Name: Easy Chicken Piccata Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally to make 4 cutlets); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken piccata is a classic Italian dish that’s flavorful, tangy, and incredibly easy to make. The tender, golden-brown chicken breasts are sautéed to perfection and then smothered in a bright, zesty lemon-butter sauce with capers, creating a perfect balance of savory and citrusy flavors. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight dinner option. Serve it with pasta, rice, or a side of vegetables, and you’ve got a delicious meal that will feel both comforting and refined.

Easy Chicken Piccata Recipe

Ingredients

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

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

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Lightly dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess flour.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
Add Capers: Stir in the capers and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the butter is fully incorporated.
Return Chicken to the Skillet: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over the top. Let them simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through and the flavors have melded together.
Serve: Transfer the chicken to plates, spoon the sauce over the top, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with pasta, rice, or your favorite side dish.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Chicken Piccata with Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet when making the sauce to add an earthy flavor to the dish.
Gluten-Free Chicken Piccata: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for dredging the chicken.
Lighter Chicken Piccata: Use a small amount of olive oil instead of butter and reduce the amount for a lighter version of the dish.
Chicken Piccata with Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the pan right before serving, letting it wilt into the sauce for added color and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover chicken piccata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken piccata in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to rehydrate the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe, as they are tender and juicy. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F when fully cooked. You can also cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it’s no longer pink inside.

Can I freeze leftover chicken piccata?

While you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together, the texture of the sauce may change when reheated. It’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately if you’re planning to store it long-term.

Can I use lemon zest in the sauce?

Yes, adding lemon zest to the sauce can enhance the lemon flavor and give the dish an extra citrusy kick. Add it along with the lemon juice for more depth of flavor.

Can I skip the capers?

If you’re not a fan of capers, you can leave them out. However, they do add a unique briny flavor that complements the lemony sauce. You could substitute them with green olives or just increase the lemon flavor.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Chicken piccata is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, cook the chicken, and combine them for a quick meal.

How can I thicken the sauce?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of water or chicken broth, and let it simmer until the desired thickness is reached.

What side dishes go well with chicken piccata?

Chicken piccata pairs well with a variety of sides, such as pasta (like spaghetti or angel hair), mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would also complement the dish perfectly.

Can I make chicken piccata with other proteins?

Yes, you can make piccata with other proteins like fish (such as sole or tilapia) or even veal. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of protein you’re using.

Conclusion

Easy chicken piccata is a wonderfully flavorful dish that comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With its tender chicken, tangy lemon sauce, and briny capers, this recipe is sure to impress anyone at the table. The simplicity of the ingredients and the quick cooking process mean you can enjoy an elegant, restaurant-quality meal at home without the hassle. Serve it with your favorite sides for a well-rounded and delicious meal that everyone will love!

Chef MARTHA