Chicken Piccata has always been one of my go-to comfort meals when I want something impressive but easy to make. Every time I whip it up, I’m blown away by how a few simple ingredients come together for a zesty, buttery, and utterly satisfying dish.
Topped with a creamy lemon-caper sauce, this recipe feels fancy enough for guests but quick enough for weeknights. If you’re anything like me, you’ll have this recipe bookmarked after just one try!
Credit: spendwithpennies
Ingredients for Chicken Piccata
The magic of Chicken Piccata lies in the high-quality ingredients. Here’s exactly what you’ll need, along with tips to make it flawless.
- 2 large chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
Pro tip: Cutting them in half creates thinner cutlets, so they cook faster and evenly. - Salt and pepper to taste
Tip: Always season generously before dredging for ultimate flavor. - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Adds a savory depth that complements the lemony tang. - Flour, for dredging
Helps create a golden crust when pan-fried. - 4 tablespoons butter, divided
Butter not only enriches the sauce but also helps fry the chicken to golden perfection. - 1 tablespoon olive oil
Works with butter to prevent burning while frying. - 1/4 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
For extra flavor, use wine if you have it on hand. - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice + zest of 1 lemon
Freshly squeezed juice and zest bring that signature bright tang. - 1 tablespoon capers, drained
Capers balance the dish with their briny sharpness. - 1/2 cup heavy cream
Adds an irresistible luxurious texture to the sauce. - Optional garnish: chopped parsley or freshly grated Parmesan
A fresh garnish elevates both flavor and presentation.
Note: This recipe makes 4 servings. Adjust ingredients for a smaller or larger crowd.
Variations for Chicken Piccata
Want to make this dish suit your preferences? Here are just a few ideas to customize!
- Dairy-Free: Skip the heavy cream and opt for coconut cream, or leave it out entirely using only chicken broth for the sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Swap traditional flour for a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or almond flour for dredging.
- Bold Flavor Boost: Add minced garlic or shallots when making the sauce for an extra punch.
- Wine-Free Option: Replace dry white wine with low-sodium chicken broth.
For a different flavor profile, you might also enjoy the bold and smoky taste of pollo asado.
Cooking Time
This dish is as quick as it is flavorful!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need
To ensure smooth cooking, gather these tools beforehand.
- Skillet or frying pan – Ideal for evenly browning chicken and making the sauce.
- Knife – For slicing chicken into thin cutlets.
- Small zester or grater – To zest the lemon without hitting the pith.
- Whisk – For blending the cream into the sauce smoothly.
- Tongs – Makes flipping chicken easier and mess-free.
How to Make Chicken Piccata?
Chicken Piccata comes together in just a few simple steps! Once you master it, you can make it with your eyes closed.
Prepare the chicken
Start by slicing the chicken breasts into thinner cutlets. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then lightly coat them in flour. This step is key to that golden crust we all love.
Sear the chicken to golden perfection
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter with olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, lay the chicken down and cook for around 4-5 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Transfer the cutlets to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Create the piccata sauce
Remove the pan from heat and pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, zest, and remaining butter. Toss in the capers and give the mixture a good stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for added flavor.
Finish with cream
Stir in the heavy cream and simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly. At this stage, the kitchen smells heavenly! Return the chicken to the pan, coating each piece in that dreamy sauce. Simmer for another 5 minutes until everything is perfectly combined.
Credit: spendwithpennies
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
From personal experience, a few tweaks can make this dish even more delightful.
- I always recommend using fresh lemons for the juice and zest. It’s a total game-changer!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary.
- If you want a thicker sauce, whisk in a pinch of cornstarch dissolved in water.
- For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle Parmesan onto the chicken just before serving.
If you’re a fan of pairing chicken with veggies, you might love the combination of chicken and broccoli for another wholesome meal idea.
How to Serve Chicken Piccata?
Chicken Piccata shines best when paired with side dishes that soak up its flavorful sauce.
- Classic pairing: Serve it over angel hair pasta or garlic butter noodles for a cozy, carb-filled meal.
- Light side options: Pair with roasted or sautéed green beans, asparagus, or a simple arugula salad drizzled with olive oil.
- Presentation tip: Garnish with plenty of parsley and some grated Parmesan for extra flair. It makes the dish look restaurant-quality!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the nutrition per serving (approximate):
- Calories: 393
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fat: 29g
Make Ahead and Storage
Chicken Piccata can be prepped in advance or saved for later. Here’s how to store it right.
- Refrigeration: Leftovers stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, so it’s best to enjoy this fresh.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
If you need convincing, here’s why this recipe should be on your menu ASAP!
- Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights but impressive enough for entertaining.
- Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to suit your dietary needs or preferences.
- One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup with just one skillet needed.
- Bursting with flavor: The balance of creamy, lemony, and savory notes satisfies every bite.
- Elegant yet hearty: Feels fancy while still being deeply comforting.
Chicken Piccata is one of those rare recipes that feels indulgent without being fussy. Once you try it, I promise you’ll want to make it part of your regular rotation. Happy cooking! You can also enjoy similar chicken recipes for more inspiration. Let’s get started!