↑

Will Cook For Smiles

The Best of Homecooking

  • Home
    • About Me
    • Work With Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Subscribe!
  • Recipes
    • Popular Posts
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Healthy Dishes
    • Soup
    • Salad
    • Sandwich
    • Cauliflower
    • Drink
    • Cocktail
  • How To
  • Instant Pot
    • Instant Pot Main Dishes
    • Instant Pot Side Dishes
    • Instant Pot Soups
  • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Chicken
    • Beef
    • Seafood
    • Pork
    • Chili
    • Pasta
    • Slow Cooker
    • Vegetarian
  • Dessert
    • Cheesecake
    • Cake
    • Cookies
    • Chocolate
  • Holidays
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Super Bowl Recipes
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Cinco de Mayo
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • BBQ
    • 4th Of July
    • Fall Recipes
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas Dinner
    • Christmas Baking
    • Holiday Leftover Recipes
    • New Year’s
Home » Dinner » Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata

Created: August 11, 2022 Updated: September 12, 2022 by lyuba 13 Comments

1.2K shares
Jump to Recipe

Chicken Piccata is a classic chicken breast dinner that features lemon butter sauce and lots of capers. It’s simple and takes only about 30 minutes to make. A wonderful weeknight dinner when you want something fancy and easy at the same time.

top view of chicken piccata in sauce on a plate

Chicken Piccata

I love making a good restaurant staple in the comfort of my own kitchen! After all, why should you have to spend $20 on Chicken Piccata at a restaurant when you can make it taste even better at home for a fraction of the price? If you’re intimidated by this entrée, don’t be. There’s really nothing to it!

Chicken Piccata is a great dish not only for easy weeknight dinners with your family, but also for serving at dinner parties. The presentation is beautiful! What’s not to love about a lightly dredged chicken cutlets that are seared until golden and topped with a rich lemon butter sauce. And of course, the capers!

Wondering what does “dredge” mean? To dredge the meat, simply means to lightly coat it in seasoned flour.

Chicken Piccata sauce is a classic in itself. It’s a dreamy combination of garlic, white wine, chicken stock, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, capers, and just a few shakes of salt and pepper. This tangy, buttery, and rich sauce pairs perfectly with the seasoned chicken!

What is Chicken Piccata?

This is an easy chicken breast recipe that features chicken scaloppine, which is thinly sliced chicken cutlets. These chicken cutlets are dredged in seasoned flour mixture and quickly seared in butter and olive oil.

The sauce features an easy but flavorful combination of butter, lemon juice, white wine, and capers. There are a few more ingredients to enhance the flavor like garlic, parsley, and lemon zest.

How to Make Chicken Piccata

ingredients for the chicken piccata

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the chicken:

  • Butter – Unsalted butter is best. The capers add plenty of salty flavor to this recipe, so avoid salted butter.
  • Olive Oil – Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
  • Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are what you need. You’ll need to slice them in half and trim the fat as needed.
  • Flour – All purpose flour is what you’ll need to dredge the chicken in. Use gluten free all purpose flour if needed.
  • Parmesan Cheese – For the best flavor and consistency, use freshly grated parmesan cheese. Check your local deli, as they sometimes have containers of pre-grated fresh parmesan available for purchase.
  • Salt and Black Pepper – Don’t be too heavy handed with salt since there is salt in capers.

For the sauce:

  • Butter
  • Olive Oil
  • Garlic – You can mince or press your garlic. Either way, make sure it’s fresh and not pre-minced. The aroma and flavor of the fresh garlic is key to making good Chicken Piccata!
  • White Wine – Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc of Chardonnay. Do not use a sweet white wine like Riesling, or your sauce will taste sweet.
  • Chicken Stock – when available, use Homemade Chicken Stock.
  • Lemon – You’ll need the juice and zest of fresh lemons. For best results, do not use bottled lemon juice!
  • Capers – This might just be everyone’s favorite Chicken Piccata ingredient! Drain your capers, and feel free to add an extra spoonful or so if desired.
  • Salt and Black Pepper
  • Parsley – For the best aromatic quality, use fresh parsley for garnish.
dredging chicken in flour mixture
dredged chicken cutlets on the board
three dredged chicken cutlets searing in a pan
seared dredged chicken butlers in a pan
garlic searing in butter in a pan
adding whine to the pan with garlic
adding chicken stock to the pan
butter sauce simmering in the pan
adding lemon juice capers and lemon zest
seared chicken cutlets cooking in sauce

Cooking Directions:

Start off by preparing your chicken.

The best way to slice your chicken is by placing on hand on top of the breast. Lift your fingers up, that way they’re out of the way of your knife. Use a sharp knife to slice each breast in half, width-wise. Try to split it evenly down the middle to get matching halves.

Combine the parmesan cheese, flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well. Dip each cutlet in the flour mixture to fully dredge them all over.

Cook the chicken.

Heat the oil in a large pan over medium to medium high heat. Once it’s warmed up, add the butter. Sauté the dredged chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Once the chicken is sautéed on both sides, remove it from the pan.

Make the sauce.

Lower the heat to medium and add a little more olive oil and garlic to the pan. Once the garlic turns golden brown, deglaze the pan with white wine. This adds so much flavor to the sauce!

Stir in the chicken stock and allow it to simmer for a few minutes until the mixture it about half way cooked out.

Add the remaining sauce ingredients to the pan. Bring to a simmer.

Return the cutlets to the pan and continue cooking for a few minutes. Finish the chicken with fresh parsley and serve.

spreading the caper butter lemon sauce over chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

Origins of Chicken Piccata:

This delicious lemon chicken dish originated in Italy. Much like Chicken Marsala, it originally used veal and the original protein of choice. The meaning of “Piccata” is more closely translated as a method of preparations, which means to slice the meat thin, dredge it in flour, and sauté it in butter sauce with lemon.

The chicken versions of both Chicken Piccata and Chicken Marsala were actually created in United States by the Italian immigrants. Chicken was a cheaper cut of meat and much more convenient to use.

What sides go well with Chicken Piccata?

Pasta is the most classic side dish for Chicken Piccata, but many people at restaurants also tend to request mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes. If you want to keep it lighter, serve it with roasted cauliflower or asparagus. Italian roasted asparagus would be great here!

How to make Gluten Free Chicken Piccata?

This recipe is actually very easy to make gluten free without compromising any taste or texture. The only substitution you need to make is using gluten free all purpose flour to dredge the chicken. Remaining ingredients should already be gluten free but, as always, double check the packaging just in case.

More similar chicken breast dinners:

Here are a few more easy Italian chicken dinners you can make on a week nights:

Easy Chicken Marsala

Always the classic Chicken Parmesan

Simple and crispy Chicken Milanese

Rich and creamy Chicken Alfredo

closeup of sliced chicken piccata on the plate

Chicken Piccata

Pin For Later
top view of chicken piccata in sauce on a plate

Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata is a classic chicken breast dinner that features lemon butter sauce and lots of capers. It's simple and takes only about 30 minutes to make.
Print Pin SaveSaved! Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: chicken breast
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 3 (serves 3-4)
Calories: 574kcal
Author: Lyuba Brooke

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour* for dredging
  • 1/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
  • salt
  • black pepper

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves minced or pressed
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 1 zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup capers drained
  • Salt
  • black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh minced parsley
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Prepare the chicken:

  • Place chicken on the cutting board and place your hand on top of the chicken breast. Make sure to lift your fingers up and not curve them down when cutting the chicken.
  • Using a sharp knife, slice each chicken breast in half, width-wise. Try to split it right in the middle to get the halves that are as even as possible. This will ensure similar cook time. Repeat with all the chicken breasts.
  • Combine parmesan cheese, flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix well. Dip each cutlet into the flour mixture to coat it all over.

Cooking the Chicken:

  • Heat up the oil in a large pan over medium to medium-high heat. Add butter and let it melt. Sauté the chicken in two batches to avoid overcrowding the chicken in the pan.
  • Sauté on both sides until chicken is just about done. Take the sautéed cutlets out and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

  • Lower the heat to medium. Add a little more oil and add garlic. Stir and sauté until garlic starts to turn golden brown.
  • Deglaze the pan with wine (use your spatula to scrape the bottom of the pan, it will add more flavor). Stir in the chicken stock and let it simmer a few minutes until the mixture is about half way cooked out.
  • Add lemon juice, lemon zest, capers and some salt and pepper. Bring to simmer.
  • Return cutlets to the pan and cook just a few more minutes.
  • Finish the chicken with fresh minced parsley and serve.

Notes

*Gluten Free – Use Gluten Free all purpose flour instead if you need to make this Chicken Piccata gluten free. Remaining ingredients should already be gluten free but double check the packaging just in case.

Nutrition

Calories: 574kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 118mg | Sodium: 686mg | Potassium: 554mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 700IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 134mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @willcookforsmiles and tag #willcookforsmiles
collage of two closeup images of chicken piccata

LYUBA

ABOUT LYUBA

I’m Lyuba Brooke, mother of 2, the cook, recipe developer, photographer, and author behind willcookforsmiles.com. I share many classic and original recipes, cooking tips, and tutorials. My passion is sharing delicious meals for everyone to try. Read more...

1.2K shares

Filed Under: 30 Minute Meals, Chicken, Dinner, Gluten Free, Popular Posts Tagged With: Easy dinner

All images and text ©Lyubov Brooke for ©Will Cook For Smiles. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If using my posts in collections and features, please link back to this post for the recipe. Disclaimer: Nutrition information shown is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate as most ingredients and brands have variations.

Comments

  1. M C says

    May 25, 2012 at 7:39 pm

    Oh wow, this looks so easy! I love the idea of the parmesan at the beginning, I shall try this. Thanks and hi from the UK 🙂

    Reply
  2. Kayla's Creations says

    May 27, 2012 at 2:09 am

    Oh how I love chicken piccata! Thanks so much for sharing this great recipe at Sunday round up! Have a great week!
    Kayla 🙂

    Reply
  3. Natasha says

    May 28, 2012 at 7:43 pm

    Wow, that looks so delicious! I will be trying this as soon as I can as I know my family would love it!

    If you would like to join in with another weekend linky party, my Say G’Day Saturday link up has begun and I would be thrilled if you could join in!I’m following you too and look forward to reading more of your blog!Best wishes,Natasha in Oz 

    Reply
  4. Recipeswelove1 says

    May 28, 2012 at 7:50 pm

    yum yum yummy

    Reply
  5. WillCookForSmiles says

    May 28, 2012 at 7:54 pm

     Thank you so much!

    Reply
  6. Kimberly Montgomery says

    May 29, 2012 at 3:24 am

    This looks so yummy

    Reply
  7. Claireomara says

    May 29, 2012 at 12:31 pm

    Looks so yummy 🙂

    Reply
  8. Maria @ Feisty Tapas says

    May 29, 2012 at 12:44 pm

     PS-I’ve fixed the alias problem thanks to your blog, it had me looking into it 😉

    Reply
  9. Diane Balch says

    May 30, 2012 at 5:53 pm

    This such a simply good recipe. A real classic thanks for reminding me about it by sharing it on foodie friday. I will pin this.

    Reply
  10. Cathy@My 1929 Charmer says

    May 31, 2012 at 2:52 am

    My favorite meal is anything that includes chicken.  I haven’t made chicken Piccata in such a long time. I like your recipe because it sounds so  much easier than I have made before.  Like that you added the Parmesan cheese in the beginning.  It sounds really good so I’ll be giving it a try.   Thanks for sharing your creative inspiration over at Sunday’s Best!

    Reply
  11. Charlene@A Pinch of Joy says

    June 3, 2012 at 12:42 pm

    Congratulations!!  You
    are featured this week on Busy Monday at A Pinch of Joy! I hope you will stop
    by and grab a Featured Button from the Button Box on the sidebar this afternoon.
    Can’t wait to see what other projects you’ve been working on — hope you will
    link again soon!
     

    Reply
  12. Alex K says

    August 23, 2022 at 10:30 am

    For my picatta I pound the chicken breast pieces out for a much more even cook which also gives me a better crust to chicken ratio. Your sauce recipe is spot on!

    Reply
    • LyubaB says

      August 23, 2022 at 10:56 am

      Thanks, Alex! I am so happy you liked it!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Well, hey there!

I’m Lyuba Brooke, mother of 2, the cook, recipe developer, photographer, and author behind willcookforsmiles.com. I share many classic and original recipes, cooking tips, and tutorials. My passion is sharing delicious meals for everyone to try. Read More.

Soup Recipes

spooning some beef soup from a bowl

Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup

closeup of Italian wedding soup topped with shaved Parmesan

Italian Wedding Soup

closeup image of crab soup in a bowl centered in a photo

She Crab Soup

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Chicken Meatball Soup

closeup of top view of Cioppino in a bowl

Cioppino – Seafood Stew

A bowl of white bean soup is presented with a spoon on a countertop.

White Bean Soup

vegetable broth in two canning jars next to fresh carrots, garlic, and celery

Vegetable Stock

Our Popular Recipes

Instant Pot Chili

top view of blue hawaii cocktail in the glass with pineapple

Blue Hawaii

The Best Homemade Hot Chocolate

closeup view of the martini with olives in a glass

Dirty Martini

The Best Chili Recipe

Shrimp Scampi Meatballs

Top Rated Recipes

The Best French Toast

Cauliflower Parmesan Crisps

Christmas Cheesecake (Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake)

Avocado Salmon Rice Bowl

round decorative bowl filled with apple pie bread pudding topped with ice cream and a fork leaning on the side of the bowl viewed close up.

Apple Pie Bread Pudding

Smores cheesecake on a wooden table

S'Mores Cheesecake Recipe

Sides

30 Min

Pasta

Salads

Breakfast

Drinks

Soups

Gluten Free

FEATURED ON:

featured on

[cp_popup display="inline" style_id="32674" step_id = "1"][/cp_popup]
The Best Classic Tiramisu

The Best Classic Tiramisu

January 14, 2023
Tiramisu...
Baked Ham with Orange Honey Ham Glaze

Baked Ham with Orange Honey Ham Glaze

December 2, 2022
This...
Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata

August 11, 2022
Chicken...
Pad See Ew

Pad See Ew

August 10, 2022
Pad...
Chicken Meatballs

Chicken Meatballs

July 15, 2022
These...
Baba Ganoush

Baba Ganoush

July 1, 2022
Baba...
Painkiller

Painkiller

June 30, 2022
A...
Truffle Fries

Truffle Fries

June 28, 2022
Truffle...
Thai Pineapple Fried Rice

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice

June 21, 2022
Thai...
Strawberry Daiquiri

Strawberry Daiquiri

June 16, 2022
The...
Privacy Policy
©2023, Will Cook For Smiles. Design by Pixel Me Designs