I just made this Chicken Piccata, and wow—I can’t wait to share how incredible it turned out! The buttery sauce loaded with briny capers and tangy lemon was absolutely mouthwatering. If you’re a fan of savory, flavor-packed chicken dishes, you can also enjoy this Marry Me Chicken Recipe for another incredible dinner idea.

Chicken Piccata is the kind of recipe that turns a simple dinner into something special. Whether you’re making it for your family, a dinner party, or just treating yourself, it always hits the mark!

Credit: saltandlavender.com

Ingredients

Here’s your checklist of simple yet flavorful ingredients to make this dish shine.

2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): Thinly sliced for even cooking.
1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Always season generously for maximum flavor.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour for dredging: Helps the chicken get crispy and golden.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and blends beautifully with the sauce.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Prevents the butter from burning and adds its own subtle flavor.
1 cup chicken stock: Creates a savory base for the sauce.
2 shallots, minced (about 1/3 cup): Bring sweetness and a bit of kick to the dish.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a punch of garlicky goodness.
2 lemons (juiced, about 6 tablespoons): For that zingy, citrusy hit we love in piccata.
2 tablespoons capers (rinsed): The briny star of the dish, adding pops of tangy flavor.

Note: This recipe serves 4, but feel free to halve or double it based on your needs!

Variations

You can easily make this dish your own with a few creative swaps.

For dairy-free, substitute vegan butter or olive oil for the butter.
Want a richer sauce? Try adding a splash of cream or white wine.
Swap shallots with onions if that’s what you prefer or have on hand.
For a twist, toss in a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

Sharp knife: To slice the chicken thinly and evenly.
Cutting board: A sturdy surface for prep work.
Large skillet: Perfect for pan-frying the chicken and making the sauce.
Tongs: For flipping the chicken while cooking.

How to Make Chicken Piccata?

Chicken Piccata comes together quickly, with bold flavors in every step.

Prepare the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts horizontally into thin, even pieces. This step ensures the chicken cooks evenly and combines beautifully with the sauce. After slicing, pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.

Dredge the Chicken

Dust each chicken slice lightly with all-purpose flour. This simple coating gives the chicken a golden, crispy texture when cooked. It also helps thicken the luscious lemon-butter sauce later.

Pan-Fry the Chicken

Heat a mix of butter and olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot and glossy, cook the chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re golden on the outside and fully cooked inside. Set the chicken aside to rest while you prepare the sauce.

Make the Lemon-Butter Sauce

Using the same skillet, add minced shallots and garlic to the remaining drippings. Sauté them briefly, about 2 minutes, to release their aroma. Deglaze the pan with chicken stock while scraping up those rich, browned bits for extra flavor. Stir in lemon juice, capers, and a touch more butter until your sauce is silky smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Credit: therealfooddietitians.com

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my experience, these little tweaks make an already delicious recipe even better!

Pat the chicken dry before dredging to help the coating stick.
Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
Grate a bit of lemon zest into the sauce for an extra citrus boost.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the chicken. Work in batches if needed.

How to Serve Chicken Piccata?

This dish looks stunning on a plate! Serve the chicken topped with the glossy sauce and scattered capers. Pair it with roasted veggies, steamed asparagus, or even this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe for a balanced and vibrant meal. Garnish with a little fresh parsley for that extra pop of color and flavor.

Nutritional Information

This recipe delivers great flavor with balanced nutrition.

Calories: Approx. 350 per serving
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 20g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Chicken Piccata freezes well. Transfer cooled portions to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken stock to bring the sauce back to life.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s why you need to add Chicken Piccata to your repertoire.

Quick & Easy: From kitchen to table in under 30 minutes.
Versatile: Customize it with your favorite ingredients.
Flavor-packed: A perfect balance of tangy, buttery, and briny flavors.
Kid-friendly: Even picky eaters will love it.

Enjoy making a timeless classic that never fails to impress! For more easy meal ideas, check out these Chicken Recipes that are perfect for any night of the week.