What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This chicken piccata recipe is quick, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. You’ll love how easy it is to make a restaurant-quality dish right at home.
- It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- The tangy lemon-caper sauce adds a bright, fresh flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Simple ingredients come together to create something truly impressive.
Recipe
Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian dish featuring tender, pan-fried chicken breasts in a bright, lemony sauce with briny capers. This quick and easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally into two thin cutlets.
- Combine flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers to the skillet. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter until melted and the sauce is glossy.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the sauce. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Notes:
- For extra lemony flavor, add lemon zest to the sauce.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Equipment:
- Large skillet
- Shallow dish
- Tongs
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Italian
Serving: 4 servings
Nutrition
This homemade chicken piccata recipe is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Below is the detailed nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 85 mg |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing chicken piccata with light, lemony pasta like angel hair or linguine to soak up that delicious sauce. A fresh side salad with arugula and shaved Parmesan balances the dish perfectly, adding a nice crunch. You can’t go wrong with these combos—they make the meal feel complete without overshadowing the star of the show.
Pasta Pairings
Pairing the right pasta with chicken piccata can make all the difference, turning a simple meal into something special. I love how the tangy lemon-caper sauce clings to thin, long noodles like linguine or spaghetti—it’s a classic combo that never disappoints. Fettuccine is another winner, offering a slightly thicker bite that holds the sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, angel hair pasta works beautifully, soaking up every drop of flavor without feeling heavy. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing it with orzo or even a delicate stuffed pasta like tortellini. The key is choosing something that lets the sauce shine while complementing the chicken.
Side Salad Ideas
A crisp, invigorating side salad can balance the rich flavors of chicken piccata perfectly, adding a fresh contrast to every bite. I love tossing together a simple arugula salad with shaved Parmesan, lemon zest, and a drizzle of olive oil—it complements the lemony sauce beautifully. If you’re feeling fancy, a Caesar salad with crunchy croutons adds a creamy yet revitalizing touch. For something lighter, try mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette. My go-to trick? Add chopped toasted almonds for a bit of crunch. Either way, these salads make the meal feel complete without stealing the spotlight.
