The BEST Chicken Piccata Recipe

The BEST Chicken Piccata Recipe: Zesty Italian Elegance at Home

Mastering this delectable chicken piccata transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something extraordinary.

Zesty lemons and briny capers dance across tender chicken breasts, creating a symphony of flavors.

Classic Italian-inspired dishes rarely feel this accessible and delightful.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between tangy and rich sensations.

Mediterranean influences shine through in this simple yet elegant meal.

Home cooks can easily replicate restaurant-quality results with minimal ingredients.

You’ll fall in love with how quickly this recipe comes together, making dinner both impressive and stress-free.

Flavor Variations For Chicken Piccata Dish

  • Gluten-Free Chicken Piccata: Replace flour with almond flour or gluten-free cornmeal. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for coating and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms. Cut into cutlet-like pieces and follow the same breading and cooking technique for a plant-based version.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use olive oil instead of butter. Substitute parmesan with nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor. Replace dairy ingredients with coconut oil or vegan butter alternatives.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Use crushed pork rinds or ground almonds instead of flour for coating. Skip traditional breading and directly season chicken with herbs and spices for a keto-friendly approach.

Pairing Suggestions For Chicken Piccata

  • Elegant Plating Paradise: Arrange chicken pieces on a pristine white plate, drizzling sauce artfully around and over the golden-brown cutlets for a restaurant-quality presentation.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the bright, tangy chicken piccata with a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that enhances the lemony sauce's zesty notes.
  • Sidekick Sensations: Serve alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or al dente angel hair pasta to soak up the delectable pan sauce and create a complete meal.
  • Leftover Love: Transform remaining chicken piccata into a gourmet sandwich the next day, using crusty ciabatta bread and adding fresh arugula for extra texture and flavor.

Storage Advice For Chicken Piccata

  • Store chicken piccata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken and sauce together to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Carefully place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring all air is removed to prevent freezer burn.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally and heat until the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

FAQs

  • What is the purpose of dredging the chicken in flour and parmesan?

Dredging helps create a crispy, golden exterior on the chicken. The flour and parmesan mixture forms a protective coating that seals in moisture and adds a delicious flavor and texture to the chicken.

  • Why is it important to scrape up brown bits from the pan?

Brown bits (called fond) contain concentrated flavor from caramelized chicken and are packed with delicious taste. By scraping these bits into the sauce, you’re adding depth and richness to the overall dish.

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

Dry white wines like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio work best. Avoid sweet wines as they can make the sauce too sugary and disrupt the balance of flavors in chicken piccata.

Best Chicken Piccata Flavors And Ingredients

  • Quicken Weeknight Dining: Whip up a gourmet chicken dish with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality meal.
  • Master Flavor Complexity: Elevate home cooking by creating a rich, tangy sauce using wine, lemon, and capers that delivers sophisticated taste with simple technique and minimal culinary expertise.
  • Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows flexible serving options like pairing with pasta, rice, or salad, making it perfect for different preferences and dietary needs while maintaining delicious results.
  • Impressive Entertaining Option: Looks and tastes like a professional chef prepared it, yet simple enough for home cooks to confidently serve at dinner parties or special family gatherings without stress.

Ingredients For The Best Chicken Piccata

Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender meat that serves as the main star of this delicious piccata dish.
Coating:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Parmesan Cheese: A classic combination that creates a crispy and flavorful exterior for the chicken.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Butter, Olive Oil: Provide rich flavor and help create a golden-brown crust on the chicken.
  • White Wine: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce with its acidic and aromatic qualities.
  • Chicken Stock: Provides a savory liquid base for the sauce.
  • Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, tangy element that is characteristic of piccata.
  • Capers: Small pickled flower buds that offer a briny, salty punch to the sauce.
  • Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish.
  • Fresh Parsley: A green herb that provides a fresh garnish and subtle herbal note.
  • Cornstarch (Optional): Helps thicken the sauce if needed.
  • Water (Optional): Used to mix with cornstarch for sauce thickening.

Step-By-Step Chicken Piccata Cooking

Step-By-Step Chicken Piccata Cooking

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Coating

Mix flour and parmesan cheese in a shallow bowl.

Season chicken with salt and pepper.

Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, shaking off excess coating.

Let the chicken rest momentarily.

Step 2: First Batch Chicken Frying

Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place two chicken pieces into the hot pan.

Cook until golden brown on each side, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked through.

This typically takes 3-4 minutes per side depending on chicken thickness.

Transfer cooked chicken to a warm plate.

Step 3: Complete Chicken Frying

Melt additional butter and olive oil in the same skillet.

Fry remaining chicken pieces until beautifully browned on both sides.

Move these pieces to the plate with the first batch.

Step 4: Create Flavor Base

In the same pan, melt another tablespoon of butter.

Sauté garlic until wonderfully fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Pour in wine and bring to a boil.

Scrape up delicious browned bits from the pan bottom to enhance sauce flavor.

Continue cooking until wine reduces significantly.

Step 5: Build Sauce Complexity

Add chicken stock, lemon juice, and capers to the pan.

Let the mixture boil and reduce slightly, approximately 6 minutes.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Drop remaining butter into the pan, allowing it to melt completely.

Return chicken pieces to the skillet, including any accumulated juices.

Simmer for 5 minutes to warm chicken thoroughly and marry flavors.

Step 7: Final Presentation

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken.

Serve immediately, offering extra parmesan cheese on the side for guests who desire additional flavor.

Bonus Sauce Rescue Tip:

If sauce seems thin, create a quick cornstarch slurry.

Mix cornstarch with water until smooth.

During sauce reduction, whisk the slurry into the center of the pan.

This will help thicken the sauce quickly and seamlessly.

Tips For Perfect Chicken Piccata Every Time

  • Gently pat chicken dry with paper towels before dredging to ensure the flour mixture sticks evenly and creates a crispy golden coating.
  • Choose chicken breasts sliced thinly or butterflied to guarantee quick, even cooking and prevent tough, dry meat.
  • Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect golden-brown chicken without burning the delicate flour coating or creating bitter flavors.
  • Scrape browned bits from the pan while deglazing with wine to incorporate rich, caramelized chicken flavors into the sauce.
  • If sauce remains runny, quickly mix cornstarch with water and whisk into boiling liquid to create a smooth, restaurant-quality consistency without altering the dish's original taste.
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The BEST Chicken Piccata Recipe

The BEST Chicken Piccata Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent chicken piccata dances with zesty lemon and capers, creating a Mediterranean melody of flavor. Crisp, golden-brown chicken bathes in a silky sauce that whisks you straight to an Italian kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally to make 4)

Seasoning and Coating:

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parmesan cheese (finely grated)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cracked pepper

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 4 large garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 3/4 cup chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup brined capers (rinsed)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1 pinch parmesan cheese (to serve)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a seasoned flour coating by mixing flour and parmesan cheese in a shallow dish. Generously season chicken with salt and pepper, then carefully coat each piece in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  2. Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F). Carefully place two chicken pieces in the pan, cooking until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a warm plate.
  3. Add additional butter and oil to the skillet, then cook remaining chicken pieces until evenly browned. Remove and set aside with the first batch.
  4. Reduce heat and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in white wine, scraping pan to release caramelized bits, and simmer until wine nearly evaporates.
  5. Add chicken stock, lemon juice, and capers to the skillet. Boil for 6 minutes, reducing liquid and concentrating flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. If sauce appears thin, quickly whisk cornstarch with water and stir into the simmering liquid to thicken. Gently return chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over each piece.
  7. Simmer for 5 minutes to reheat chicken and allow flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh parsley and optional parmesan cheese before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken pieces are uniform thickness by gently pounding them between plastic wrap for even cooking and tender results.
  • Select a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for authentic flavor without overpowering the delicate sauce.
  • Slice capers finely to distribute their briny taste more evenly throughout the dish, enhancing each bite with a tangy punch.
  • Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for a vibrant, bright citrus flavor that elevates the entire chicken piccata experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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