Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce

Name: Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 pounds); Salt and black pepper; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 4 tablespoons olive oil; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 1/4 cup capers; Fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish

Recipe By:

Adrianaa

Posted:

May 27, 2025

Updated:

May 27, 2025

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Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce is a delightful dish that embodies the essence of Italian cuisine. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also features tender chicken breasts enveloped in a zesty lemon and caper sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish offers an irresistible combination of flavors that will impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce can be ready in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The tangy lemon and savory capers create a vibrant sauce that enhances the chicken, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.
Elegant Presentation: With its beautiful garnishes, this dish looks as good as it tastes, perfect for entertaining guests.
Versatile Dish: Serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside vegetables for a complete meal that suits various tastes.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and low in carbs, this recipe is a nutritious option without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce successfully, having the right tools at hand is essential. Here’s what you need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large skillet
Meat mallet (optional)
Tongs
Measuring cups
Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

Large skillet: Provides ample space to cook the chicken evenly and makes it easy to create the sauce in the same pan.
Meat mallet: Helps to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, ensuring they cook uniformly.
Tongs: Perfect for flipping the chicken without damaging its surface or losing any of the seasoning.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging

For Cooking

4 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Sauce

1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon slices, for garnish

How to Make Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover it to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Sauce

In the same skillet used for cooking chicken, add the chicken broth and lemon juice.
Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a spatula.
Stir in the capers and simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce slightly.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the sauce.
Whisk until melted and well combined.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over it to coat thoroughly.

Step 5: Serve

Plate each piece of chicken with additional sauce drizzled on top.
Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices for an extra touch of freshness.

Enjoy your delicious Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce!

How to Serve Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce

Serving Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce can elevate your dining experience, making it both delicious and visually appealing. Here are some creative ways to serve this delightful dish.

Classic Presentation

Arrange the chicken breasts on a plate and drizzle them with the lemon sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a vibrant touch.

Family Style

Serve the chicken in a large platter, pouring the lemon sauce over the top. This encourages sharing and adds a rustic charm to your meal.

Over Pasta

Place the chicken piccata atop a bed of cooked pasta, such as angel hair or spaghetti. The sauce will cling to the noodles, creating a tasty combination.

On a Bed of Spinach

For a healthier option, serve the chicken on wilted spinach. The warmth of the chicken will slightly wilt the spinach, adding color and nutrients.

With Crusty Bread

Offer slices of crusty bread on the side to soak up any leftover lemon sauce. This enhances the meal and provides a satisfying texture contrast.

Paired with Wine

Enhance your dining experience by pairing Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. This complements the dish beautifully.

How to Perfect Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce

To make your Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce even more delicious, consider these tips for perfection.

Choose Quality Chicken: Using fresh, organic chicken breasts can greatly enhance flavor and tenderness.
Master Dredging Technique: Ensure you shake off excess flour after dredging; this prevents clumping and promotes an even golden crust.
Control Heat: Maintain medium-high heat while cooking to achieve that perfect golden brown without drying out the chicken.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemons and herbs elevate the dish’s flavor profile compared to dried alternatives.
Don’t Skip Scraping: When making the sauce, scrape up browned bits from the skillet; these add depth and richness to your sauce.
Garnish Generously: Adding fresh parsley and lemon slices not only beautifies your dish but also enhances its freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce

Pairing sides with Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce can complement its vibrant flavors. Here are some excellent options:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting balance to tangy lemon sauce.
Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus spears roasted until tender offer a crunchy contrast that pairs well with chicken.
Risotto: A creamy lemon risotto can echo the citrus notes in your main dish while adding an elegant touch.
Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli adds nutrition without overpowering flavors, making it a healthy choice.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs refreshes each bite of chicken piccata.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in creamy Caesar dressing provides crunch and complements the richness of the dish.
Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any remaining lemon sauce, adding extra flavor to your meal.
Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb alternative, zucchini noodles lightly sautéed in olive oil make an excellent base for chicken piccata.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for.

Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking.
Using cold chicken: Cooking chicken straight from the fridge can result in uneven cooking. Let your chicken breasts sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking.
Overcrowding the pan: Placing too many chicken breasts in the skillet can cause steaming instead of searing. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
Not scraping the skillet: Failing to deglaze the pan after cooking the chicken means missing out on rich flavors. Always scrape up browned bits when making your lemon sauce for added depth.
Rushing the sauce: Allowing the sauce to simmer helps develop flavor. Don’t rush this step; let it reduce slightly before adding butter and returning the chicken.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce in an airtight container.
It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce

You can freeze Chicken Piccata, but it’s best to freeze only the chicken without the sauce.
Wrap each piece of chicken tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place a piece of chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little olive oil or butter and reheat the chicken for about 5 minutes per side until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes! While Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce is traditionally made with chicken, you can substitute veal or even fish like salmon for a different twist on this classic dish.

How do I make Chicken Piccata gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for dredging. The rest of the recipe remains unchanged.

What should I serve with Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce?

This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad. The bright lemon flavors complement simple sides beautifully.

How long does it take to prepare Chicken Piccata?

Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals or elegant dinners.

Can I make Chicken Piccata ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time—like dredging the chicken and making the sauce—then cook just before serving for optimal taste.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce is not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavor that is sure to please any crowd. This versatile recipe allows room for customization; feel free to add capers or herbs according to your preference. Give it a try; you’ll love how simple yet impressive this dish can be!