Chicken Piccata Recipe

Have you ever craved a quick, tasty, and flavorful dinner? Chicken Piccata is the answer! It’s one of my favorite go-to meals, and it’s so easy to make.

Imagine juicy chicken breast coated in a crispy, golden crust, all smothered in a buttery lemon sauce. This dish brings together the perfect blend of tangy, savory flavors that will leave you coming back for more.

Want to impress your family or guests with a meal that’s restaurant-quality? Chicken Piccata is quick to whip up and absolutely delicious.

Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to make this mouth-watering dish at home. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just under 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight or a last-minute dinner idea.
• Tangy and Flavorful: The combination of lemon and capers creates a savory, citrusy sauce that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Light Yet Satisfying: Despite its rich flavor, Chicken Piccata is a relatively light dish that doesn’t leave you feeling too heavy.
• Restaurant-Worthy: Bring the flavor of a high-end Italian restaurant into your home with minimal effort.
• Flexible Pairings: It pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, including pasta, potatoes, and steamed vegetables.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: This recipe serves 2 people, but you can easily double or triple it if you’re cooking for more.

Difficulty: Easy to follow, even for beginner cooks, but will still impress experienced chefs.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you get started, gather these tools:

• Large Skillet: To cook the chicken and create the delicious sauce.
• Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: For tenderizing the chicken to ensure even cooking.
• Tongs: To flip the chicken without losing any breading.
• Small Bowl: For mixing the egg wash.
• Lemon Zester or Grater: To add fresh lemon zest to the sauce for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
• Sharp Knife: To slice the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley.

Ingredients for Chicken Piccata

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful dish (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

Produce:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (16 oz total)
• 1 lemon (for zest and juice)
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Pantry:

• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 2/3 cup seasoned whole wheat dry bread crumbs (or gluten-free bread crumbs)
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
• 1 tbsp capers

Dairy & Eggs:

• 2 large egg whites (or whole eggs)
• 1 tbsp whipped butter

Other:

• Olive oil spray (about 1 tbsp worth)

How to Make Chicken Piccata – Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Tenderize the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and remains tender. Once done, season the chicken breasts with freshly ground black pepper on both sides.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Wash and Breading

In a shallow bowl, beat the egg whites (or whole eggs if you’re using them) until they are well-mixed. In a separate shallow dish, add the seasoned bread crumbs. Dip each chicken breast into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated, then transfer it to the bread crumbs. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. This coating gives the chicken a light, crispy texture when it cooks.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Pan-frying the Chicken:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly spray it with olive oil. Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the pan. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on the first side until the crust is golden brown.
2. Flip the chicken breasts and cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 4: Make the Piccata Sauce

In the same skillet, add the white wine and chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Use a spatula to scrape up any brown bits left from cooking the chicken. These bits add amazing flavor to the sauce. Once the wine and broth are combined, allow the liquid to simmer for about 2-3 minutes.

Next, stir in the lemon juice and capers, and cook for another minute. Finally, add the butter, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes silky smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Serve the Chicken Piccata

Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the pan, spooning some of the sauce over the top to coat the chicken. Let it cook for another minute or two, allowing the chicken to absorb some of the delicious sauce. Transfer the chicken to serving plates, drizzle with the lemon-caper sauce, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata is a versatile dish that can be served in many delicious ways. Here are a few ideas for how to enjoy it:

• With Pasta: A classic pairing for Chicken Piccata is with pasta. Try serving it over spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta. The lemony sauce coats the pasta perfectly, making each bite a treat.
• With Rice: For a lighter option, serve the chicken with steamed rice or a side of garlic butter rice. The sauce is great for drizzling over the rice for added flavor.
• With Sautéed Vegetables: To keep things healthy, serve Chicken Piccata alongside sautéed vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or broccoli. The bright, tangy sauce complements the earthy vegetables.
• With Mashed Potatoes: If you prefer something heartier, mashed potatoes make a great base for this dish. The smooth potatoes pair beautifully with the lemony sauce.
• On a Salad: You can slice the chicken and serve it on top of a fresh salad. Try adding arugula, mixed greens, or even a simple Caesar salad for a refreshing meal.

Storing Chicken Piccata

• Leftovers: If you have any leftover chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce may thicken when refrigerated, but you can reheat the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
• Freezing: While Chicken Piccata is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken breasts (without the sauce) for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet, adding the fresh sauce when serving.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Fresh Lemon: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemon juice and zest. Bottled lemon juice doesn’t provide the same bright, fresh flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts cook quickly, so be sure to monitor them closely to avoid overcooking. Overcooked chicken can become dry, so aim for a juicy, tender texture.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: For the perfect chicken every time, use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Adjust the Sauce: If you like your sauce a little tangier, add more lemon juice. If you prefer it more mellow, reduce the amount of lemon or capers.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350 kcal
Protein	45g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	10g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	400mg
Sugar	3g

Chicken Piccata FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a slightly juicier alternative. The cooking time may vary, so ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Just store the cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers, and reheat them together before serving.

What can I substitute for capers? If you don’t have capers, green olives or pickles can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will differ slightly.

Conclusion

Chicken Piccata is a simple, yet elegant dish that’s sure to please anyone who loves a tangy, flavorful meal. Whether served over pasta, rice, or with vegetables, this dish is versatile and satisfying. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.