Best Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce – Easy 30-Minute Recipe

Name: Best Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce - Easy 30-Minute Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: For the Chicken:; 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds), butterflied and cut in half; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour for dredging; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; For the Lemon Sauce:; 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (approximately 2 lemons); 1 cup chicken broth or stock; 1/4 cup dry white wine (substitute with additional broth if preferred); 3 tablespoons capers, drained; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 shallot, finely diced (optional); 3 tablespoons butter, cold and cut into pieces; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Lemon slices for garnish

by basmer

3 de May de 2025

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Best Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce - Easy 30-Minute Recipe

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Are you craving a restaurant-quality dinner that’s surprisingly simple to make at home? Look no further than this chicken piccata with lemon sauce recipe! This Italian-American classic features golden-brown chicken cutlets smothered in a bright, tangy sauce that’s perfectly balanced with butter, lemon, and briny capers. Ready in just 30 minutes, this chicken piccata with lemon sauce dish is perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Piccata

Ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights!
Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry
Restaurant-quality results without the restaurant price tag
Versatile serving options – pairs beautifully with pasta, potatoes, or vegetables
Impressive enough for guests but easy enough for beginners
Perfect balance of flavors – tangy, savory, and buttery all in one dish

The secret to the best chicken piccata with lemon sauce lies in its perfect balance of flavors. The bright acidity from fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness of butter, while capers add that distinctive briny pop that makes piccata so irresistible. According to The Mediterranean Dish, authentic chicken piccata with lemon sauce is an Italian-American adaptation of a traditional veal dish, making it more accessible while maintaining that classic Mediterranean flavor profile. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients for Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce

The perfect chicken piccata with lemon sauce starts with quality ingredients. According to Cooking Classy, the key components that make this dish shine are the thinly sliced chicken breasts, tangy lemon juice, and briny capers.

For the Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds), butterflied and cut in half
1/2 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter

For the Lemon Sauce:

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (approximately 2 lemons)
1 cup chicken broth or stock
1/4 cup dry white wine (substitute with additional broth if preferred)
3 tablespoons capers, drained
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, finely diced (optional)
3 tablespoons butter, cold and cut into pieces
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon slices for garnish

For the best results, Salt & Lavender recommends using freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled varieties, as it provides a cleaner, brighter flavor that defines authentic chicken piccata with lemon sauce.

How to Make Chicken Piccata – Step by Step

Creating perfect chicken piccata with lemon sauce is all about technique. Let’s break down the process:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by placing each chicken breast between plastic wrap and using a meat mallet to pound to an even 1/4-inch thickness. This step is crucial for ensuring quick, even cooking and tender results. If your chicken breasts are large, butterfly them first by slicing horizontally, then pound each piece. According to The Cozy Cook, properly pounded chicken is the foundation of authentic chicken piccata with lemon sauce.

Step 2: Season and Dredge

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels – this helps the coating adhere better and creates a beautiful golden crust. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces (working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding) and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a warm plate and cover loosely with foil.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Sauce

In the same pan with all those flavorful browned bits, add the minced garlic and diced shallot (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – this is where all the flavor lives!

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Add the chicken broth and lemon juice to the pan, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Allow the sauce to reduce by about half, which should take 5-7 minutes. Stir in the capers. Reduce the heat to low and add the cold butter pieces one at a time, whisking continuously until the sauce becomes silky and slightly thickened. This technique, known as “mounting with butter” according to Spend With Pennies, is essential for creating the velvety texture of classic chicken piccata with lemon sauce.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over each piece. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes to warm through. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Chicken Piccata

Creating perfect chicken piccata with lemon sauce is all about technique. Here are some expert tips to elevate your dish:

Use fresh lemon juice – the bottled kind simply doesn’t compare and can make your sauce taste bitter
Don’t skip pounding the chicken – it ensures even cooking and tender meat
Save the pasta water if serving with pasta – a splash can help loosen the sauce if needed
Balance the lemon flavor – if too tart, add a bit more broth or a touch of cream
Cold butter is key for finishing the sauce – it creates that silky, velvety texture without separating
Don’t overcook the chicken – it can become dry; remove it at 165°F internal temperature

Professional chefs from The Modern Proper recommend using the “pan sauce” method for chicken piccata with lemon sauce, which involves scraping up the flavorful browned bits (fond) from cooking the chicken to create a more complex, rich sauce. This technique is what separates restaurant-quality piccata from home versions.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Piccata

Chicken piccata with lemon sauce is traditionally served over pasta, but there are many delicious ways to enjoy this versatile dish:

Over angel hair pasta or linguine – the thin noodles are perfect for soaking up the sauce
Alongside mashed potatoes – the creamy texture pairs wonderfully with the tangy sauce
With roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for a lighter option
Over creamy polenta for a hearty, comforting meal
With a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce

According to culinary experts at Taste of Home, the bright, tangy nature of chicken piccata with lemon sauce pairs exceptionally well with starchy sides that can absorb the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, add a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

Nutritional Information for Chicken Piccata

One serving of chicken piccata with lemon sauce (without pasta) contains approximately:

Calories: 380 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fat: 23g (8g saturated)
Sodium: 720mg
Fiber: <1g

This dish is relatively high in protein and moderate in carbs, making it a balanced option that can fit into many eating plans.

Storage & Leftovers

Chicken piccata makes excellent leftovers! Store any remaining chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

For best results, store the chicken and sauce separately from any pasta or sides.

FAQs for Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce

Can I make chicken piccata without capers?

Yes! While capers provide that signature briny flavor, you can substitute with finely chopped green olives or simply omit them altogether for a more straightforward lemon butter sauce.

What can I use instead of white wine in chicken piccata?

You can substitute the white wine with additional chicken broth, or for extra tang, use 1/4 cup broth plus 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for piccata?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They’re naturally more tender and forgiving, though you’ll still want to pound them to an even thickness.

How do I keep my chicken piccata sauce from breaking?

The key is adding cold butter at the end, one piece at a time, while whisking continuously over low heat. Never boil the sauce after adding the butter.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy this chicken piccata with lemon sauce, try these other delicious recipes:

Creamy Tuscan Chicken – rich, creamy, and loaded with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta – another quick, lemony delight for seafood lovers
Chicken Marsala – featuring a rich wine sauce and mushrooms
Easy Chicken Parmesan – the ultimate Italian-American comfort food
Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken – perfect for weekend family dinners

Conclusion

This chicken piccata with lemon sauce recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. The bright, tangy sauce perfectly complements the golden, tender chicken for a dish that satisfies every time. Food historian and cookbook author Giada De Laurentiis considers chicken piccata one of the most beloved Italian-American adaptations, reflecting how immigrant cuisine evolves to incorporate local ingredients while maintaining traditional techniques.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or hosting a special gathering, this classic chicken piccata with lemon sauce recipe is sure to impress. For more authentic Italian recipes, explore resources at Serious Eats, where you’ll find expert techniques and cultural context for many Mediterranean favorites.

Now that you know how to make the best chicken piccata with lemon sauce, you can enjoy this gourmet dish any night of the week. The combination of crispy, golden chicken and that irresistible lemon-butter-caper sauce is guaranteed to become a regular request in your home.