Tender chicken cutlets in a bright, lemony caper sauce come together in just 20 minutes, making this elegant Italian-American dish perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress. The secret is keeping everything simple and letting the fresh flavors shine.
Did You Know?
Piccata means 'thin sliced' in Italian, referring to the way the chicken is pounded thin&block for quick, even cooking. The bright lemon and briny caper sauce is a classic preparation that works equally well with veal, fish, or pork.
Pro Tips
Pound your chicken to uniform thinness (about ½ inch) so it cooks through in minutes without drying out. A light flour coating adds minimal fuss while helping create a golden exterior. The sauce comes together in the same panâdeglaze with lemon juice and broth to capture all those flavorful browned bits.
Storage & Meal Prep
Chicken piccata is best served fresh, but leftovers keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. You can reheat gently in the pan over low heat with a splash of broth to refresh the sauce. Don't overcook when reheating.
What to Serve With
- Angel hair or linguine pasta
- Roasted asparagus or broccoli
- Creamy polenta
- A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio
- Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute the capers?
Capers are essential for authentic flavor, but you can use green olives if needed. Some cooks add sun-dried tomatoes for richness, though this changes the classic profile.
Q: What if I can't find thin-sliced chicken?
Buy chicken breasts and pound them yourself with a meat mallet to achieve the thin cutlets necessary for quick, even cooking.
Capers are essential for authentic flavor, but you can use green olives if needed. Some cooks add sun-dried tomatoes for richness, though this changes the classic profile.
Q: What if I can't find thin-sliced chicken?
Buy chicken breasts and pound them yourself with a meat mallet to achieve the thin cutlets necessary for quick, even cooking.
Watch How to Make This
The Secret to My Irresistible Chicken Piccata
Ingredients
Method
- Slice chicken into cutlets and season with salt and pepper.
- Season flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. Dredge chicken in the seasoned flour.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat add olive oil. Brown the chicken in batches on each side (don't cook all the way through).
- Turn heat to medium-low. Add capers and wine. Simmer until wine reduces by half.
- Add lemon juice, chicken stock, and cold butter. Swirl pan until butter melts.
- Return chicken to pan. Simmer about 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh Italian parsley. Serve with your favorite side dish.
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