Name: Chicken Piccata
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional); 3/4 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 1/4 cup capers, drained; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Piccata is packed with vibrant flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes using just a handful of ingredients. The lemony, buttery sauce is perfectly balanced by the capers’ salty punch, and the lightly crisp chicken adds satisfying texture. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that feels restaurant-worthy yet is easy enough for a beginner cook. Plus, it pairs well with a variety of sides like pasta, rice, or vegetables.

Ingredients

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

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt
Black pepper
All-purpose flour (for dredging)
Olive oil
Butter
Garlic cloves, minced (optional)
Chicken broth
Fresh lemon juice
Capers
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thin cutlets. Pound to even thickness if needed.
Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Lightly dredge each piece in flour, shaking off the excess.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic (if using), and sauté for 30 seconds.
Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly.
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add white wine along with the broth for extra depth.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
Stir in a splash of cream for a richer sauce.
Add sliced mushrooms or artichoke hearts for extra flavor and texture.
Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a skillet over medium-low heat and warm until heated through, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Microwaving is also an option—use short intervals and cover to retain moisture.
Not ideal for freezing, as the sauce may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

What does “piccata” mean?

“Piccata” refers to a dish where meat is lightly floured, sautéed, and served in a lemon-butter-caper sauce.

Can I make Chicken Piccata without capers?

Yes, though capers are traditional. Try chopped green olives or leave them out for a simpler lemon butter sauce.

What’s the best side dish for Chicken Piccata?

It pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best texture, reheat gently and spoon fresh sauce over just before serving.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer slightly longer, or add a touch of flour or cornstarch slurry to thicken.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is preferred for best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

Is this recipe low-carb?

Yes, it’s relatively low in carbs. To make it even lower, skip the flour or use a low-carb flour alternative.

What kind of broth should I use?

Low-sodium chicken broth works best to control the saltiness of the dish.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Substitute the butter with plant-based butter or olive oil, though the flavor will differ slightly.

Can I use fish or pork instead of chicken?

Yes, the piccata method works well with thin-cut pork chops or white fish like tilapia.

Conclusion

Chicken Piccata is a quick and elegant dish that brings bright, tangy flavor to the dinner table with minimal effort. The lemon-butter sauce with capers is both refreshing and rich, making it the perfect complement to tender, golden chicken cutlets. Whether you’re cooking for guests or making a simple family meal, this classic recipe delivers every time.

Chicken Piccata

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Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender, pan-seared chicken cutlets simmered in a bright lemon butter sauce with briny capers. Elegant yet easy, it’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Low Calorie

Instructions

Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thin cutlets and pound to even thickness if needed.
Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Lightly dredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off excess.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium and add butter and garlic (if using). Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor.
Use low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness.
Substitute gluten-free flour if needed.
Add a splash of white wine for extra depth.
Serve with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet with sauce
Calories: 360
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 115mg