Chicken Piccata Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender, pan-seared chicken breasts in a vibrant lemon-butter sauce with capers. It’s bright, savory, and surprisingly easy to make in under 30 minutes. Perfect for date night, dinner parties, or a quick weeknight meal, this dish delivers elegance and comfort in every bite.

this Recipe

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken breastsflour (for dredging)salt and pepperolive oilunsalted buttergarlic (minced)chicken brothfresh lemon juicecapersfresh parsley (chopped)lemon slices (optional, for garnish)

directions

Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create cutlets. Pound lightly to even thickness if needed.

Season chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off excess.

Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.

Stir in lemon juice and capers. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Whisk in remaining butter to finish the sauce.

Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.

Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15–20 minutesTotal time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

Add white wine with the broth for a richer sauce.

Include artichoke hearts or spinach for extra flavor and color.

Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful twist.

Top with grated parmesan cheese before serving.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.Not recommended for freezing, as the sauce texture may change.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep the chicken and sauce ingredients in advance.

What can I serve with Chicken Piccata?

Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Do I need to use capers?

They’re traditional, but you can skip or substitute with green olives for a similar briny flavor.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging.

What type of lemon juice is best?

Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor—avoid bottled.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger skillet or work in batches.

What if the sauce is too sour?

Add a pinch of sugar or extra butter to mellow the tartness.

Can I use pre-cut chicken cutlets?

Absolutely—they save time and work well.

Why dredge the chicken in flour?

It helps create a golden crust and slightly thickens the sauce.

Can I add cream to the sauce?

Yes, for a creamy variation, stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.

Conclusion

Chicken Piccata is a simple yet elegant dish that’s full of bold, fresh flavors. With its zesty lemon sauce, tender chicken, and caper-studded finish, it’s the kind of recipe that feels special but is easy enough for any night of the week. Serve it once, and it just might become a staple in your kitchen.

Print