F, about 50 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Transfer the veal to a platter and let cool. Strain and reserve the cooking broth. Wrap the veal tightly and refrigerate until well chilled (up to 24 hours).
  • To make the sauce, combine the tuna, anchovies, capers, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a blender or food processor and blend to a very smooth texture, about 2 minutes. Add the mayonnaise and process to blend thoroughly. Add 1 tablespoon of the reserved cooking broth. Add more, if desired, to taste or for a thinner consistency. Refrigerate in a tightly sealed container for at least 2 and up to 24 hours. (The sauce tastes best if made 1 day in advance and allowed to rest overnight).
  • To serve, thinly slice the meat and arrange on a platter. Drizzle the sauce over each slice, season generously with the kosher salt and black pepper. Garnish by sprinkling with additional capers and chopped parsley. Arrange the lemon slices around the platter and serve.
  • In a blender or food processor, combine the egg and lemon juice and process for 10 seconds. With the machine running, slowly pour in the oil through the feed tube and process until emulsified. Add the salt and black pepper and pulse to blend. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using. (The mayonnaise can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up 24 hours).

CHICKEN WITH TONNATO SAUCE



Chicken With Tonnato Sauce image

A variation on the classic Italian Vitello Tonnato, which is thin slices of veal with a sauce made from tuna, lemon juice, mayonnaise, capers, and anchovy. The sauce is very easy to make in your food processor.

Provided by threeovens

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3 garlic cloves, minced and divided
24 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt & freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons capers
1 anchovy fillet
1 (5 ounce) can tuna in water, drained
4 cups arugula

Steps:

  • In a large, plastic storage bag, combine 1 tablespoon lemon juice, oregano, and 2 minced garlic cloves; add chicken and marinate at least 10 minutes.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat; season chicken with salt and pepper.
  • Cook chicken until cooked through, about 5 minutes per side; let stand 5 minutes, then cut into 1/4 inch slices and set aside.
  • In a food processor, combine mayonnaise, capers, anchovy, and tuna; process until smooth.
  • Arrange arugula on each of 4 serving plates.
  • Top with chicken slices and either spoon some tonnato sauce on top or serve on the side.

MCCALL'S COOKING SCHOOL CHICKEN BREASTS TONNATO



Mccall's Cooking School Chicken Breasts Tonnato image

Here is another recipe from McCall's Cooking School; this one for chilled chicken breasts covered in a delicious tuna (tonnato) sauce. This makes a very pleasant make-ahead hot weather meal. It is a take-off of the more familiar vitello (veal) tonnato. Indeed, the delicious sauce, which could be described as a tuna mayonnaise, can also be used over poached veal, over turkey cutlets, even over cold hard-cooked eggs or as a dip for crudites. You'll probably think of other uses, as well. I used to poach the chicken as detailed in the recipe, but nowadays, I bake them in the style of Ina Garten (Recipe#234465). The meat is juicy and tender, perfect for this presentation. Tuna packed in olive oil will give the best flavor to the tonnato. Any leftover sauce will keep, refrigerated, for up to 5 days.

Provided by Lorraine of AZ

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 1h40m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 head iceberg lettuce
4 whole chicken breasts (1 lb. each)
1 large onion, sliced
1 stalk celery, sliced
1 carrot, pared and sliced
2 parsley sprigs
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 small bay leaf
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can condensed chicken broth, undiluted
1 cup water
1 (2 ounce) can anchovy fillets
1 (7 ounce) can tuna
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 dash black pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tomatoes, cut into 8 wedges
watercress leaf
kalamata olives (optional) or nicoise olive (optional)

Steps:

  • Cut out core of iceberg lettuce with pointed knife; discard core. Hold cut part of lettuce under cold running water to separate leaves. Drain well on paper towels, in colander or salad spinner. Refrigerate, stored in plastic bag in crisper or plastic container with tight fitting lid.
  • Wipe chicken breasts with damp paper towel. With sharp knife, split in half. In large 10-inch skillet, combine onion, celery stalk, carrot, parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, the thyme, bay leaf, undiluted chicken broth, and water. Over medium heat bring to boiling; add the chicken.
  • Bring to boiling; reduce heat; simmer, covered, 30 minutes, or until chicken is fork-tender. Remove skillet from heat; cool chicken breasts in broth 1 hour. Meanwhile make Tonnato Sauce: Drain anchovy fillets; with sharp kinfe, chop 2 fillets; reserve the rest for garnish.
  • Drain tuna; discard liquid. In blender or food processor, combine chopped anchovies with tuna, mayonnaise, chopped celery, salt, pepper and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. Turn into 2-cup container with tight-fitting lid; refrigerate, covered. Makes about 2 cups.
  • Remove cooled chicken breasts from broth; strain broth, and refrigerate, covered, to use another time. Remove and discard skin and bone from chicken breasts. With sharp knife, shred lettuce.
  • To serve: Cover a large round serving platter with shredded lettuce. Place one whole tomato, cut into 8ths and reassembled, in the very center of the plate. Arrange the 8 breast halves on lettuce in a circle around this tomato. Spoon tonnato over each breast, covering it completely. Garnish each breast with a whole reserved anchovy fillet. Place tomato wedges between breasts Garnish with watercress.

CHICKEN TONNATO



Chicken Tonnato image

"Tonno" is Italian for tuna, and the name of this dish refers to the primary ingredient in the sauce. The sauce can also be served chilled over room-temperature chicken.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Chicken     Chicken Breast Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 tablespoon olive oil
Two 12-ounce chicken breasts, boned and halved
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
4 cups arugula leaves (1 large bunch)
1 small carrot, peeled and finely chopped
1 rib celery, strings removed and finely chopped
1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped
1 medium clove garlic, finely chopped
1 cup dry white wine
3 fresh sage leaves
1 sprig rosemary
1/2 tablespoon capers, drained
One 6-ounce can light tuna, drained of oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 425 degrees. Heat oil in ovenproof skillet over high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook in skillet, skin-side down, until brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip; cook 1 minute. Remove chicken; add vegetables. Reduce heat to medium low; cook 5 to 6 minutes.
  • Add wine, and bring to boil. Stir in the herbs, capers, and tuna; add the chicken. Transfer skillet to oven, and roast until chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes. Remove chicken; transfer to cutting board.
  • Discard herbs. Let tuna cool; puree until smooth. Add mayonnaise and juice. Slice chicken; arrange over arugula. Top with chilled sauce

CHICKEN TONNATO WITH CHICKEN BROTH



Chicken Tonnato With Chicken Broth image

Jacques Pépin: Fast Food My Way, 2004. This was on the TV on the hospital, when I saw it, and I couldn't wait to get back home to try it. It was simply wonderful!

Provided by Manami

Categories     Tuna

Time 45m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 23

1/2 cup sliced onion
1/2 cup sliced leek, washed well
1 cup sliced white button mushrooms
1/2 cup diced carrot
1/2 cup diced celery
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
5 cups water
4 (6 ounce) boneless skinless chicken breast halves (each about 6 ounces)
8 ounces cooked angel hair pasta or 8 ounces cooked orzo pasta
2 ounces anchovies packed in oil
3 ounces tuna (preferably in oil)
1 large egg yolk
1 tablespoon dijon-style mustard
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (not the bottled junk)
1 tablespoon water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon drained capers
4 cups arugula leaves, washed and dried (loosley packed)
1 tablespoon drained capers
1 tablespoon minced fresh chives

Steps:

  • PREPARATION FOR THE CHICKEN:.
  • Combine the onion, leek, mushrooms, carrot, celery, salt, pepper, and water in a large saucepan (preferably stainless steel).
  • Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, and boil gently for 5 minutes.
  • Add the chicken breasts, and cook them just until the broth returns to a boil, about 4 minutes.
  • Boil for about 15 seconds, then remove the pan from the heat, cover, and let the breasts stand in the broth for 12 to 15 minutes.
  • THE SAUCE:.
  • Set aside 4 of the anchovies for the garnish.
  • Put the tuna and the remaining anchovies in a food processor, along with the oil from both of the cans.
  • Add the egg yolk, mustard, lemon juice, water, salt, and Tabasco and process for a few seconds.
  • With the processor running, add the olive oil in a slow stream and process for a few seconds, or until it is well incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
  • At serving time, divide the arugula among four plates.
  • Remove the chicken breasts from the broth with a slotted spoon.
  • Cut each breast into 4 crosswise slices, and arrange the slices on top of the arugula.
  • Generously coat the breasts with the tuna sauce and top each serving with 1 of the reserved anchovy fillets.
  • Sprinkle on some capers and chives and serve at room temperature.
  • Reheat the broth and add angel-hair pasta or orzo, divide among four bowls, and serve with the chicken.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 617.2, Fat 33.2, SaturatedFat 5.4, Cholesterol 168.7, Sodium 1425.5, Carbohydrate 24.9, Fiber 2.8, Sugar 3.3, Protein 53.2

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Using fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the final dish.
  • Don't overcook the chicken. The chicken should be cooked through but still tender and juicy. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough.
  • Chill the chicken and tuna mixture before serving. This will help the flavors to meld and the dish to set up properly.
  • Serve the chicken tonnato with your favorite sides. Some popular options include roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad.
  • Garnish the chicken tonnato with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color and flavor.

Conclusion:

Chicken tonnato is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own personal taste. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, main course, or salad, chicken tonnato is sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a delicious and healthy meal, give this recipe a try!

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