Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata

If you're on the lookout for a zesty and satisfying meal that feels gourmet but is easy enough for a weeknight, Chicken Piccata is your answer. This Italian-American classic combines tender chicken breasts with a tangy lemon and caper sauce that’s both comforting and refreshing. Whether you're cooking for guests or making something special for yourself, this chicken recipe will become a favourite in your kitchen.

What is Chicken Piccata?

Chicken Piccata is a dish where chicken breasts are butterflied, pounded thin, lightly coated in flour, and then pan-fried until golden. The magic, however, lies in the sauce — a vibrant blend of lemon juice, white wine (or chicken broth), capers, and butter. This dish is all about balancing brightness with richness, making chicken the perfect protein to soak up all those bold flavours.

Ingredients You'll Need

To make Chicken Piccata, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• ½ cup plain flour (for dredging)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (around 2 lemons)

• 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

• Lemon slices, for garnish

Each ingredient is essential in elevating the natural flavour of the chicken, giving the dish its signature zing and richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by butterflying the chicken breasts horizontally and cutting them in half to create four thinner cutlets. Place them between sheets of cling film and gently pound them with a rolling pin or meat mallet until about 1cm thick. This ensures even cooking and tender chicken in every bite.

2. Season and Dredge

Season each chicken piece with salt and black pepper on both sides. Dredge the cutlets lightly in flour, shaking off any excess. The flour not only helps brown the chicken, but it also slightly thickens the sauce later on.

3. Sear the Chicken

In a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Do this in batches if needed. Transfer the cooked chicken to a warm plate and cover loosely with foil.

4. Make the Sauce

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. Add a tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift all those lovely brown bits left from the chicken.

Next, stir in the lemon juice and capers. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced. Add the remaining butter and swirl until the sauce is glossy. This sauce adds incredible flavour that enhances the delicate nature of the chicken.

5. Bring it Together

Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the pan, spooning the sauce over them. Let them warm through for about 2 minutes. The chicken will absorb some of the sauce, making each bite tender and flavourful.

6. Garnish and Serve

Transfer the chicken piccata to plates, spoon over the sauce, and garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve with a side of pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed greens to complete the meal. The lightness of the sauce pairs wonderfully with the richness of the chicken.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Piccata

• Don’t skip pounding the chicken – it ensures even cooking.

• Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavour; bottled juice can be too acidic or dull.

• If you don’t want to use wine, chicken broth makes a delicious substitute.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Piccata

This chicken recipe is quick (ready in under 30 minutes), uses simple ingredients, and delivers a restaurant-quality dish at home. It’s the perfect balance of tangy, savoury, and buttery — and most importantly, it brings out the best in the chicken without overpowering it.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Piccata is a timeless recipe that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavour. Whether you're new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds. So next time you have chicken in your fridge and fancy something elegant yet effortless, give this step-by-step recipe a try.

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