Name: Tasty Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided); 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth; 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 1/4 cup capers (rinsed and drained); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped); Lemon slices for garnish

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If you’ve been on the lookout for a dish that brilliantly balances tangy, buttery, and savory flavors with tender chicken, you are going to love this Tasty Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for guests yet comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The bright lemon sauce combined with capers delivers a zesty punch that elevates the simple chicken breasts into something truly memorable and delightful.

Tasty Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Tasty Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that are pantry staples yet come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and beautiful textures. Each component plays a vital role, from the golden, crispy coating on the chicken to the tangy, silky sauce that ties everything together.

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pounded to an even thickness for quick, uniform cooking and a tender bite.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Creates a light coating that crisps beautifully when seared.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish without overpowering.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a subtle, warming kick.
3 tablespoons olive oil: For a golden sear and depth of flavor.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): Provides richness and a silky mouthfeel in the sauce.
3 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and adds acidity and complexity.
3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce savory and light.
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: The star ingredient, giving the dish its bright citrus punch.
1/4 cup capers (rinsed and drained): Adds a delightful salty, briny pop in every bite.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped): Brings a fresh herbal note and vibrant color.
Lemon slices for garnish: Enhances the presentation and an extra hint of citrus aroma.

How to Make Tasty Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness; this ensures they cook evenly and remain juicy throughout. Next, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish and dredge the chicken pieces in this mixture, coating them lightly but thoroughly. This step creates the crispy golden crust that is iconic to chicken piccata.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and half of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are nearly cooked through. Then, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. This sizzling sear is what locks in flavor and moisture.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add the minced garlic, frying gently until fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Next, add the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and capers, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes to reduce and intensify the flavors, whisking in the butter at the end to give the sauce a smooth, glossy finish.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the luscious lemon sauce over them. Let everything cook together for another minute or two so the chicken absorbs some of the sauce’s brightness. Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and garnish with lemon slices. Your Tasty Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce Recipe is ready to serve and impress!

How to Serve Tasty Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley and thin lemon slices add a pop of color and freshness that perfectly complement the tangy, buttery sauce. The lemon slices not only look beautiful but also invite guests to add a little extra citrus zing if they want. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper right before serving can also enhance the dish’s depth.

Side Dishes

This chicken piccata pairs wonderfully with light sides that soak up the sauce. Try fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or buttery egg noodles for a comforting base. Steamed or roasted green vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli add freshness and crunch to complete the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming dinner presentation, serve the chicken on a large platter with sauce spooned generously over each piece and scattered capers peeking out. Add lemon wedges on the side for a DIY zest boost. You could also plate individual servings atop a bed of linguine to make it a pasta dinner full of sauce and tender chicken goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tasty Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the chicken and sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor, but avoid over-soaking the chicken to keep it from becoming mushy.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze leftovers, place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. It’s best to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the sauce’s texture and the chicken’s tenderness.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low-medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Microwave reheating works too, but be careful not to overcook; warming slowly helps keep the chicken juicy and the sauce silky.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can work beautifully in this recipe if you prefer a moister, richer cut. Just adjust the cooking time slightly longer to ensure they’re cooked through.

Do I have to use white wine in the sauce?

Not at all. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, substituting dry white wine with chicken broth works just as well and keeps the sauce flavorful and tangy.

What’s the best way to pound chicken breasts evenly?

Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable bag, then gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they’re about 1/2 inch thick. This evens out cooking and helps tenderize the meat.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

You can make the lemon sauce in advance and reheat it gently when ready to serve. However, adding the butter at the end fresh is best for the smoothest texture and glossy finish.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for dredging. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Tasty Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce Recipe is truly one of my favorite go-to dishes when I crave something bright, comforting, and endlessly satisfying. The combination of crispy chicken, tangy lemon, briny capers, and buttery sauce is a match made in culinary heaven. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and see just how effortlessly this dish can become a treasured classic in your own kitchen!

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Tasty Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 13 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This Chicken Piccata recipe features tender, boneless chicken breasts lightly dredged in flour and pan-seared to golden perfection. It’s served with a bright, tangy lemon sauce infused with capers and garlic, finished with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a vibrant and zesty flavor. Perfect for an elegant weeknight dinner or special occasion, this classic Italian-American dish is quick to prepare yet full of bold flavors.

Instructions

Prepare Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly. In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each chicken breast evenly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1.5 tablespoons of the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the dredged chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Make Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Deglaze the pan by pouring in the dry white wine (or chicken broth if avoiding alcohol), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and rinsed capers. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced. Whisk in the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of butter until the sauce is smooth and glossy.
Finish Dish: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the lemon-caper sauce over them, and heat for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm through. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top and garnish with lemon slices before serving.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour.
Dry white wine enhances the flavor but can be replaced entirely with chicken broth.
Do not overcook the chicken to keep it moist and tender.
Capers add a salty tang; rinse them well if you want a milder taste.
Serve with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing and Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American