Classic Chicken Piccata: Lemon-Caper Sauce Recipe (Print Version)
Savor tender chicken cutlets in a bright, tangy lemon-caper sauce. This classic Chicken Piccata recipe is a quick, elegant dinner for any night.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Italian
# Ingredients:
→ The Golden-Seared Chicken
01 -
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 breasts)
02 -
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
03 -
1/2 tsp salt
04 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
→ The Zesty Pan Sauce
05 -
4 tbsp unsalted butter
06 -
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
07 -
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
08 -
1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
09 -
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
10 -
2 tbsp capers, drained
11 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ Aromatic Finish & Garnish
12 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
13 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Pound 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness. In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Dredge each chicken piece thoroughly, shaking off excess, for your Classic Chicken Piccata Recipe.
02 -
Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the dredged chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
03 -
Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 cloves minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to build flavor.
04 -
Pour in 1/4 cup dry white wine and simmer for 1 minute, scraping the pan. Add 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, and 2 tbsp drained capers. Bring to a gentle simmer for the Classic Chicken Piccata Recipe.
05 -
Whisk in the remaining 2 tbsp unsalted butter until melted and the sauce slightly thickens. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed for optimal flavor and balance.
06 -
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, turning to coat them in the zesty sauce. Garnish generously with 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley. Serve your delicious Classic Chicken Piccata Recipe immediately with your favorite sides.
# Notes:
01 -
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks uniformly and quickly, preventing dry spots and promoting tenderness.
02 -
If you prefer not to use wine, substitute it with an equal amount of low-sodium chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor in the sauce.
03 -
This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a simple side of steamed asparagus or green beans for a complete meal.
04 -
Store leftover Classic Chicken Piccata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to maintain moisture.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
Tongs
03 -
Meat mallet
04 -
Shallow dish
05 -
Cutting board
06 -
Chef's knife
07 -
Measuring cups
08 -
Measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 520 kcal
Total Fat: 24 g
Total Carbohydrate: 14 g
Protein: 53 g