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Delicious Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce

Delicious Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce

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When dinner needs to impress but time is tight, Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce is the answer. This Italian-inspired classic brings elegance to the table in under 30 minutes. Thin chicken breasts are lightly dredged, pan-fried until golden, then drenched in a vibrant lemon butter sauce with capers that pops with flavor.

Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish hits the sweet spot between simplicity and sophistication. Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to mop up every drop of that irresistible sauce.


What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. Choose thin-sliced breasts or cut and pound them to 1/2-inch thickness for even cooking and quick searing. You can also use chicken cutlets for a more refined presentation.


Ingredients for the Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for searing)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sauce)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Delicious Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce (1)

How To Make the Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to make four thinner cutlets. Pound them gently between two sheets of plastic wrap until they are about 1/2-inch thick.

Step 2: Dredge and Sear

Combine flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Lightly dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Sauce

In the same pan, add lemon juice, chicken broth, and wine (if using). Scrape up browned bits from the pan and let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in capers and remaining butter. Simmer another minute to emulsify.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over each piece. Simmer on low for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.


Serving and Storing Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, served over linguine, angel hair pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes. Crusty sourdough or roasted vegetables also pair beautifully.

To store leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave in short intervals to prevent overcooking the chicken. The sauce can be refreshed with a splash of broth or lemon juice.


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Sear it just until golden and finish in the sauce on low heat to keep it moist.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for dredging.

What can I use instead of white wine?

Substitute with extra chicken broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Not ideally. The texture of the sauce can change, but the cooked chicken can be frozen separately.

Can I add garlic?

Absolutely! A minced clove added while deglazing the pan adds depth to the sauce.


Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce, check out these flavor-packed recipes:


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Delicious Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce

Delicious Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce


  • Author: Nina Klatten
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Golden pan-seared chicken cutlets in a bright, buttery lemon caper sauce — Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce is a zesty and elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve over pasta or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.


Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally

0.5 cup all-purpose flour

0.5 teaspoon salt

0.25 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

0.5 cup chicken broth

0.25 cup dry white wine

2 tablespoons capers, drained

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Fresh parsley, chopped


Instructions

1. Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create four thinner cutlets and pound them to 1/2-inch thickness.

2. Combine flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl and dredge the chicken lightly.

3. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet; sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden, then set aside.

4. Deglaze the pan with lemon juice, chicken broth, and white wine. Simmer 2 minutes, scraping browned bits.

5. Stir in capers and 2 tablespoons butter; simmer another minute to emulsify the sauce.

6. Return chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over, and simmer for 2–3 minutes on low. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

• Pound chicken to even thickness for fast, uniform cooking.

• Deglaze with wine or use extra broth for a non-alcoholic version.

• Capers add a salty punch — rinse them if you’re sensitive to salt.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet with sauce
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 470mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: chicken piccata, lemon chicken, chicken dinner, Italian chicken

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