Chicken Piccata is a deliciously light and tangy Italian dish featuring tender chicken cutlets simmered in a zesty lemon-butter sauce with capers. This dish is known for its bright flavors and simple yet elegant preparation, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a sophisticated meal for guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.

Bright & Tangy Flavor – The combination of lemon, butter, and capers creates a rich and refreshing taste.

Versatile – Pairs well with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Restaurant-Quality at Home – Simple ingredients come together for a gourmet experience.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half horizontally to make 4 cutlets)

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Piccata Sauce:

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

1/2 cup dry white wine (optional; substitute with more chicken broth if preferred)

2 tablespoons capers, drained

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets.

  2. In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.

  3. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.


Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.

  3. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.


Step 3: Make the Piccata Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and white wine.

  2. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

  3. Stir in the capers and let the sauce reduce for 3-4 minutes.

  4. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and stir until melted, creating a smooth and velvety sauce.


Step 4: Combine and Serve

  1. Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them.

  2. Let simmer for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

  3. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

  4. Serve hot over pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.


Tips for the Best Chicken Piccata

Use Fresh Lemon Juice – Bottled lemon juice lacks the bright, fresh flavor of freshly squeezed lemons.

Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Thin cutlets cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to maintain juiciness.

Deglaze the Pan – Scraping up the browned bits adds incredible depth of flavor to the sauce.

Customize the Sauce – Add more butter for richness or extra capers for a briny kick.

Conclusion

Chicken Piccata is a timeless dish that combines simplicity with gourmet flavors. The balance of lemony brightness, buttery richness, and the savory depth of capers makes it an irresistible meal. Try this easy recipe for a satisfying and elegant dinner that’s sure to become a favorite!