Chicken Piccata Recipe: Classic Italian Lemon Chicken in 25 Minutes
A very familiar chicken recipe to all of us is the Lemon Butter Chicken recipe, which is actually known as Chicken Piccata Recipe and is an Italian recipe. Many people prepare this Chicken Piccata in various ways, but I have brought you the best recipe here, which can be prepared in just 25 minutes. This easy chicken piccata is made with tender pan-seared chicken cutlets, a silky lemon butter caper sauce, and simple pantry ingredients.
It’s a high-protein chicken dinner, naturally low carb, easy to adapt for gluten-free or keto lifestyles, and perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even date-night meals at home. Unlike overly complicated versions, this classic chicken piccata recipe focuses on what actually matters: properly cooked chicken, balanced acidity from fresh lemon juice, rich butter, and the signature briny punch of capers.
So, without further ado, let’s learn this amazing Italian Chicken Piccata recipe, which is the perfect chicken recipe for tonight. It’s also one of my favorite healthy chicken dinner ideas that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Related: Authentic Italian Beef Braciole Recipe
Chicken Piccata Recipe (Classic Italian Lemon Chicken)
This easy Chicken Piccata recipe delivers bold lemon flavor, tender pan-seared chicken, and a silky butter sauce with capers—just like a restaurant classic but made at home. It’s a quick high-protein chicken dinner, perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied & halved)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
For the Piccata Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- ¼ cup capers, drained
- ¼ cup dry white wine (optional but recommended)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
Pat chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Lightly dredge in flour, shaking off excess. - Pan-Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside. - Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in white wine (if using) and simmer 1 minute. - Build the Piccata Flavor
Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced. - Finish the Dish
Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the chicken and simmer for 2 minutes. - Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices. Serve hot.
Notes
- Thin chicken cutlets cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Use fresh lemon juice only—bottled juice dulls the flavor.
- Don’t rinse capers; their briny taste is key to authentic piccata.
- For extra richness, swirl in 1 more tablespoon of butter before serving.
- Pair with pasta, mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, or zucchini noodles.
Variations
- Creamy Chicken Piccata: Add ¼ cup heavy cream to the sauce.
- Keto Chicken Piccata: Skip flour or use almond flour.
- Dairy-Free: Replace butter with vegan butter or olive oil.
- Air Fryer Chicken Piccata: Air fry chicken, then make sauce separately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 413Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 74mgSodium: 1087mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 23g
Related: Italian Timballo Recipe
What Is Chicken Piccata?
Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian-American chicken recipe made with thinly sliced chicken breasts that are lightly dredged, pan-seared, and finished in a bright lemon butter caper sauce. It’s known for its bold flavor, silky texture, and the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and rich—without being heavy.
At its core, chicken piccata is a one-pan chicken dinner that delivers restaurant-quality results at home. The sauce is made using simple, high-impact ingredients: fresh lemon juice, capers, butter, garlic, and chicken broth (or white wine). Together, they create a glossy sauce that coats the chicken instead of drowning it.
While the word “piccata” comes from Italy and traditionally refers to meat that is sliced, sautéed, and served in a lemon-based sauce, the chicken version most people know today evolved in Italian-American kitchens. It keeps the classic technique but adapts it into a quick, affordable, and weeknight-friendly chicken recipe.
In short, chicken piccata is one of those rare dishes that is delicious yet quick to prepare, tastes awesome yet can be healthy, and looks impressive without requiring any special skills.
Related: Sourdough Focaccia Recipe
Everything You Need for the Best Chicken Piccata Recipe
A truly restaurant-style Chicken Piccata recipe doesn’t rely on fancy ingredients—it relies on the right ingredients used the right way.
🍗 Chicken Breast (Boneless, Skinless)
Chicken breast is the foundation of a classic chicken piccata recipe. It’s lean, high in protein, and cooks quickly—making this dish ideal for a healthy chicken dinner or quick weeknight meal.
- Use thin chicken cutlets for even cooking
- Butterflying the chicken prevents dryness
- High-protein, low-fat, budget-friendly protein option
🍋 Fresh Lemon Juice (Non-Negotiable)
Fresh lemon juice is what gives lemon chicken piccata its bright, tangy flavor. Bottled juice flattens the sauce and can taste bitter—this is one place not to cut corners.
- Balances butter and salt perfectly
- Essential for authentic Italian-style piccata
- Adds freshness without extra calories
🧂 Capers (The Signature Ingredient)
Capers bring the unmistakable salty, briny punch that defines classic chicken piccata sauce. They replace the need for heavy seasoning while adding depth.
- Do not rinse—brine = flavor
- Pairs perfectly with lemon and butter
- Low-calorie but high-impact ingredient
🧈 Butter + Olive Oil (Flavor & Texture Balance)
This combination is the secret behind a silky lemon butter piccata sauce. Olive oil prevents burning, while butter adds richness and gloss.
- Use unsalted butter for control
- Extra virgin olive oil adds depth
- Creates restaurant-quality mouthfeel
🌾 All-Purpose Flour (or Gluten-Free Alternative)
A light flour coating helps the chicken brown beautifully and slightly thickens the sauce. This step is optional but highly recommended for restaurant-style chicken piccata.
- Use almond flour for keto chicken piccata
- Use gluten-free flour for celiac-friendly meals
- Only a thin dusting—never heavy breading
🧄 Garlic (Aromatic Base)
Fresh garlic builds the aroma of the sauce and enhances the lemon without overpowering it. Piccata should be bright—not garlicky—but garlic still matters.
🍷 Chicken Broth & Optional White Wine
Chicken broth forms the body of the sauce, while dry white wine (optional) adds complexity. If avoiding alcohol, broth alone still delivers excellent results.
- Use low-sodium broth for control
- Wine adds acidity and depth
- Alcohol cooks off during simmering
Suggested: Creamy Vodka Sauce Recipe
How to Make Chicken Piccata (Step-by-Step)
This easy Chicken Piccata recipe uses simple ingredients, one pan, and proven techniques to create a restaurant-style Italian lemon chicken with a silky lemon butter caper sauce. Follow these steps exactly for juicy chicken, balanced flavor, and perfect results every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets
Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Slice each breast horizontally to create thin cutlets. Thin chicken cooks faster, stays juicy, and is essential for authentic classic Chicken Piccata.
Pat the chicken completely dry, then season both sides with salt, black pepper, and a light touch of garlic powder. Lightly dredge each piece in flour, shaking off excess. This thin coating helps create a golden crust and thickens the lemon piccata sauce naturally.
Step 2: Pan-Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan—this ensures proper browning.
Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. This step builds deep flavor and gives your Italian chicken piccata that restaurant-quality texture. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Lemon Butter Piccata Sauce
In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Pour in dry white wine (optional but highly recommended) and scrape up browned bits from the pan.
Add chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and capers. This combination creates the iconic lemon butter caper sauce that defines a traditional Chicken Piccata recipe. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
Step 4: Return Chicken & Simmer
Return the pan-seared chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce generously over each piece and let everything simmer together for 2 minutes.
This final simmer allows the chicken to absorb the lemony sauce while staying tender. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For extra richness, swirl in a small knob of butter just before turning off the heat.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Finish with freshly chopped parsley and optional lemon slices. Serve immediately while hot.
This easy Chicken Piccata pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, or zucchini noodles, making it a high-protein, low-carb chicken dinner perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.
Related: Creamy Dreamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
Chicken Piccata Variations (Healthy, Keto, Creamy & More)
One of the biggest reasons Chicken Piccata remains a top-rated Italian chicken recipe is its flexibility.
Creamy Chicken Piccata
This creamy chicken piccata recipe is perfect if you love rich, comforting flavors. Adding cream softens the lemon’s acidity while keeping that signature piccata tang.
- Add ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce
- Best served with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes
Keto Chicken Piccata (Low Carb)
This keto chicken piccata variation skips traditional flour while keeping the lemon butter caper sauce intact—making it ideal for low carb and keto diets.
- Use almond flour or skip dredging entirely
- Serve with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles
Gluten-Free Chicken Piccata
A gluten-free chicken piccata recipe is easy to achieve with simple swaps. The sauce is naturally gluten-free, making this a safe option for gluten-sensitive eaters.
- Use rice flour, cornstarch, or gluten-free flour blend
- Pairs well with roasted vegetables or quinoa
Dairy-Free Chicken Piccata
If you’re avoiding dairy, this dairy-free chicken piccata still delivers bold lemon flavor using olive oil instead of butter.
- Replace butter with extra virgin olive oil
- Bright, clean flavor with fewer calories
Air Fryer Chicken Piccata
This air fryer chicken piccata is perfect for busy nights. The chicken cooks quickly and evenly while the sauce is prepared on the stovetop.
- Air fry chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes
- Less oil, same crispy texture
Chicken Piccata with Thighs
Using thighs creates a juicier, more forgiving version of classic chicken piccata. It’s ideal for beginners and meal prep.
- Cook slightly longer for tender results
- Great for budget-friendly meals
Suggested: Pozole Recipe
What to Serve with Chicken Piccata
Chicken Piccata is bright, lemony, buttery, and slightly briny from capers—so the best side dishes are ones that balance acidity, soak up the sauce, and complement the protein without overpowering it.
🍝 Pasta Sides
Pasta is the #1 side dish for chicken piccata because it absorbs the lemon butter caper sauce beautifully.
- Angel hair or spaghetti (best for soaking up sauce)
- Fettuccine or linguine for a restaurant-style presentation
- Whole wheat or protein pasta for a healthier dinner option
🥔 Potatoes (Comfort Food Favorite)
Potatoes add richness and make chicken piccata feel like a complete, satisfying comfort meal.
- Creamy mashed potatoes (classic and crowd-pleasing)
- Garlic roasted baby potatoes
- Cauliflower mash for a low-carb or keto-friendly dinner
🥦 Vegetable Side Dishes (Healthy)
For a healthy chicken piccata meal, vegetables are the perfect pairing. They keep the meal light while adding texture and nutrition—ideal for high-protein and low-calorie dinner plans.
- Roasted asparagus or green beans
- Sautéed spinach with garlic
- Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts
- Zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a low-carb Italian-style dinner
🥖 Bread & Simple Sides (Sauce Lovers)
Chicken piccata has a bold, silky lemon butter sauce—and honestly, you don’t want to waste a drop.
- Crusty Italian bread or baguette
- Garlic bread or buttered toast
- Simple arugula salad with olive oil & lemon
How to Choose the Best Side for Chicken Piccata
👉 Want classic Italian? Go with pasta.
👉 Want comfort food? Choose mashed or roasted potatoes.
👉 Eating healthy or low-carb? Pick roasted vegetables or cauliflower mash.
👉 Hosting guests? Add bread + salad for a restaurant-style plate.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Piccata
Chicken Piccata is made with thinly sliced chicken breast cutlets that are lightly dredged in flour, pan-seared until golden, and finished in a lemon butter caper sauce. Classic ingredients include fresh lemon juice, capers, butter, olive oil, garlic, and chicken broth. This combination creates a high-protein Italian chicken dinner that is both light and flavorful.
Chicken Piccata is best described as an Italian-American recipe. While the cooking style comes from Italy, traditional Italian piccata usually uses veal. The chicken version became popular in American kitchens because it’s affordable, easy to cook, and fits perfectly into quick homemade Italian chicken recipes.
Yes, Chicken Piccata can be a healthy chicken dinner when prepared correctly. It’s naturally high in protein, low in sugar, and can easily be made low carb or gluten-free. For a lighter version, reduce the butter slightly and serve it with vegetables or cauliflower mash instead of pasta.
Absolutely. Chicken Piccata tastes amazing even without wine. You can replace white wine with extra chicken broth and a small splash of lemon juice. This keeps the sauce bright and flavorful while making the recipe family-friendly and perfect for anyone avoiding alcohol.
A bitter Chicken Piccata sauce usually happens when too much lemon juice is added or the sauce is cooked at very high heat. To fix this, lower the heat and add a small knob of butter to balance the acidity. Using fresh lemon juice instead of bottled juice also makes a big difference.
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and stay extra juicy. However, chicken breasts are more traditional and cook faster. If you’re looking for a lean, high-protein chicken recipe, chicken breasts are usually the better choice.
Chicken Piccata is great for meal prep for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove or microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. This makes it ideal for easy weeknight dinners and lunch planning.
Chicken Piccata pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. For a low-carb option, serve it with zucchini noodles or steamed broccoli. The lemon butter sauce works best with sides that can soak up the flavor.
Yes, simply replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free, making this one of the easiest gluten-free Italian chicken recipes to prepare at home.
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