Delicious Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Golden, pan-seared chicken cutlets bathing in a velvety lemon butter sauce—Chicken Piccata is the kind of dish that feels both comforting and elevated. This classic Italian-American recipe balances bright citrus with the briny pop of capers and the richness of a buttery finish, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and dinner parties alike.

Each bite offers a beautiful contrast: lightly crisped chicken with a delicate tang from the lemony sauce, all garnished with fresh parsley and capers that add texture and zing. It comes together surprisingly fast, too—often in less than 30 minutes—making it ideal when you’re short on time but want big, bold flavor.

---

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Chicken Piccata?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the traditional choice for Chicken Piccata. You’ll want to slice them horizontally to create thin cutlets, which cook quickly and evenly. Alternatively, chicken tenders or boneless thighs can also work if pounded to an even thickness, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

---

Ingredients for the Delicious Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce

• Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced or butterflied and pounded for even cooking. These are the base of the dish and provide a mild canvas for the bright sauce.
• Flour: Lightly coats the chicken to help it crisp up in the pan and slightly thicken the sauce.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the flavor of the chicken.
• Olive oil and butter: Used for pan-frying and to build the luscious sauce.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the sauce.
• Chicken broth: Forms the liquid base of the sauce, enhancing the umami.
• Fresh lemon juice: The star ingredient that gives the sauce its signature tang.
• Capers: Briny and punchy, they contrast beautifully with the citrus and butter.
• Parsley: A fresh, vibrant garnish to finish the dish.

---

How To Make the Delicious Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thin cutlets. If needed, gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Dredge in Flour

Lightly dredge each chicken cutlet in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. This helps create a golden crust and slightly thickens the sauce later.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets in a single layer and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.

Step 5: Add Capers and Simmer

Stir in the capers and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Return Chicken to the Pan

Add the chicken back to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes to soak up the flavor.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with your favorite side—like angel hair pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

---

How to Serve and Store Delicious Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce

Chicken Piccata is best served immediately after cooking, while the chicken is still juicy and the sauce is warm and silky. It pairs wonderfully with pasta (especially angel hair or linguine), mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up that vibrant lemon butter sauce. A crisp green salad or roasted asparagus makes an excellent side to round out the meal.

To store leftovers, place the cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. It’s not ideal for freezing, as the texture of the sauce can change, but it can be done if necessary.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Make sure not to overcook the chicken. Thin cutlets only need a few minutes per side. Remove from the pan as soon as they’re golden and cooked through.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it a few hours in advance and gently reheat it. However, it’s best fresh for optimal texture.

What can I use instead of capers?

If you’re not a fan of capers, try chopped green olives or skip them altogether. They add a briny kick, but the dish still tastes great without them.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended for the best flavor. Bottled juice can taste flat or overly acidic.

Is Chicken Piccata gluten-free?

Not as written, since it uses flour for dredging. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute, and be sure to check your broth for dairy ingredients.

---

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If this Delicious Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce hit the spot, you might fall in love with these other flavor-packed chicken dishes from Life with Nina:

• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
• Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
• Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Each one brings its own cozy twist and bold flavor, perfect for easy weeknight meals or casual dinner parties.

---

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready whenever you need a lemony chicken fix.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add extra lemon, serve it with pasta, or make it gluten-free?

I love seeing your versions and creative spins. If you’re on Pinterest, you can find more daily recipes I share right here: Life with Nina on Pinterest.

---

Print