Zesty Homemade Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce Recipe

Tucked away in my grandmother’s cherished cookbook, chicken piccata with lemon sauce became a secret family treasure.

Mediterranean influences dance through this delightful Italian-inspired dish.

Bright citrus notes perfectly complement the tender, golden-brown chicken.

Succulent meat gets dressed in a tangy, buttery sauce that sings with zesty flavors.

Wine-splashed pan juices create an elegant backdrop for this classic preparation.

Crisp capers add delightful bursts of briny excitement to each delectable bite.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this incredible recipe.

Chicken Piccata Cooking Tips for Best Results

• Slice Smartly: Cut chicken breasts horizontally to ensure even, thin cutlets that cook quickly and consistently.
• Flour Power: Create a flavor-packed coating by mixing garlic powder and paprika into the flour mixture for extra depth and color.
• Perfect Pan Technique: Use a combination of olive oil and butter for browning chicken, which adds rich flavor and prevents burning.
• Temperature Control: Cook chicken over medium-high heat to achieve a golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
• Sauce Success: Reserve some pan drippings when making the lemon sauce to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Save and Serve Chicken Piccata Later

• Store leftover chicken piccata in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm chicken over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying, cooking for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, checking to avoid overcooking.
• Keep remaining lemon sauce separately in a sealed container, adding it fresh when reheating to maintain its bright, zesty flavor.

What Tastes Best with Chicken Piccata

• Select a crisp, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy lemon sauce and cut through the richness of the chicken.
• Create a creamy parmesan risotto with fresh parsley and thyme to balance the bright, lemony flavors and provide a luxurious side dish.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, capers, and shaved parmesan to echo the piccata's citrusy profile and add fresh texture.
• Grill asparagus spears with olive oil, sea salt, and a sprinkle of lemon zest to mirror the dish's bright, herbaceous notes and provide a vibrant vegetable accompaniment.

Try These Variations on Chicken Piccata

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free cornmeal for dredging, ensuring crispy texture without gluten.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap chicken with firm tofu or seitan, using the same seasoning blend and cooking technique for a plant-based protein option.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip flour coating entirely and use crushed pork rinds or grated parmesan cheese as a light, crispy exterior for chicken cutlets.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil, and use dairy-free margarine to maintain the rich flavor profile while accommodating lactose-intolerant dietary needs.

FAQs for Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce

• What does piccata mean?

Piccata is an Italian cooking method where meat is sliced thin, dredged in flour, and quickly sautéed, then served with a tangy lemon-butter sauce.

• Why do I need to slice chicken breasts horizontally?

Slicing chicken breasts horizontally creates thinner, more even cutlets that cook quickly and evenly, ensuring tender and juicy meat with a crispy exterior.

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with veal or turkey cutlets, which work well with the same cooking technique and lemon sauce.

• What does dredging mean in cooking?

Dredging is the process of coating food (in this case, chicken) in seasoned flour before cooking, which helps create a crispy, golden-brown exterior and adds flavor to the meat.

Why Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce Is So Popular

• Simple ingredients like lemon, flour, and basic spices transform ordinary chicken into a zesty, restaurant-worthy entrée that impresses without requiring professional cooking skills.
• Uses affordable chicken breasts and pantry staples to create a sophisticated meal that tastes expensive but costs pennies compared to dining out.
• Equally suitable for casual family dinners or sophisticated dinner parties, this recipe adapts seamlessly to different dining scenarios while satisfying diverse taste preferences.

What Goes Into Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that becomes tender and golden when cooked, best when thin and evenly sliced for quick, even cooking.

• All-Purpose Flour, Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Create a flavorful and crispy exterior for the chicken, with each spice adding depth and complexity to the coating.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich flavor and help achieve a golden-brown crust on the chicken, with butter adding a luxurious taste and olive oil preventing burning.

How to Prepare Chicken Piccata Without the Fuss

Slice and Prepare Chicken

Cut chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thin, even cutlets. Use a sharp knife and steady hand to slice through the middle of each breast, creating delicate pieces that will cook quickly and evenly.

Mix Seasoned Flour Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Whisk these ingredients together to create a flavorful, even coating for the chicken.

Dredge Chicken in Seasoned Flour

Carefully coat each chicken cutlet in the seasoned flour mixture. Gently shake off any excess flour to ensure a light, crispy exterior when cooked.

Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a combination of olive oil and butter to create a rich, golden cooking surface. Carefully place the flour-coated chicken cutlets into the hot pan.

Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown color develops. The chicken should be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Remove the cooked chicken and set aside on a clean plate, keeping it warm while preparing the sauce.

Chicken Piccata With Lemon Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty chicken piccata dances with tangy lemon sauce, creating a Mediterranean-inspired culinary masterpiece. Crispy golden chicken meets a bright, velvety sauce that promises pure comfort and delightful flavor in every single bite.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 boneless thighs)

Seasoning and Coating:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) white wine
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Transform plump chicken breasts into delicate cutlets by carefully slicing them horizontally, creating uniform thin pieces.
2. Craft a seasoned coating by combining flour with aromatic salt, freshly ground black pepper, zesty garlic powder, and vibrant paprika in a wide, shallow dish.
3. Gently coat each chicken cutlet in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even layer while delicately shaking off any excess powder.
4. Prepare a skillet with a harmonious blend of olive oil and butter, heating over medium-high temperature until the fat shimmers and becomes fragrant.
5. Carefully place the flour-dusted chicken cutlets into the hot skillet, allowing them to sizzle and develop a golden, crispy exterior for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side.
6. Once the chicken achieves a beautiful bronzed color and is thoroughly cooked, transfer the cutlets to a clean serving plate, keeping them warm and ready for the next stage of preparation.

Notes

• Butterfly the chicken breasts carefully to ensure even cooking and tender texture.
• Use a meat mallet to gently pound cutlets to uniform thickness, preventing uneven cooking spots.
• For gluten-free option, replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch to maintain crispy coating.
• Add fresh chopped parsley or capers to enhance the lemon sauce’s brightness and introduce extra flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg