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Chicken Piccata is the perfect dinner when you want something quick, flavorful, and undeniably elegant. It features juicy chicken breasts, lightly floured and pan-fried until golden, nestled in a bright lemony butter sauce with capers and fresh parsley. Every bite balances rich and tangy in the best way.

What makes this dish so special is how it transforms basic pantry ingredients into something that feels restaurant-worthy. Served with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, this is a meal that earns you compliments every time it hits the table.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Piccata

This is not your average chicken dinner. It comes together fast enough for a weeknight but feels luxurious enough for a special occasion. The sauce is fresh with lemon, but the butter adds that silky finish that makes it hard to put your fork down. And let’s not forget the capers, which bring the kind of tangy briny kick that wakes up your taste buds.

Plus, it’s adaptable. You can serve it with pasta, zoodles, or even cauliflower mash. Make it your own.

What Cut of Chicken Should I Use for Chicken Piccata?

Chicken breast is the classic choice, and it works beautifully here. To keep things tender and cook them quickly, slice the breasts horizontally into cutlets or pound them thin. This gives you that perfect sear and ensures the chicken stays juicy while soaking up all that delicious lemon-caper sauce.

Ingredients for the Chicken Piccata

To make the best Chicken Piccata, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building that irresistible flavor.

Chicken breasts are the heart of the dish. Go for boneless, skinless breasts sliced thin so they cook evenly and quickly.

Flour is used to lightly dredge the chicken. This helps create a golden crust and gives the sauce something to cling to.

Butter adds richness and rounds out the acidity of the lemon.

Olive oil is perfect for pan-searing and adds a hint of fruity depth.

Garlic brings warmth and savory notes to the sauce.

Chicken broth gives the sauce body and enhances the savory flavor.

Fresh lemon juice is the signature flavor here. It makes the sauce bright and refreshing.

Capers add a briny punch that elevates the dish and cuts through the richness.

Parsley finishes it off with a touch of green and fresh flavor.

Salt and pepper are essential to season the chicken and balance the sauce.

How To Make the Chicken Piccata

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thin cutlets. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour until coated.

Step 2: Sear to Golden

In a large skillet, heat a mix of olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a bit more butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

Step 4: Add the Capers

Stir in capers and let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

Step 5: Finish with the Chicken

Return the chicken to the pan, spoon the sauce over each piece, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes so the flavors soak in. Top with chopped parsley before serving.

Serving and Storing Chicken Piccata

This dish is best served hot from the skillet with a generous drizzle of sauce over the top. It feeds 4 people comfortably and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to keep the sauce silky.

What to Serve With Chicken Piccata?

Buttered Noodles

Simple and classic, they catch all that lemony sauce perfectly.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy and comforting, they balance the bright flavors of the chicken.

Roasted Asparagus

Adds a fresh and crispy side that complements the sauce.

Parmesan Risotto

Rich, creamy, and indulgent, risotto elevates the whole meal.

Sauteed Spinach

Quick, healthy, and just bitter enough to work with the tangy sauce.

Crusty Bread

To mop up every last drop of the sauce.

Side Salad

Keep it light with arugula, shaved parmesan, and a lemon vinaigrette.

Grilled Zucchini

Adds a smoky touch and balances the richness of the dish.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Chicken Piccata, here are a few other cozy and flavorful dinners to try next:

• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta
• Best Chicken and Rice Casserole
• Easy Crock Pot Orange Chicken
• Cheesy Chicken Fritters
• Savory Chicken Wraps with Garlic Cream Sauce

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Let me know in the comments if you added your own twist. Maybe a little white wine in the sauce? Or served it with spaghetti squash? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you.

Explore beautifully curated chicken dinners and more on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite dish.

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