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Sautéed Chicken Piccata on a plate with a bright lemon-caper sauce and garnished with fresh parsley.

Classic Lemon Chicken Piccata

Avatar photoAmelia Chen-Morrison
This classic Chicken Piccata features tender, pan-seared chicken cutlets in a vibrant and glossy pan sauce. A rush of sunny lemon, a briny pop of capers, and rich butter come together in under 30 minutes for an effortlessly elegant meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Shallow Dish (for dredging)
  • Tongs
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • citrus juicer
  • Plastic wrap or zip-top bag

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1.5 lbs total
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4-5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided and kept cold
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • ½ cup dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice from 1-2 lemons
  • 3 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken Cutlets: Place a chicken breast inside a large zip-top bag or between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even ¼-inch thickness. Repeat with the remaining chicken, then slice each pounded breast in half to create four cutlets. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  • Dredge and Pan-Sear the Chicken: Spread the all-purpose flour on a shallow plate. Lightly press each seasoned chicken cutlet into the flour, coating both sides, then gently shake off any excess. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once foaming, carefully place two chicken cutlets in the pan, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a clean plate and repeat with the remaining cutlets.
  • Build the Pan Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let the wine simmer and reduce by about half.
  • Simmer and Finish: Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Add the drained capers and let the sauce cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
  • Bring It All Together: Turn the heat to low. Return the seared chicken cutlets and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Add the remaining 2-3 tablespoons of cold butter. Gently swirl the skillet until the butter has melted and emulsified, creating a glossy sauce. Do not let the sauce boil after adding the butter, or it may separate. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Pro Tips: Do not overcrowd the pan when searing; cook in batches for a golden crust. Always use fresh-squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Dredge the chicken just before it goes into the pan to prevent a soggy coating.
Variations: For a nutty flavor, brown the butter (beurre noisette) before adding the garlic. Add chopped shallots with the garlic for sweetness, or add quartered artichoke hearts with the capers for more substance.
Substitutions: Replace white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth and an extra squeeze of lemon juice. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version. This recipe also works well with veal or pork cutlets.