Chicken Piccata

Easy Chicken Piccata is a quick and flavorful dish with tender, pan-seared chicken breasts in a zesty, buttery lemon and caper sauce. This classic Italian-American dish comes together in just 30 minutes and is perfect for a delicious weeknight meal. Served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, it’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Chicken Piccata is a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and buttery flavors. The chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, thanks to the lemon pepper seasoning and light flour coating. The sauce, made with garlic, capers, lemon juice, and white grape juice, adds a fresh, tangy brightness that complements the chicken beautifully. It’s a fast and easy way to bring a little Italian flair to your dinner table!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb. chicken breasts (cut in half horizontally and pounded thin)

• 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning (or fresh lemon zest)

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 6 tbsp butter (divided)

• 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tsp garlic (minced)

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 cup chicken stock

• ¼ cup white grape juice

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 3 tbsp capers (brined and rinsed)

• 2 tbsp parsley (freshly chopped)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Season the chicken breasts with lemon pepper seasoning and salt on all sides. Coat the chicken in flour, shaking off the excess.

Cook the Chicken:

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp of butter and 1 tbsp of olive oil.

2. Cook 2 pieces of chicken until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side, until fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside to keep warm.

3. Add the remaining 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, and cook the remaining chicken. Remove and keep warm.

Make the Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp of butter and add in the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

2. Whisk in 2 tbsp of flour until smooth.

3. Splash in the white grape juice, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan, and cook until the juice evaporates.

4. Gradually pour in the chicken stock, whisking to combine and create a smooth sauce. Add the lemon juice and capers to the sauce, letting it simmer for about 5 minutes until it slightly reduces.

Finish the Dish:

1. Stir in the remaining 1 tbsp butter, letting it melt into the sauce.

2. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.

Serve:

1. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

2. Serve immediately over freshly cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Notes

• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

• Serving Suggestions: Serve this dish over pasta like spaghetti, angel hair, or fettuccine for a classic presentation. Alternatively, serve it with roasted vegetables or a side salad for a lighter meal.

• Spice Variation: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with large, thick slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms for a plant-based version.

• Lemon Zest: For a more intense lemon flavor, add some lemon zest to the sauce along with the lemon juice.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently in a pan or microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately ahead of time, then reheat and assemble when ready to serve.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but the cooking time will be slightly shorter. Just make sure to adjust based on the thickness of the breast.

What can I substitute for white grape juice?

You can substitute white grape juice with chicken broth if you prefer a less sweet sauce.

Can I make the sauce thicker?

Yes, if you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk in a bit more flour or reduce the sauce longer to achieve the desired consistency.

What can I serve with this dish?

Serve it with your favorite side dish like pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. A fresh green salad or sautéed spinach also pairs wonderfully with this dish.

Conclusion

Easy Chicken Piccata is a perfect balance of crispy, golden chicken and a bright, tangy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The buttery lemon sauce, spiced with garlic and capers, creates a delightful contrast with the tender chicken, making it a meal that’s sure to please. Whether for a busy weeknight or a special dinner, this dish is simple, quick, and absolutely delicious!

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