The Perfect Chicken Piccata Recipe: Tangy, Bright & Homemade

Succulent chicken piccata dances with bright, zesty flavors that promise a memorable meal.

Lemon and capers create a vibrant sauce that elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Tender cutlets quickly absorb the tangy marinade, promising a delightful culinary experience.

Mediterranean influences shine through in this straightforward yet elegant dish.

Italian kitchens have perfected this technique, balancing delicate proteins with punchy accompaniments.

Crisp white wine complements the sharp notes, making each bite a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients.

You will love how quickly this recipe comes together, turning an ordinary evening into a gourmet moment.

Classic Chicken Piccata Recipe Guide

• Transform an ordinary meal into a restaurant-quality experience with minimal cooking skills required, making gourmet cooking accessible for home chefs.
• Adaptable to various side dishes and suitable for multiple occasions, from casual family dinners to impressive date nights, this chicken piccata keeps everyone happy and satisfied.
• Enjoy a burst of tangy, buttery goodness with zesty lemon and briny capers that create a sophisticated flavor profile guaranteed to tantalize taste buds.

Ingredients for Chicken Piccata: A Classic Recipe

• Chicken Breasts: A tender and lean protein that serves as the foundation of the classic Chicken Piccata dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides a light, crispy coating that helps seal in moisture and creates a golden-brown exterior.

• Butter, Olive Oil: These fats help create a rich flavor and assist in achieving a beautiful golden-brown color for the chicken.

• White Wine: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce with its subtle acidity and aromatic qualities.
• Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory base for the sauce and helps create a silky texture.
• Capers: Small, briny pickled flower buds that add a distinctive salty and tangy punch to the sauce.

• Fresh Parsley, Lemon Slices: Provide a fresh, vibrant finish and add visual appeal to the completed dish.

How to Cook Chicken Piccata with Ease

Step 1: Prepare Seasoned Chicken

Grab chicken breasts and sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper.

Dust each piece completely in flour, ensuring a light and even coating that will create a delicious golden crust.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken to Perfection

Heat a skillet with butter and olive oil over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chicken into the hot pan, cooking each side until a gorgeous golden-brown color develops and the chicken is fully cooked through.

Transfer the beautiful chicken to a warm plate.

Step 3: Create Magical Sauce

In the same skillet filled with delicious pan drippings, pour white wine and let it bubble away for a minute.

Scrape up all those incredible browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

• Fresh lemon juice
• Chicken broth
• Capers

Combine these ingredients and let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes, developing rich flavors.

Step 4: Bring Sauce Together

Drop remaining butter into the sauce, stirring until it melts completely and creates a silky texture.

Gently return chicken to the skillet, allowing it to warm through and soak up the tangy sauce.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken and add bright lemon slices for extra zest.

Serve alongside pasta, fluffy rice, or a crisp green salad for a restaurant-quality meal that’ll impress everyone at the table.

Pro Tips for Chicken Piccata Success

• Use a meat mallet to create uniform thickness, ensuring each piece cooks consistently and prevents dry or undercooked sections.
• Select briny, plump capers packed in salt for a more intense, authentic flavor that elevates the entire dish's taste profile.
• Lightly dust chicken with flour, avoiding thick layers that can create a heavy, soggy texture instead of a delicate, crisp exterior.
• Maintain medium-high temperature while cooking chicken to achieve golden-brown color without burning the delicate flour coating.
• Add lemon juice gradually and swirl butter at the end to create a silky, bright sauce that complements the chicken's richness.

Store and Reheat Chicken Piccata the Right Way

• Store chicken piccata in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Chicken piccata can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its taste and texture.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Complementary Pairings for Chicken Piccata

• Perfect Flavor Partners: Chicken Piccata Companions
• Crisp White Wine Pairing: Select a zesty Pinot Grigio or bright Sauvignon Blanc that matches the dish's tangy lemon and caper notes, cutting through the richness of butter and complementing the delicate chicken flavor.
• Herbal Side Salad Complement: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, shaved parmesan, and toasted pine nuts to echo the piccata's citrusy profile and provide a fresh, peppery counterpoint.
• Creamy Starch Foundation: Serve over garlic-infused risotto or angel hair pasta to soak up the luxurious sauce, creating a harmonious base that balances the bright, acidic elements of the chicken.
• Sparkling Beverage Option: Pour a chilled Prosecco or sparkling water with a lemon twist to cleanse the palate between bites, enhancing the dish's vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Chicken Piccata Variations to Explore

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch for dredging chicken. Use gluten-free chicken broth to maintain recipe integrity.
• Vegan Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or seitan slices. Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for depth of flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip flour dredging and directly pan-sear chicken. Use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles as a base instead of traditional pasta. Reduce wine quantity to minimize carbohydrates.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Eliminate butter and use additional olive oil. Choose coconut oil or avocado oil for sautéing. Ensure all ingredients are dairy-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

FAQs

• What is dredging, and why is it important in this recipe?

Dredging is coating the chicken in flour before cooking. It helps create a crispy exterior, seals in moisture, and allows the sauce to stick better to the chicken, enhancing both texture and flavor.

• Can I substitute white wine in the sauce?

If you don’t have white wine, you can use chicken broth or chicken stock as a replacement. The goal is to deglaze the pan and add depth to the sauce without alcohol.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and white (not pink) throughout when cut.

• Why are capers used in this dish?

Capers add a tangy, briny flavor that complements the lemon and butter sauce. They provide a sharp, pickled taste that balances the richness of the chicken and creates a traditional piccata profile.

Chicken Piccata Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty Italian-inspired chicken piccata brings tangy lemon and buttery sauce together in a quick, elegant meal. Crispy pan-seared chicken breasts draped in a bright, silky sauce will make you crave this classic comfort dish.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 grams)

Dry Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Wet Ingredients and Garnishes:

• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• Lemon slices (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken breasts by seasoning with salt and pepper, then coat thoroughly with flour, ensuring an even, light layer that will create a delicate crispy exterior when cooked.
2. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the mixture is shimmering and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Carefully place floured chicken into the hot skillet, cooking each side for approximately 3-4 minutes until a golden-brown crust develops and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a warm plate, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
5. Deglaze the same skillet with white wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up flavorful browned bits from the bottom, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
6. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers to the pan, creating a vibrant, tangy sauce that will complement the chicken’s richness.
7. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and concentrate.
8. Whisk in remaining butter until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thickened.
9. Return chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece with the aromatic sauce and reheating for 1 minute.
10. Plate the chicken, generously spooning extra sauce over the top and garnishing with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a bright, elegant presentation.

Notes

• Use thin chicken cutlets or pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent cooking and faster preparation.
• Pat chicken dry before flouring to help achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in moisture.
• Select fresh, high-quality lemons for the brightest and most vibrant sauce flavor.
• For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch for coating the chicken.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg