What is Chicken Piccata?
Piccata is a traditional Italian cooking method that typically involves veal or chicken, dredged in flour, sautéed, and served in a lemony, buttery, white wine sauce with capers. Over time, chickenbecame a popular and more accessible version of this dish in American kitchens.
The star of the show is the sauce: a savory blend of fresh lemon juice, butter, and capers that creates a burst of flavor with every bite. It’s tangy, salty, silky, and perfectly balanced.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced horizontally into cutlets)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Lemon Caper Sauce:
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2–3 tbsp capers, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for finishing)
- Optional: 1–2 tsp lemon zest for extra brightness
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices
️ How to Make Chicken Piccata
✅ 1. Prepare the Chicken
- Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Dredge lightly in flour, shaking off the excess.
✅ 2. Sear the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
✅ 3. Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits.
- Add lemon juice, chicken broth, and capers. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in the remaining butter to finish the sauce.
✅ 4. Return Chicken to the Pan
- Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet.
- Simmer for another 2 minutes, spooning sauce over the chicken.
✅ 5. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices.
- Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Serving Suggestions
- Pasta: Serve over angel hair or linguine to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Mashed potatoes: A creamy contrast to the zesty sauce.
- Zoodles or cauliflower rice: For a lighter, low-carb option.
- Crusty Italian bread: Perfect for sopping up the leftover sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Bright and tangy flavors from the lemon and capers
- Quick and easy to make—ready in under 30 minutes
- Restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your home
- Elegant presentation, yet made with simple pantry ingredients
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the chicken—thin cutlets cook fast.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Rinse capers to remove excess brine.
- Deglaze the pan with wine or broth to enhance the flavor.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Piccata with Lemon Caper Sauce is a timeless classic that never fails to impress. It’s proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or entertaining guests, this dish brings elegance and bold flavor to the table with minimal effort.
So pour yourself a glass of white wine, get that skillet hot, and prepare to fall in love with the tangy, buttery magic of Chicken Piccata.