What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This chicken piccata recipe is a crowd-pleaser, with its bright lemony flavor and tender chicken that’s quick enough for weeknights but fancy enough for guests.
Easy to make – With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish ready in no time.
Bursting with flavor – The tangy lemon, briny capers, and rich butter sauce make every bite irresistible.
Versatile – Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a meal that never gets boring.
Recipe
Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a tangy lemon-butter sauce with capers. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add lemon juice, chicken broth, and capers to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits.
- Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through and sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Notes:
- For a richer sauce, add a splash of white wine with the lemon juice and chicken broth.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
Equipment:
- Skillet
- Plastic wrap
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Measuring cups and spoons
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Cuisine:
Italian
Serving:
4 servings
Nutrition
This homemade chicken piccata recipe is packed with flavor while offering a balanced nutritional profile. Below is the breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 580mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
What To Serve With It
When I make chicken piccata, I love pairing it with a simple pasta like spaghetti or angel hair, which soaks up the lemony sauce beautifully. For veggie sides, I usually go for steamed asparagus or garlic sautéed green beans, since they add a fresh crunch to the meal. It’s such a satisfying combo that feels fancy but is totally doable for a weeknight dinner.
Pasta Pairings
Pairing this dish with the perfect pasta elevates the entire meal, making it feel like you’ve put together something truly special. I love serving chicken piccata with angel hair pasta because its thin strands soak up the tangy lemon-butter sauce beautifully. Linguine is another favorite—its slightly thicker texture holds up well against the dish’s flavors. If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll use fettuccine for a heartier bite. Whatever pasta I choose, I always toss it lightly in olive oil or a splash of sauce before plating. It’s a simple touch that ties everything together and makes each bite feel complete.
Vegetable Sides
A bright, crisp side dish balances out the rich flavors of chicken piccata perfectly—I love tossing together a quick arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasting asparagus until it’s just tender. The tangy lemon in the piccata pairs wonderfully with earthy greens or sweet roasted carrots. For something heartier, try garlicky sautéed spinach or a simple caprese salad with fresh tomatoes and basil. If you’re craving crunch, roasted Brussels sprouts with a drizzle of balsamic glaze add depth. Whatever you choose, keep it light and fresh to let the star of the meal shine. Happy cooking!
