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easy chicken piccata recipe with lemon butter sauce
platehacks

Chicken Piccata

A bright and flavorful Italian-American classic, Chicken Piccata features tender chicken cutlets in a silky lemon butter sauce with briny capers. Quick to prepare yet elegant, it's perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into cutlets)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup capers, drained
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • lemon slices (optional)

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • meat mallet for pounding chicken
  • shallow bowl for dredging flour
  • tongs
  • knife

Method
 

  1. Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thin cutlets and lightly pound for even thickness.
  2. Season flour with salt and pepper, then dredge each chicken piece, shaking off excess.
  3. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Cook chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
  6. Stir in remaining butter until the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
  7. Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
  8. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices before serving.

Notes

Use thin, even chicken cutlets for quick cooking. Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan and cook in batches if needed. Let the sauce simmer to deepen flavor. Adjust capers to taste. You can substitute turkey cutlets, use white wine for depth, or swap butter with olive oil for a dairy-free version.