When I first tried this Chicken Piccata Recipe, I couldn’t believe how such a simple recipe could pack so much flavor. The bright tanginess of lemon juice, the briny capers, and the delicate, velvety sauce took the tender, golden-browned chicken to the next level.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why this classic Italian dish feels like a little luxury, yet it’s so easy to prepare. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you’re hosting friends and want something elegant.
I felt like a chef in my own kitchen, plating this up alongside some pasta and fresh parsley. And guess what? It only took me about 30 minutes. Whether you’re already a fan or trying piccata for the first time, this recipe will leave you smitten. Let’s jump in and get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Chicken piccata isn’t just any chicken dish; it’s something you’ll find yourself wanting to revisit time and time again. Here’s why:
Simple and Quick to Make
You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to get this dish ready. With very few steps, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in under 30 minutes. The prep is straightforward too, which makes it ideal for busy nights when you don’t want to compromise on flavor.
Bursting with Tangy, Fresh Flavors
The real magic of chicken piccata comes from its signature sauce. The combination of fresh lemon juice, chicken broth, and capers creates a flavor profile that’s refreshing, tangy, and slightly briny. It’s a perfect balance that complements the chicken beautifully.
Versatile Dish
Chicken piccata isn’t limited by side dishes. It pairs wonderfully with almost anything! Think creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even your favorite pasta. Plus, it’s adaptable for a variety of tastes, whether you love extra lemony sauce or prefer milder flavors.
Customizable for All Diets
Whether you’re looking to make it dairy-free, gluten-free, or low-carb, chicken piccata can easily be adapted. Swap out butter and flour for alternatives, and you’re good to go while still keeping the integrity of this delicious dish.
Perfect for Impressing Guests
Serving chicken piccata screams sophistication without requiring you to be a master chef. It’s flavorful, well-balanced, and looks stunning when plated with its garnish of fresh parsley and lemon slices. Guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen!
Cooking Time
You’ll find this recipe to be a quick and efficient one. Here’s the breakdown of the time you’ll need:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to make chicken piccata:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound total)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Variations
Chicken piccata is a versatile dish, and you can easily adjust the recipe to suit dietary needs or add flair with creative options.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour for dredging the chicken.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter for plant-based alternatives like margarine or olive oil.
- Add an Extra Layer of Flavor: Try adding minced garlic to the sauce for a garlicky zest.
- For a Creamy Twist: Stir in some heavy cream or coconut cream alongside the sauce for a richer taste.
- Zesty Additions: Lemon zest can give the sauce an extra burst of freshness.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Meat Mallet: For pounding the chicken to an even thickness.
- Large Skillet: To pan-fry the chicken and cook the sauce.
- Tongs: Essential for flipping the chicken.
- Small Bowl: To mix the flour for dredging the chicken.
How to Make Chicken Piccata? 🍋🍗
Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to create a delicious chicken piccata:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, lightly pound the chicken until it’s about ½ inch thick. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly. Once done, season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 2: Dredge the Chicken
Place your all-purpose flour in a shallow dish. Coat each chicken breast by dredging it in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess. This will give the chicken a light crust when cooked.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken 🍳
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt, creating a rich base for frying. Place the chicken in the skillet, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should read 165°F. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Using the same skillet, add lemon juice, chicken broth, and drained capers. Scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan 💡 (these are flavor gold!). Simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the sauce reduce slightly.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Combine
Stir the remaining butter and some freshly chopped parsley into the simmering sauce. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, reduce heat, and spoon the sauce over the chicken. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy! 🍽️
Serve your chicken piccata hot, garnished with lemon slices and more parsley if preferred. Pair with pasta, steamed veggies, or anything your heart desires!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Pound the chicken evenly so it cooks at the same rate.
- Don’t skip scraping the browned bits from the pan; this adds depth to your sauce.
- Adjust the tanginess of the sauce with lemon juice; start small, and add more to suit your taste.
- If your sauce becomes too thick, thinning it out with an extra splash of chicken broth works wonders.
How to Serve Chicken Piccata?
Chicken piccata is best served hot and fresh. Plate it with a generous drizzle of sauce over the chicken for presentation. Garnish it with fresh parsley and lemon slices to elevate its appearance. Pair it with pasta, fluffy rice, or even roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A slice of crusty bread is also a great addition to mop up the delicious sauce!
Nutritional Information
This dish is nutritious and satisfying! Per serving, you’ll get:
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 22g
Make Ahead and Storage
Chicken piccata can be made ahead for convenient meals during the week. It also stores beautifully!
Storage Guidelines
- Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Store cooled chicken piccata in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- To Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the sauce from drying out.
With this recipe in your arsenal, you’ve got all the tools to whip up a flavorful, satisfying dish anytime. Chicken piccata is an elegant, timeless meal that always delivers!
Watch this video to learn how to make it:
Chicken Piccata Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound total)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice from about 2 lemons
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons capers drained
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Start by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, lightly pound the chicken until it’s about ½ inch thick. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly. Once done, season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Place your all-purpose flour in a shallow dish. Coat each chicken breast by dredging it in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess. This will give the chicken a light crust when cooked.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt, creating a rich base for frying. Place the chicken in the skillet, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should read 165°F. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Using the same skillet, add lemon juice, chicken broth, and drained capers. Scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan 💡 (these are flavor gold!). Simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the sauce reduce slightly.
- Stir the remaining butter and some freshly chopped parsley into the simmering sauce. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, reduce heat, and spoon the sauce over the chicken. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve your chicken piccata hot, garnished with lemon slices and more parsley if preferred. Pair with pasta, steamed veggies, or anything your heart desires!
Notes
- Pound the chicken evenly so it cooks at the same rate.
- Don’t skip scraping the browned bits from the pan; this adds depth to your sauce.
- Adjust the tanginess of the sauce with lemon juice; start small, and add more to suit your taste.
- If your sauce becomes too thick, thinning it out with an extra splash of chicken broth works wonders.
