Description
This classic Chicken Piccata recipe features tender, lightly floured chicken breasts cooked to a golden brown and finished in a tangy lemon, caper, and butter sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick yet elegant meal, best served over pasta, rice, or alongside roasted vegetables. The bright, zesty flavors and silky sauce make it a timeless Italian-American favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
Cooking
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
Sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp capers, rinsed
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the halved chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper. Dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, coating them completely, and shake off any excess flour to avoid clumping during cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and rinsed capers. Use a spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom; these add rich flavor. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and slightly reduce.
- Finish the Dish: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Warm the chicken in the sauce for about 1 minute. Then, stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter until it melts completely, which will create a smooth, silky texture for the sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken to serving plates and generously spoon the lemon-butter sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve alongside pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables to complete this flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Adjust lemon juice quantity to taste for a more or less tangy sauce.
- Capers provide a salty, briny note—rinse them well if you prefer a milder flavor.
- This dish pairs beautifully with angel hair pasta or a simple green salad.
