Introduction

Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian-American dish known for its tangy, flavorful sauce and tender, pan-fried chicken. This dish combines the bright, zesty flavors of lemon and capers with the savory richness of butter and white wine, creating a sauce that perfectly complements the crispy, golden-brown chicken breasts. Chicken Piccata is quick to make and packs a punch with its delicious, fresh flavors—perfect for weeknight dinners or a special meal when you want something light yet satisfying.

To elevate your Chicken Piccata, make sure to properly season the chicken and dredge it lightly in flour to achieve the perfect crispy texture. The sauce is the key to this dish—don’t rush the cooking process. Let the ingredients meld together, and don’t forget to finish the sauce with a swirl of butter for that rich, silky finish that makes this dish a showstopper.

How to Make Chicken Piccata

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Protein: 38g per serving

Able to serve: 4 people

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (divided)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons capers (drained)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off the excess.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly.
4. Add capers and finish the sauce: Stir in the capers and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Let the sauce simmer for another 2 minutes, until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
5. Return the chicken to the pan: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let them simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to heat through and absorb the flavors.
6. Serve: Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on serving plates. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Pro Tips

• If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
• Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly and stays juicy.
• For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a few garlic cloves to the sauce as it simmers.

Conclusion

Chicken Piccata is a perfectly balanced dish that combines the right amount of tartness, savory goodness, and buttery richness. The crispy chicken pairs so well with the lemony, caper-infused sauce, making this dish a must-try. It’s fast, flavorful, and a crowd-pleaser, making it a great option for both casual meals and special occasions. Happy cooking!