Easy Chicken Piccata Recipe
This Easy Chicken Piccata recipe is a quick and flavorful Italian-American dish featuring lightly floured chicken cutlets pan-seared to golden perfection and served with a tangy lemon, caper, and creamy sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special yet is simple to prepare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Flour, for dredging
Sauce and Cooking
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon brined capers, drained
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped parsley
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing lengthwise, then cut each into two thinner cutlets to make a total of four pieces. Trim off any fat. Season generously with salt, pepper, and sprinkle with garlic powder. Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the pan: Add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the butter to melt and pan to heat until shimmering.
- Cook the chicken: Place the floured chicken cutlets in the hot skillet. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Make the sauce base: Remove the pan from heat. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, and capers to the skillet. Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen and incorporate browned bits into the sauce.
- Add cream and return to heat: Stir in the heavy cream and place the pan back on medium heat. When the sauce begins to bubble gently, return the cooked chicken pieces to the pan.
- Simmer chicken in sauce: Cook for about 5 more minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your preference. Reduce heat if bubbling too vigorously, and add more broth if the sauce gets too thick.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley and/or freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version without cream, use 3/4 cup chicken broth instead of 1/4 cup broth plus cream.
- Butter and olive oil combination ensures a rich flavor without burning.
- Butterfly slicing helps chicken cook evenly and quickly.
- Make sure to dredge chicken in flour lightly to avoid a thick coating.
- Adjust lemon juice and capers to your taste preference for tartness and briny punch.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/easy-chicken-piccata-recipe/
