Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce is a classic Italian-American dish known for its bright, tangy, and buttery flavors. This dish features tender chicken breasts lightly coated in flour, pan-fried until golden, and then simmered in a luscious lemon-butter sauce infused with capers and fresh parsley. The combination of tart lemon, savory chicken, and the briny pop of capers creates a well-balanced and irresistible dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether served with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a simple side of vegetables, this dish will impress with its rich flavors and elegant presentation.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- ¼ cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets. If necessary, pound them lightly to ensure even thickness.
- Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt and black pepper.
- Coat and Cook the Chicken:
- Place the flour on a plate and dredge each chicken cutlet lightly, shaking off any excess flour.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Once the butter melts and starts to bubble, add the chicken cutlets in a single layer.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Lemon Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, and white wine (if using). Stir well to deglaze the pan and loosen any browned bits.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add capers and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, stirring until the butter is fully melted and the sauce becomes slightly thickened.
- Finish the Dish:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and garnish with lemon slices.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve immediately with your choice of pasta, rice, or a light salad.
- Drizzle extra sauce over the chicken for added flavor.