Chicken Piccata
Tender, thin chicken cutlets pan-fried to a golden brown, then bathed in a bright, zesty sauce of lemon, butter, and capers. This classic Italian-American dish is impressively quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Chicken
- b.Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create 4 thinner cutlets. If they are very thick, you may get more.
- c.Place each cutlet between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound them to an even 1/4-inch thickness. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly.
- d.Pat the chicken cutlets completely dry with paper towels.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Dredge the Chicken
- b.In a shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper.
- c.Working one at a time, lightly coat each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture. Gently shake off any excess flour; a thin, even coating is all you need.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Pan-Fry the Chicken
- b.In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and foaming.
- c.Carefully place two chicken cutlets in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- d.Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken cutlets.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Create the Piccata Sauce
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the white wine into the skillet to deglaze, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 1 minute until it has reduced by about half.
- c.Stir in the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and capers. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken slightly.
- d.Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter and whisk continuously until it has melted completely, creating a smooth, emulsified sauce.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- c.Spoon some of the sauce and capers over the top of each cutlet. Let them warm through for about 30 seconds.
- d.Garnish generously with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled juice can have a metallic or overly acidic taste.
- 2Do not overcrowd the skillet when frying the chicken. Cook in batches to ensure each piece gets a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- 3The key to a silky, non-greasy sauce is to remove the pan from the heat before whisking in the final two tablespoons of cold butter. This creates a stable emulsion.
- 4Patting the chicken completely dry before dredging helps the flour adhere better and results in a crispier coating.
- 5Chicken Piccata is best served immediately over angel hair pasta, mashed potatoes, or with a side of steamed asparagus or spinach.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
For a more traditional dish, use veal scaloppine instead of chicken. Thinly pounded pork cutlets also work wonderfully.
Creamy SauceCreamy Sauce
For a richer, more decadent sauce, add 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream to the sauce along with the chicken broth.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for dredging the chicken.
Non AlcoholicNon-Alcoholic
Omit the white wine and deglaze the pan with an equal amount of extra chicken broth plus 1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar or extra lemon juice to maintain the acidity.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Chicken breast is a high-quality lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Rich in B Vitamins
Chicken is a good source of B vitamins, particularly Niacin (B3) and Pyridoxine (B6), which are crucial for converting food into energy and supporting brain health.
Contains Antioxidants
The fresh lemon juice provides a good dose of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports a healthy immune system.
Frequently asked questions
Chicken Piccata can be part of a balanced diet. It's high in lean protein from the chicken. However, the sauce is made with a significant amount of butter, making it higher in fat and calories. To make it healthier, you can reduce the amount of butter used.