Name: Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 4 chicken cutlets (~1 to 1 ¼ lbs); 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour, if needed); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon fine salt; ⅛ teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup chicken broth, homemade or store-bought; 2 tablespoons capers, drained; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon butter; 2 tablespoons lemon juice (juice of ½ lemon); ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley; Mashed potatoes; Lemon wedges or slices

There’s something truly comforting about a classic Italian dish that’s bright, tangy, and unbelievably flavorful. This Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe is exactly that—a perfect balance of juicy chicken and a luscious lemon-caper sauce that will make your kitchen smell incredible and your taste buds sing.

A white plate filled with three main layers: a base of fluffy white mashed potatoes sprinkled lightly with chopped green herbs, topped by a golden light brown cooked chicken piece covered with small green capers and garnished with a thin pale yellow lemon slice; to the right side of the plate, a neat bundle of long green asparagus stalks with a slight shine, all placed on a white marbled surface with a fork on the left edge of the plate and a pale pink cloth visible under the right edge, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe has been one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something quick but impressive enough for guests or a cozy dinner. The sauce is both tangy and buttery, making every bite a little celebration of simple yet vibrant flavors.

Speedy and Delicious: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights.
Bright Flavors: The lemon and capers give a fresh zing that cuts through the richness of the chicken beautifully.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry, making it easy to whip up anytime.
Impressively Elegant: Despite the simplicity, it looks and tastes like you spent hours perfecting it.

Ingredients & Why They Work

What I love most about this recipe is how each ingredient plays a specific role to elevate the dish. From tender chicken to a sauce that’s simultaneously tangy and silky, these elements come together perfectly.

Flat lay of two large raw boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small mound of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a few garlic cloves whole and unpeeled, a small white ceramic bowl of olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of chicken broth, a few green capers scattered beside a small white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl with Dijon mustard, a pat of fresh butter on a white ceramic dish, half a fresh lemon cut into wedges, and a small pile of chopped fresh parsley placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts or cutlets: Thin cutlets cook quickly and evenly, helping you avoid the dreaded dry chicken.
All-purpose flour (or gluten-free): This lightly coats the chicken and helps the sauce thicken just so.
Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper: Simple seasoning that highlights the chicken’s natural flavor.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve a golden crust on the chicken.
Fresh garlic cloves: Infuses the sauce with aromatics without overpowering the lemon.
Chicken broth: A flavorful base for the sauce that keeps it juicy without heaviness.
Capers: Their briny punch is essential to authentic piccata and adds depth to the sauce.
Dijon mustard: Just a touch to stabilize the sauce and give a subtle, tangy complexity.
Butter: Creates that glossy finish in the sauce and rounds out the brightness.
Fresh lemon juice: The star ingredient – bright, fresh, and zesty.
Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a dash of color and a hint of herbal freshness at the end.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’m all about making recipes your own—whether that means tweaking the sauce, switching up seasonings, or adding your favorite sides. I often swap out parsley for basil or add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth. You’ll find your perfect balance as you play around!

Variation: Sometimes, I like to serve this over zucchini noodles for a lighter twist that still soaks up that amazing sauce.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe

A white pan holds four light brown cooked chicken pieces in a yellow, glossy lemon butter sauce with small green capers scattered on top. The surface of the chicken is smooth with slight browning on the edges. A woman's hand is holding a large silver spoon dipping into the sauce on the left side of the pan. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Pound Your Chicken Cutlets

First, I slice the chicken breasts in half crosswise to create cutlets, then gently pound them between plastic wrap until they’re about half an inch thick. This ensures even cooking and keeps them juicy. If you skip this, portions might cook unevenly, which I’ve definitely experienced before!

Step 2: Coat the Chicken Lightly in Seasoned Flour

I mix the flour with garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl, then toss the cutlets until they’re evenly coated. This step is crucial because it creates that wonderful crust and helps thicken the sauce later on. Just shake off any excess flour so the coating isn’t too heavy.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Until Golden

With 2 tablespoons of olive oil heated in a skillet over medium-high, I add the cutlets and let them sit undisturbed for about 2 minutes until golden on the bottom. Flip and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes. The key? Don’t move the chicken around so you get that perfect crust. Then, transfer to a plate to rest.

Step 4: Build Your Sauce

Drop the heat to low and add the last tablespoon of oil with minced garlic, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds to prevent burning. Turn the heat back up to medium-high, then pour in chicken broth, capers, and Dijon mustard. Scrape up any browned bits on the pan’s bottom—they’re pure flavor magic! Let the sauce reduce by half, about 3 minutes.

Step 5: Finish With Butter and Lemon Juice

Swirl in the butter and stir until the sauce looks glossy and luscious, then nestle the chicken back in to warm through and coat it well with sauce. Just before serving, I stir in fresh lemon juice and adjust seasoning. Trust me, that final lemon squeeze is what brings the dish to life!

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and spoon over any extra sauce. Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. I love how the garnish adds brightness and a touch of green to this beautiful dish.

Top Tip

With Lemon Chicken Piccata, I’ve learned the little details make a world of difference. Here are some tips from my kitchen to yours that help get this recipe just right every time.

Thin and Even Chicken: Pounding the chicken ensures quick, even cooking and keeps everything juicy.
Don’t Skip Reduction: Reducing the broth sauce lets flavors concentrate, avoiding a watery sauce.
Fresh Lemon Juice Last: Adding lemon at the end keeps that vibrant brightness without cooking it off.
Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest briefly after searing to lock in juices and maintain tenderness.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe

Lemon Chicken Piccata - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of simple garnishes here. Fresh parsley sprinkled over the top brightens the plate visually and adds a subtle fresh note. Lemon wedges are a must—they let you add an extra burst of citrus that livens up each bite exactly when you want.

Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes are my classic go-to—they soak up the sauce perfectly and add creaminess that complements the tangy chicken. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or a crisp arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette are fantastic partners too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like plating the chicken over a bed of saffron risotto or buttery polenta to wow guests. Putting the sauce in a small bowl on the side lets everyone drizzle to taste, which always feels a little fancy and interactive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Lemon Chicken Piccata in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the sauce and chicken together so the flavors stay rich and meld nicely as they chill.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish once or twice and found that it freezes well if wrapped tightly. Just thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture, then gently reheat in a skillet to maintain the sauce’s lovely consistency.

Reheating

To reheat, low and slow in a skillet over medium heat works wonders. Spoon some broth or water over if the sauce gets too thick, and avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to dry the chicken out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are a great option and even more forgiving with cooking times. Just make sure to pound them to an even thickness and adjust cooking time until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Thighs add extra juiciness and flavor.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

To avoid burnt garlic, add it after reducing the heat to low and stir constantly for only about 30 seconds until fragrant. Garlic burns quickly and will taste bitter if left unattended, so keep an eye on it and be ready to move to the next step.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce ahead but it’s best to add the butter and lemon juice fresh when reheating to preserve the sauce’s glossy texture and bright flavor. Reheating sauce gently on the stove will also help maintain that silky consistency.

What should I serve with Lemon Chicken Piccata?

Mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta are classic choices since they soak up the delicious piccata sauce perfectly. Light sides like roasted veggies or a crisp salad also complement the richness and provide a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s my quick fix for when I want something both comforting and a little fancy. It’s approachable, versatile, and packed with flavors that never disappoint. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again—just like I do!