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Easy Chicken Piccata

Easy Chicken Piccata

This Easy Chicken Piccata recipe delivers a tangy, tender, and flavorful meal featuring juicy pan-fried chicken breasts in a luscious lemon-caper sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and is beloved by families for its fresh, zesty taste and simple preparation with pantry staples.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)

Cooking Fats

  • 2 tablespoons butter (or plant-based spread for dairy-free)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Gently pound the boneless chicken breasts until they are about a half-inch thick to ensure even cooking and tenderness. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge the pieces in flour, shaking off any excess.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot and melted, add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside to finish cooking in the sauce.
  3. Make the Piccata Sauce: In the same pan, pour in the fresh lemon juice, chicken broth, and add the capers. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the chicken for extra flavor. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes to slightly reduce and meld the citrusy, briny flavors.
  4. Finish the Dish: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. Simmer for another 3-5 minutes to blend flavors and ensure the chicken is cooked through. Turn off the heat, stir in the fresh chopped parsley, and add a small pat of butter for a silky finish to the sauce.

Notes

  • Perfect thickness: Pounding the chicken evenly helps it cook uniformly and stay tender.
  • Fresh lemon juice is essential for the brightest and most authentic flavor.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; cook the chicken in batches if needed to maintain a nice crust.
  • Use medium-high heat to achieve a golden sear without burning.
  • Choose brined capers for signature saltiness and texture.
  • Reserve pan drippings and deglaze carefully to capture all the flavor from browned bits.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: chicken piccata, lemon chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, family meal, chicken breasts, lemon-caper sauce, gluten free option