mended for best flavor and balance.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cook only until golden and just cooked through. Avoid overcooking and use thin, even pieces.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can affect browning.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, though you may reduce or omit capers for younger palates.
Conclusion
Lemon chicken piccata is a timeless favorite that brings brightness and depth to the table in under 30 minutes. With its silky lemon-caper sauce and tender, golden chicken, it’s both satisfying and elegant. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is an easy and impressive choice that never fails to please.
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Lemon Chicken Piccata
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Description
Lemon Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a tangy lemon butter sauce with capers. It’s light, flavorful, and perfect for an elegant dinner served with pasta or vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets. Pound lightly if needed for even thickness.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Dredge the chicken pieces in flour, shaking off any excess.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- To the same skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, white wine (if using), and capers. Bring to a simmer, scraping up browned bits.
- Let the sauce reduce slightly, then stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through and coat in the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use thin chicken cutlets to ensure quick and even cooking.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- This dish pairs well with angel hair pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
- You can omit wine and replace it with more broth if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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