How to Make Perfect Chicken Piccata at Home

Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian dish that showcases tender chicken breasts in a luscious lemon, caper, and butter sauce. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with vibrant flavors that make it a perfect choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Serve it over pasta or alongside a fresh salad for a delightful meal that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Piccata

• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy evenings.
• Bright and Flavorful: The combination of lemon juice and capers creates a deliciously tangy sauce that elevates the chicken.
• Elegant Presentation: Chicken Piccata looks impressive, making it great for entertaining.
• Versatile: Pair it with your favorite sides, from pasta to vegetables, for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Chicken Piccata

• Use fresh lemons: Fresh lemon juice will give you the best flavor compared to bottled juice.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
• Adjust the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and let it simmer for an additional minute or two.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Piccata can be enjoyed with various sides:

• Pasta: Toss cooked pasta in the lemon caper sauce for a delicious accompaniment.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve over rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the dish beautifully.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover Chicken Piccata can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian-American dish featuring lightly breaded, pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a tangy lemon-butter and caper sauce. Perfect for a quick, elegant meal that feels both light and comforting.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Tongs
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 2 Tbsp capers, drained
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Pound the chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
• Heat olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 3-4 mins per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add white wine (or broth) and cook for 1-2 mins, scraping up browned bits. Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Let simmer for 3-4 mins.
• Add remaining butter, stirring until melted. Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over to coat.
• Garnish with parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour.
• Serve with pasta, rice, or a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keyword Chicken Piccata, Easy Chicken Dinner, Italian Chicken Recipe, Lemon Chicken