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Golden-brown Chicken Piccata in a lemon butter sauce with capers and fresh parsley.

Zesty Chicken Piccata in 20 Minutes

A dazzlingly delicious meal ready in under 20 minutes. This recipe features tender, golden-brown chicken cutlets draped in a glossy, butter-rich sauce that's alive with the tang of fresh lemon and the salty pop of capers, making it a perfect weeknight showstopper.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Italian-American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1.5 lbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/3 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
  • 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 large lemon, juiced about 3-4 tablespoons
  • 3 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Meat mallet or heavy pan
  • Plastic wrap
  • Shallow dish
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Citrus juicer
  • Paper towels
  • Plate

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Chicken: If not already thin, place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to 1/4-inch thickness. Pat completely dry with paper towels and season generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Dredge the Chicken: Place flour in a shallow dish. Press each chicken cutlet into the flour to coat both sides lightly, shaking off any excess.
  3. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once foaming, add two chicken cutlets and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken.
  4. Deglaze the Pan: Reduce heat to medium. Pour the white wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let it bubble and reduce by half, about 1 minute.
  5. Build the Sauce: Add the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and slightly thicken.
  6. Finish the Dish: Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, the drained capers, and half of the chopped parsley. Swirl the pan until the butter is fully melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Serve: Return the chicken to the pan, turning to coat with the sauce. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Tips for Success: For the best sear, ensure the pan is hot and don't overcrowd it; cook chicken in batches. Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a vibrant flavor. To prevent the sauce from breaking, remove the pan from the heat before swirling in the final two tablespoons of butter.
Variations: For a richer sauce, add a tablespoon of heavy cream at the end. For a nutty flavor, brown the butter before starting. Add minced shallots, halved cherry tomatoes, or chopped artichoke hearts for extra flavor.
Substitutions: Veal cutlets or firm fish can be used instead of chicken. For a non-alcoholic version, replace wine with more chicken broth and an extra teaspoon of lemon juice. Use a gluten-free flour blend for a GF option or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.