Chicken Piccata Recipe

Discover the perfect blend of zesty lemon, savory garlic, and tender chicken with this easy Chicken Piccata recipe. This classic Italian dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, featuring a rich sauce made with white wine, capers, and butter. Serve it with pasta or fresh vegetables for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Chicken

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon salted butter

Sauce

• 1/2 cup dry white wine (e.g., Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons cold salted butter
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

1. Combine flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on a large plate. Set aside.
2. Cut each chicken breast into three thin slices. Place the slices between sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat tenderizer to pound them to about 1/4-inch thickness. The chicken will plump slightly during cooking, so pounding thin is essential.
3. Pat the chicken slices dry with paper towels, then dredge them in the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are coated. Shake off any excess flour.
4. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Add more olive oil or adjust the heat as needed during cooking. Set the cooked chicken aside on a plate and turn off the heat.

Make the Sauce

5. Carefully wipe the skillet, leaving a few browned bits for added flavor.
6. Add the white wine and garlic to the skillet. Turn the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer gently for 4-5 minutes, reducing until only a small amount of liquid remains. Use a silicone spatula to scrape up any remaining browned bits in the pan.
7. Stir in the capers, chicken broth, and lemon juice, mixing well.

Combine and Serve

8. Return the chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices from the plate.
9. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, cover partially, and simmer for 3-5 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and develop more flavor.
10. Reduce the heat to low and add 2 tablespoons of cold butter. Let the butter melt into the sauce, tilting the pan to distribute it evenly. Spoon the sauce over the chicken once more. Remove from heat.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve. Pair with Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Creamy Lemon Pasta for a complete meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: After prepping the chicken, the rest of the meal comes together in minutes.
• Restaurant-Quality: A rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic, wine, and capers elevates this dish to gourmet status.
• Versatile: Perfect for a fancy dinner or a casual meal with family.

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Tips

• Pound Evenly: Ensure the chicken is pounded evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
• Deglaze Properly: Scraping up browned bits from the pan when adding wine adds depth to the sauce.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your liking.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Non-Alcoholic: Substitute the wine with additional chicken broth and a splash of apple cider vinegar.
• Low-Carb Option: Use almond flour instead of regular flour for dredging.
• Herb Swap: Try using fresh thyme or basil instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.

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FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe but may require slightly longer cooking.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can sear the chicken and prepare the sauce separately. Combine and heat them just before serving.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Pair with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a balanced meal.
• Add a fresh green salad and crusty bread to complete the dish.

Enjoy your Chicken Piccata!