Chicken Piccata

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A classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken cutlets dredged in flour, pan-seared to golden perfection, and smothered in a tangy lemon-caper butter sauce. It’s a quick, flavorful, and elegant dish perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

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Yields4 Servings
Prep Time15 minsCook Time15 minsTotal Time30 mins
For the Chicken
 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 large breasts, halved horizontally)
 ½ cup all-purpose flour
 ½ tsp salt
 ¼ tsp black pepper
 ¼ tsp paprika
 2 tbsp olive oil
 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Lemon Caper Sauce
 ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine)
 ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
 ¼ cup capers, drained and rinsed
 2 tbsp unsalted butter
 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
 Lemon slices, for garnish
Prepare the Chicken
1
  1. Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets.

  2. Place each cutlet between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound to 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.

  3. In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.

  4. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

Sear the Chicken
2
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter.

  2. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.

  3. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

  4. Repeat with remaining olive oil and butter, searing the second batch of chicken.

Make the Sauce
3
  1. Reduce the heat to medium and add chicken broth (or wine) to the skillet.

  2. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for added flavor.

  3. Stir in lemon juice and capers, allowing the sauce to simmer and reduce by half, about 5-7 minutes.

  4. Whisk in 2 tbsp butter until the sauce is smooth and glossy.

  5. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.

  6. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through.

Serve and Garnish
4
  1. Transfer the chicken to a serving plate.

  2. Spoon the lemon-caper sauce over the chicken.

  3. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

  4. Serve immediately with a side of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Tips and Variations
5
  • For a Creamy Version: Add 1/4 cup heavy cream to the sauce along with the butter.

  • Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or almond flour for dredging.

  • Wine Option: Dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc adds depth to the sauce.

  • For Extra Zing: Add a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce for subtle heat.

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Ingredients

For the Chicken
 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 large breasts, halved horizontally)
 ½ cup all-purpose flour
 ½ tsp salt
 ¼ tsp black pepper
 ¼ tsp paprika
 2 tbsp olive oil
 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Lemon Caper Sauce
 ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine)
 ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
 ¼ cup capers, drained and rinsed
 2 tbsp unsalted butter
 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
 Lemon slices, for garnish

Directions

Prepare the Chicken
1
  1. Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets.

  2. Place each cutlet between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound to 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.

  3. In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.

  4. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

Sear the Chicken
2
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter.

  2. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.

  3. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

  4. Repeat with remaining olive oil and butter, searing the second batch of chicken.

Make the Sauce
3
  1. Reduce the heat to medium and add chicken broth (or wine) to the skillet.

  2. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for added flavor.

  3. Stir in lemon juice and capers, allowing the sauce to simmer and reduce by half, about 5-7 minutes.

  4. Whisk in 2 tbsp butter until the sauce is smooth and glossy.

  5. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.

  6. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through.

Serve and Garnish
4
  1. Transfer the chicken to a serving plate.

  2. Spoon the lemon-caper sauce over the chicken.

  3. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

  4. Serve immediately with a side of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Tips and Variations
5
  • For a Creamy Version: Add 1/4 cup heavy cream to the sauce along with the butter.

  • Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or almond flour for dredging.

  • Wine Option: Dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc adds depth to the sauce.

  • For Extra Zing: Add a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce for subtle heat.

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Notes

Chicken Piccata
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