Golden, crispy chicken breasts simmered in a tangy lemon butter sauce with briny capers and fresh parsley—this Easy Chicken Piccata is a restaurant-worthy dish that comes together quickly in your own kitchen. It’s bright, zesty, and deeply savory, making it a go-to for date nights, dinner parties, or any time you crave something elegant without the fuss.

What sets chicken piccata apart is its balance of flavors. The richness of the pan-fried chicken pairs beautifully with the sharpness of lemon and the umami from capers. The sauce is luxurious without being heavy, and the addition of fresh herbs gives it a fresh finish that keeps you coming back for more.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Thin-sliced chicken breasts or chicken cutlets work best for this recipe. You want pieces that cook quickly and evenly, developing a golden crust without drying out. If you only have full breasts, simply slice them in half horizontally and pound them slightly to an even thickness.

Ingredients for the Easy Chicken Piccata

Chicken Breasts
Boneless and skinless, these are sliced thin for quick, even cooking and a golden crust.

All-Purpose Flour
Used for dredging the chicken. It helps create that lightly crispy exterior and thickens the sauce slightly.

Salt and Pepper
Essential seasoning for both the chicken and the sauce.

Butter and Olive Oil
This combination adds flavor and helps create that beautiful golden sear.

Garlic and Onion
Aromatics that add depth to the lemony sauce.

Chicken Broth
Forms the base of the piccata sauce, giving it body and savoriness.

Fresh Lemon Juice and Lemon Slices
Adds brightness and the signature tangy flavor.

Capers
Bring briny, savory notes that contrast beautifully with the citrus.

Fresh Parsley
Sprinkled on top for color and freshness.

How To Make the Easy Chicken Piccata

Step 1: Prepare and Dredge the Chicken

Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Place between plastic wrap and gently pound to an even thickness. Season with salt and pepper, then dredge in all-purpose flour, shaking off the excess.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and a tablespoon of butter. Once hot, sear the chicken cutlets for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add a bit more butter. Sauté the diced onions for 2–3 minutes until translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Stir in the capers and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes to reduce slightly. Add lemon slices for extra flavor.

Step 5: Return Chicken and Finish

Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer together for another 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld. Add a final tablespoon of butter to finish the sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot. This dish pairs perfectly with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Serving and Storing Easy Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata is best served immediately while the sauce is warm and silky. It pairs beautifully with angel hair pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a slice of rustic bread to mop up the lemony sauce.

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Freezing is not recommended as the lemon sauce can separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work too. Just be sure to flatten them for even cooking.

Are capers essential?

They add the signature briny note, but you can substitute with chopped green olives in a pinch.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative like plant-based butter or additional olive oil.

What pasta goes best with Chicken Piccata?

Angel hair, linguine, or fettuccine are great options that absorb the sauce well.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely! If you love extra sauce for pasta or dipping, simply double all the sauce ingredients.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Make sure your chicken pieces are thin and avoid overcooking. The sauce helps keep them moist too.

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you love this zesty chicken piccata, you’ll probably enjoy these other standout dinner dishes:

Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini for a creamy, indulgent twist.
Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip if you’re craving bold flavors with a hint of heat.
Creamy Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff when you’re in the mood for something rich and comforting.
Garlic Butter Beef Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce for a cozy pasta night.
Teriyaki Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Veggies for a balanced, family-friendly meal.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra lemon slices or maybe a splash of white wine? Did you serve it over pasta or something else?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Easy Chicken Piccata

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and elegant dinner, Easy Chicken Piccata features tender pan-seared chicken cutlets smothered in a zesty lemon butter sauce with capers and fresh parsley. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, it’s full of flavor and surprisingly simple to prepare.

Instructions

Slice chicken breasts horizontally and pound to an even thickness.
Season both sides with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour.
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter and sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, capers, and lemon slices. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Return chicken to skillet and simmer for another 2–3 minutes. Add remaining tablespoon of butter to finish the sauce.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner