Introduction
Few dishes strike the perfect balance between bright, buttery, and savory quite like Chicken Piccata. Thin, golden-seared chicken breasts soak up a simple lemon-butter-caper sauce that’s tangy and rich in all the right ways. It’s fast, elegant, and perfect when you want something that feels special but is incredibly easy to make.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this dish for its simplicity and flavor payoff. The flour-dusted chicken gets beautifully crisp in the pan, while the sauce delivers sharp citrus, briny capers, and just enough butter to round everything out. It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together in less than 30 minutes but feels like something you’d order at your favorite bistro.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 2 tbsp capers, drained and rinsed
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Swaps & Notes
- Chicken: Chicken thighs also work, just be sure to pound to even thickness
- Lemon: Use fresh — the bottled stuff won’t do here
- Capers: Don’t like them? Sub with chopped green olives or omit
- Butter: Adds silkiness — don’t skip the final swirl
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap or parchment. Pound to ½-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge in Flour
Lightly dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess.
3. Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Make the Lemon Sauce
In the same skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Bring to a simmer and scrape up any browned bits. Let the sauce reduce slightly for 2–3 minutes.
5. Finish the Sauce
Lower the heat and stir in the remaining 1 tbsp of butter. Adjust seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
6. Return Chicken & Simmer
Add chicken back to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top and let simmer for 1–2 minutes.
7. Serve
Plate chicken, pour sauce over, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately with pasta, rice, or veggies.
Tips for Success
✔️ Pound chicken evenly for consistent cooking
✔️ Don’t skip dredging — it helps create a golden crust
✔️ Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor
✔️ Deglaze the pan well to incorporate all those tasty brown bits
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Pair your Chicken Piccata with:
- Angel hair or spaghetti
- Garlic mashed potatoes or lemon herb rice
- Steamed asparagus or green beans
- For a Southern twist, pair with Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo
- Start with a bold bite like Beer Cheese Dip and crusty bread
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat: Gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or lemon juice
- Freeze? Not ideal — the sauce can separate
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you love lemony, bold, easy meals, try these:
- These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Piccata is a timeless favorite for good reason: it’s quick, flavorful, and elegant. The balance of bright lemon, savory broth, and buttery richness makes it an irresistible addition to your weeknight or weekend meal plan.
Tried it? Snap a photo and tag @ChefManiac — we’d love to see your lemony masterpiece! 🍋🍗🌿
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