A romantic and elegant dish featuring tender chicken in a luscious lemon-butter sauce with capers. This Chicken Piccata is the perfect meal for a cozy Valentine’s dinner or any special occasion. With its bright, tangy flavors and rich buttery finish, this Italian classic is both simple and sophisticated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for a weeknight or date night.
- Light yet flavorful – The lemon-butter sauce adds brightness without being heavy.
- Versatile serving options – Pairs well with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- One-pan meal – Fewer dishes, more flavor!
- Restaurant-quality at home – Enjoy a gourmet meal without the hassle.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper
- All-purpose flour
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Chicken broth
- Lemon juice
- Capers, rinsed
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken – Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Cook the Chicken – In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce – In the same skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes.
- Finish the Dish – Return the chicken to the skillet and let it warm in the sauce for 1 minute. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter until melted for a silky finish.
- Serve – Plate the chicken and spoon the sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with pasta or a side of vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 2 servings
- Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per serving
Variations
- Make it creamy – Add ¼ cup of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer version.
- Extra lemony – Zest the lemon before juicing for even more citrus flavor.
- Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free flour for dredging the chicken.
- Low-carb – Skip the flour and pan-sear the chicken for a lighter version.
- More herbs – Add fresh thyme or basil for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the sauce may separate when thawed.
FAQs
What can I serve with Chicken Piccata?
It pairs well with pasta, rice, roasted potatoes, asparagus, or sautéed spinach.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and work just as well in this recipe.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Cook the chicken just until it reaches 165°F (74°C) and let it rest before serving.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and chicken separately, then reheat them together before serving.
How do I thicken the sauce?
For a thicker sauce, mix ½ teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it in while simmering.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Do I need to rinse the capers?
Yes, rinsing helps remove excess saltiness for a more balanced flavor.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger skillet and cook the chicken in batches.
What kind of wine pairs well with Chicken Piccata?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the bright lemon flavors.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled can work in a pinch.
Conclusion
Chicken Piccata is a simple yet elegant dish that’s bursting with fresh, zesty flavors. Whether you’re making it for a romantic dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this classic Italian recipe is sure to impress. Try it tonight and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish in just 25 minutes!
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Chicken Piccata
This Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian dish featuring tender chicken in a bright, tangy lemon-butter sauce with capers. Ready in just 25 minutes, this one-pan meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a romantic date night. Serve with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a light yet flavorful dish!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp capers, rinsed
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken – Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
2️⃣ Cook the Chicken – Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Sauce – In the same skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan and bring to a simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4️⃣ Finish the Dish – Return the chicken to the skillet and warm in the sauce for 1 minute. Stir in the remaining 1 tbsp butter until melted for a silky finish.
5️⃣ Serve – Plate the chicken and spoon the lemon-butter sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
✔ Make it creamy – Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream for a richer sauce.
✔ Extra lemony – Add lemon zest for even more citrus flavor.
✔ Gluten-free – Use gluten-free flour for dredging.
✔ Low-carb – Skip the flour and pan-sear the chicken for a lighter version.
✔ More herbs – Add fresh thyme or basil for an extra flavor boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
