Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce – A Classic Italian Delight
Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce is an iconic Italian-American dish that combines tender, pan-seared chicken with a vibrant, tangy sauce made from fresh lemon juice, capers, and butter. The golden-brown chicken cutlets are lightly coated in flour, creating a crispy exterior that perfectly soaks up the buttery citrus flavors. Whether you’re serving this zesty dish for a weeknight dinner or an elegant gathering, its balance of brightness and richness makes it an instant favorite.
This chicken piccata recipe is refreshingly simple, requiring just a handful of pantry staples. The combination of garlic, white wine, and chicken broth enhances the depth of flavor, while capers provide a delightful briny contrast. Served over pasta or alongside a fresh green salad, this meal delivers restaurant-quality flavors in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A balance of tart lemon, rich butter, and savory chicken flavors enhanced with briny capers.
- Texture: Tender chicken cutlets with a light, crispy coating complemented by a silky, luxurious lemon sauce.
- Aroma: The fresh citrusy scent of lemon blended with garlic and butter creates an irresistible fragrance.
- Visual Appeal: Golden, pan-seared chicken with a glossy, yellow-hued sauce sprinkled with vibrant green parsley.
- Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly with minimal kitchen techniques, making it accessible for all cooks.
- Special Equipment: A large skillet and a meat mallet for even chicken cutlets.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce is not only delicious but also quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The tangy and creamy sauce ensures every bite is packed with flavor, while the light flour coating on the chicken enhances both texture and taste.
This dish’s versatility is another reason to fall in love with it. Whether you prefer serving it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or a bed of fresh greens, the possibilities for pairing are endless. It also scales well, making it ideal for both intimate dinners and larger family gatherings.
Health-conscious eaters will appreciate that this dish is naturally low in carbs and high in protein. It can easily be adjusted for various dietary preferences by swapping sugar-free flour alternatives or using dairy-free butter substitutes.
Prepared in one pan, this recipe minimizes kitchen cleanup while maximizing flavor. The short cooking time ensures that your meal is on the table within 35 minutes, making it a fantastic recipe for last-minute meal planning.
Beyond its impressive flavors and textures, Chicken Piccata carries the charm of classic Italian cuisine. The combination of bright citrus, aromatic garlic, and smooth butter makes it an elegant and satisfying dish fit for any occasion.
The Recipe
Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Meat mallet
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
- Using a meat mallet, pound each chicken breast to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- Season each side of the chicken with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge both sides in flour, shaking off excess.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- In the same pan, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, white wine, and lemon juice, stirring to deglaze the pan. Let simmer for 5 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Stir in the capers and remaining butter, whisking until the sauce is smooth and glossy.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- For a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir into the sauce while simmering.
- Substituting white wine with extra chicken broth works well for an alcohol-free version.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
