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Chicken Piccata

Chicken piccata features tender, thinly pounded chicken breasts cooked until golden and crispy, then coated in a bright, tangy lemon and briny caper sauce. The dish showcases a quick sautéing method, resulting in a glossy, flavorful sauce that clings to the chicken, with a vibrant and inviting appearance. Perfect for weeknights, it’s a lively, Italian-inspired meal with bold flavors and a satisfying texture.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces chicken breasts pounded thin for quick and even cooking
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour for dredging the chicken
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing
  • 2 tablespoons butter for richness and finishing
  • 1/2 cup white wine optional, for deglazing
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest from fresh lemon
  • 3 tablespoons capers rinsed
  • salt and pepper to taste for seasoning

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Tongs
  • Shallow dish
  • Lemon zester
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin

Method
 

  1. Pound each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap using a meat mallet or rolling pin until about 1/4 inch thick. This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly while staying tender.
  2. Place the flour in a shallow dish and season with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess for a light, even coating.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the chicken in the pan and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  4. Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Once melted and bubbling, pour in the white wine to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce by half, about 2 minutes, until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, allowing the mixture to simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thickened.
  6. Add the rinsed capers to the pan and cook for another minute, letting their briny flavor infuse the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to reheat and allow the flavors to meld.
  8. Remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken rest for a minute. Plate the chicken, spooning extra sauce over the top, and garnish with additional lemon zest or parsley if desired.
  9. Serve immediately with pasta, vegetables, or crusty bread to enjoy the bright, tangy flavors and crispy, tender chicken.