Hey friend, you’re going to fall head over heels for these juicy chicken breasts bathed in a luscious lemon-caper sauce. Each cutlet gets a crispy golden crust before diving into a dreamy sauce made with fresh lemon juice, a splash of chicken broth and a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt for that velvety finish. Bright, briny capers pop on your tongue alongside buttery mashed potatoes, soaking up every zesty drop. It’s the perfect weeknight treat—quick, comforting and seriously addictive. Let the aroma fill your kitchen, then grab your favorite side and dig in—pure sunshine on a plate!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Piccata
- Trust me, you’re going to love the creamy lemon caper sauce!
- This one’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners.
- It’s quick and easy, perfect for busy schedules.
- Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
- Everyone will be asking for seconds—guaranteed!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Italian |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Dietary | High Protein |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Over mashed potatoes |
Ingredients
Gather these delightful ingredients for your Easy Chicken Piccata!
- 4 chicken cutlets – protein base for the dish
- Salt and black pepper – to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – for dredging the chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – adds richness
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – enhances flavor
- 1 cup chicken broth – for the sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – creaminess to the sauce
- 3 tablespoons capers, drained – brininess and flavor
- Juice of 1 lemon – for a tangy twist
- Lemon slices for garnish – for presentation
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – fresh flavor
How to Make Easy Chicken Piccata
This delightful Easy Chicken Piccata is a breeze to prepare! With a prep time of about 10 minutes and a cooking time of 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe doesn’t require any extra resting time, so you can dive right in!
Step 1: Season and Dredge
Start by seasoning your chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Then, dredge them in flour, making sure they are well coated.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
In a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add a pat of butter for extra flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Cutlets
Place the cutlets in the skillet and cook until they are golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Once done, transfer them to a plate.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 5: Add Broth and Lemon Juice
Pour in some chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds great flavor!
Step 6: Stir in Cream and Capers
Stir in heavy cream and capers, then let the sauce simmer until it thickens. This is where the magic happens!
Step 7: Coat the Cutlets
Return the cooked cutlets to the skillet, coating them with the luscious sauce. Heat through for a minute or two.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Garnish your dish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Easy Chicken Piccata!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Piccata
- Use thinly sliced chicken breasts for quicker cooking.
- Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
- Fresh lemon juice enhances the flavor—avoid bottled juice.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking for juicier results.
- Serve with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve this Easy Chicken Piccata
- Serve over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
- Pair with steamed asparagus or green beans for a fresh crunch.
- Top with fresh parsley and lemon zest for a pop of color.
- Accompany with a side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
- Try it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a wholesome twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this dish ahead and store it easily:
Storing Easy Chicken Piccata Leftovers
- Allow the dish to cool completely.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing Easy Chicken Piccata
- Cool the dish completely before freezing.
- Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Chicken Piccata
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth.
- Stir gently to maintain the creamy texture.
- Heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
Easy Chicken Piccata
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Season and Dredge – Start by seasoning your chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Then, dredge them in flour, making sure they are well coated.
- Step 2: Heat the Skillet – In a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add a pat of butter for extra flavor.
- Step 3: Cook the Cutlets – Place the cutlets in the skillet and cook until they are golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Once done, transfer them to a plate.
- Step 4: SautĂ© Garlic – In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sautĂ© until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Step 5: Add Broth and Lemon Juice – Pour in some chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds great flavor!
- Step 6: Stir in Cream and Capers – Stir in heavy cream and capers, then let the sauce simmer until it thickens. This is where the magic happens!
- Step 7: Coat the Cutlets – Return the cooked cutlets to the skillet, coating them with the luscious sauce. Heat through for a minute or two.
- Step 8: Garnish and Serve – Garnish your dish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Easy Chicken Piccata!
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 10g |
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be a great alternative to chicken breasts. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful, which can enhance the overall taste of your Easy Chicken Piccata. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.
2. What can I use instead of white wine in the sauce?
If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or a mixture of lemon juice and water. This will still give you a nice acidity and depth of flavor without the alcohol. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to taste, as broth can be saltier than wine.
3. How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce for your Easy Chicken Piccata, you can add a cornstarch slurry. Mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stir it into the sauce while it’s simmering. Allow it to cook for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can let the sauce simmer longer to reduce it naturally.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time! Just cook everything as directed, then let it cool before storing it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the chicken and sauce on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen it up. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining!
Final Thoughts
We hope you’re as excited to try this Easy Chicken Piccata as we are! With its creamy lemon caper sauce, it’s a dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. Perfect over mashed potatoes, it’s simple yet so rewarding. Gather your loved ones, whip up this delightful meal, and savor every bite together!