Go Back
chicken piccata recipe

Easy Zesty Lemon Butter Chicken Piccata

This easy lemon butter chicken piccata recipe features golden chicken cutlets in a tangy lemon-caper sauce, ready in 30 minutes for a restaurant-quality meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Piccata
  • 2 chicken cutlets pounded to 1/4-inch thickness
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for dredging all-purpose flour for dredging
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/3 cup dry white wine
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2-4 tablespoons capers drained
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • fresh lemon slices for garnish
  • fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • sauté pan

Method
 

  1. Pound the chicken cutlets to 1/4-inch thickness, season with salt and pepper, and dredge in all-purpose flour.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes on the first side until golden brown, then flip, cover, and cook for 1-2 minutes more until cooked through. Remove to a warm plate and tent with foil.
  3. Pour off any excess fat from the pan. Deglaze with dry white wine, scraping up the browned bits. Add minced garlic and cook until slightly browned and the liquid is nearly evaporated, about 2 minutes.
  4. Add chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and capers. Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for about 1 minute on each side.
  5. Add unsalted butter and fresh lemon slices, swirling the pan until the butter melts. Pour the sauce over the chicken, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

For optimal flavor, use fresh lemons and do not omit the capers for that signature briny balance.