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Chicken Piccata

Chicken piccata is a vibrant, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts lightly dredged in flour, then sautéed until golden. The sauce combines bright lemon juice, briny capers, and white wine to create a tangy, savory glaze that coats each piece beautifully. The final dish is glossy, fragrant, and bursting with citrusy and salty notes, served hot with a tender bite.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 430

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces chicken breasts pounded thin
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup white wine dry variety like Pinot Grigio
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons capers rinsed
  • chopped parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Tongs
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Shallow dish
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Pat each chicken breast dry with paper towels, then place between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound them to about 1.5cm (0.6in) thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Spread the flour on a shallow dish. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess to create a light, even coating.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  4. Add the butter to the same pan, allowing it to melt and foam. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
  5. Pour in the white wine, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a spatula. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 minutes, reducing slightly.
  6. Stir in the lemon juice and rinsed capers. Let the sauce simmer for about 1 minute to meld the flavors and slightly thicken. If needed, stir in a small cornstarch slurry to achieve a glossy finish.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over each piece. Cook for another minute until heated through and coated with the sauce.
  8. Transfer the chicken to serving plates, spooning extra sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.