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Chicken Piccata Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

This classic Chicken Piccata recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts sautéed to golden perfection, then simmered in a tangy lemon, caper, and butter sauce. It's an easy, elegant dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Dredge each breast in the all-purpose flour, coating well and shaking off any excess flour to ensure a light crust.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the floured chicken breasts and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and rinsed capers. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly reduce and meld the flavors.
  4. Finish the Dish: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet with the sauce. Cook together for an additional minute to reheat the chicken through. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter until melted, creating a smooth, glossy sauce that coats the chicken.
  5. Serve: Transfer the chicken breasts to serving plates and spoon the lemon-caper sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. This dish pairs wonderfully with cooked pasta or steamed vegetables as sides.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute olive oil for half of the butter or use a lower amount of butter.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, sprinkle a small amount of flour or cornstarch dissolved in water into the sauce while simmering.
  • Chicken breasts can be butterflied or pounded thinner to cook more evenly and quickly.
  • Rinsing capers before adding reduces excess saltiness.
  • Fresh lemon juice is preferred for vibrant flavor over bottled lemon juice.