Foolproof Chicken Piccata Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Piccata is a bright and tangy Italian classic that’s surprisingly easy to make. With a simple lemon, butter, and caper sauce, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavors to your dinner table in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch.
2. Step 2: Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess.
3. Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Step 6: Add the capers to the sauce and continue simmering for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
7. Step 7: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cook for another 2 minutes to reheat the chicken and let it soak up the sauce.
8. Step 8: Transfer the chicken piccata to a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter option, substitute olive oil for half the butter or omit butter altogether.
• Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
• Try using turkey cutlets as an alternative to chicken breasts for a twist on this classic.
• Serve over cooked pasta or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken piccata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep the sauce moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for even cooking and quick preparation. Bone-in pieces take longer to cook and are less ideal for this recipe.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a small amount of flour or cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.

Foolproof Chicken Piccata Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 91 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

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Description

A classic Italian-American dish featuring tender, pan-seared chicken breasts in a tangy lemon-butter-caper sauce. This foolproof Chicken Piccata recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for an elegant yet quick dinner that impresses every time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)

Cooking fat and sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Pound Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch, ensuring even cooking.
2. Season and Coat: Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess to create a light coating.
3. Sear Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
4. Prepare Sauce Base: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping up browned bits from the skillet for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Add Capers and Meld Flavors: Stir in the rinsed capers and continue simmering for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors well.
7. Reheat Chicken in Sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to reheat and allow the chicken to absorb the tangy sauce.
8. Serve: Transfer the chicken piccata to a serving platter, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately with your favorite sides like pasta or vegetables.

Notes

• Using a meat mallet to pound the chicken ensures even cooking and tender texture.
• Rinsing capers removes excess salt for a balanced sauce flavor.
• Feel free to substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for dietary needs.
• Serve with a side of angel hair pasta or steamed vegetables to complement the bright lemon sauce.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Chicken Piccata, Easy Chicken Dinner, Lemon Chicken, Capers, Quick Dinner, Italian-American Recipe