Chicken Piccata is a tasty dish featuring tender chicken cooked with lemon juice, capers, and a bit of butter. It’s bright, fresh, and perfect for any weeknight meal.
This dish is so good, it might just make you want to have a picnic in your kitchen! I like to serve it over pasta for an easy dinner that feels special. 🍋🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish as they cook quickly. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier option. Just remember to adjust cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer.
Capers: These little jars of flavor add a salty, briny kick. If you can’t find capers, green olives can be a great substitute, though the taste will be slightly different. For a more unique flavor, try using pickled jalapeños!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is the star of this dish. While bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, fresh always tastes better. If you have limes, they can be a substitute, but the flavor profile will change. Lemon zest is a great addition for more lemon flavor!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness of the dish. If you want a healthier option, olive oil can replace the butter in the sauce, but it’ll change the creamy texture slightly.
How Do You Ensure the Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken just right is essential for a tasty meal. The goal is golden brown on the outside while staying juicy inside. Here are the steps to ensure success:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps achieve that nice golden crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you have too much chicken, it’ll steam instead of sear.
- Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check; it should read 165°F (75°C) when done.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps lock in the juices!
How to Make Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be enjoying your delicious Chicken Piccata in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Then, dredge each breast in flour, making sure to shake off any excess flour. This adds a lovely crispiness to your chicken!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken breasts carefully. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. When done, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Sauce:
Using the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and capers. Bring it all to a boil while you scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This helps to build great flavor for your sauce!
4. Thicken the Sauce:
Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly. Then, add the remaining butter, whisking it in until it melts and combines beautifully, creating that smooth and luscious lemon sauce.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the chicken to the skillet, making sure to coat it well in the lemony sauce. Cook it for another minute just to heat everything through!
6. Serve:
Now it’s time to serve! Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, and spoon that delicious sauce over the top. Finish it off with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and some lemon slices for an elegant touch.
7. Enjoy:
Serve immediately, and it’s perfect with pasta or a fresh side salad to complement those amazing flavors. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra flavor and moisture to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs might take a couple more minutes to fully cook through compared to breasts.
What Can I Substitute for Capers?
If you don’t have capers on hand, you can use green olives or chopped pickles for a similar briny flavor. Just adjust the salt in the recipe because both olives and pickles are already quite salty!
Can I Make this Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce on the stove and then add your cooked chicken right before serving to keep it flavorful and moist.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Chicken Piccata in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to help revive the sauce’s consistency.
