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Close-up of Lemon Chicken Piccata featuring golden-seared chicken breasts topped with a tangy lemon-butter sauce, capers, fresh parsley, and lemon slices.

Lemon Chicken Piccata

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Make Lemon Chicken Piccata in just 30 minutes! This easy, flavorful recipe with a tangy sauce is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 340 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour for dredging
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth preferably low-sodium
  • ½ cup dry white wine optional; substitute with more broth if desired
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice about 2 lemons
  • 2 tablespoons capers drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

S1: Prep the Chicken

  • Flatten the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound them to an even thickness (about ½ inch) using a rolling pin or meat mallet. This ensures they cook evenly.
  • Season and Coat: In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, and pepper. Lightly dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.

S2: Sear the Chicken

  • Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Wait until the mixture is hot and slightly shimmering.
  • Cook the Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it loosely with foil to keep warm.

S3: Make the Sauce

  • Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt another 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  • Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine (or additional chicken broth if not using wine). Stir to scrape up the browned bits stuck to the pan—they’re packed with flavor! Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add Flavor: Stir in the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and capers. Let the sauce simmer for 4-5 minutes, reducing slightly for a more concentrated flavor.

S4: Combine and Finish

  • Return the Chicken: Place the chicken back into the skillet, spooning the sauce generously over the top. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes so the chicken absorbs the tangy, buttery goodness.
  • Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish and add thin lemon slices for a decorative touch. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
  • Pro Tips for a Perfect Piccata:
  • Don’t Skip the Capers: These little gems bring a unique, tangy brininess that’s essential to the dish.
  • Adjust to Taste: Taste the sauce before serving—add a pinch of salt or an extra splash of lemon juice if needed.
  • Work in Batches: If your skillet isn’t large enough, cook the chicken in batches to ensure each piece gets a proper sear.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
  • Calories: 340
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 15g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 32g
Keyword Easy Dinner Recipe, Lemon Chicken Piccata, Quick Chicken Recipe