Chicken Piccata – Zesty, Tender, and Elegant

Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian-inspired dish featuring tender, pan-seared chicken breasts in a bright, tangy lemon-butter sauce with capers. This flavorful yet light recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a delicious balance of savory, citrusy, and briny flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s both quick to prepare and impressive to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright & Flavorful – Fresh lemon juice adds a zesty kick to the buttery sauce.
Tender Chicken – Lightly floured chicken breasts are pan-seared to perfection.
Quick to Make – From start to finish in less than 30 minutes.
Restaurant Quality at Home – Elegant presentation with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup capers, drained
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken
   Slice chicken breasts horizontally into thin cutlets. Season with salt and pepper, then dredge lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
2. Cook the Chicken
   Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
   In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Bring to a simmer, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
4. Finish the Sauce
   Stir in remaining butter and parsley. Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and cook for another minute to warm through.
5. Serve
   Plate chicken, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with extra parsley or lemon slices if desired.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~320
Protein: 27g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Thin Cutlets Cook Faster – Prevents overcooking and keeps chicken tender.
• Use Fresh Lemon Juice – Bright, natural flavor makes all the difference.
• Don’t Skip the Capers – They add a signature briny taste that balances the sauce.

Why This Recipe Works

The light flour coating helps create a golden crust on the chicken while keeping it moist inside. The combination of lemon, butter, and capers results in a sauce that’s vibrant yet rich, making this dish both refreshing and indulgent.

Chicken Piccata is a flavorful, elegant dish that’s simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner yet special enough for guests. With its tender chicken, tangy lemon-butter sauce, and briny capers, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.