What is chicken piccata and how is it made?

Chicken piccata is a classic Italian-American dish featuring pan-fried chicken breasts served with a tangy and buttery sauce. The sauce typically combines lemon juice, capers, butter, olive oil, and chicken broth or white wine. The chicken is lightly dredged in flour before cooking to create a crisp exterior. The lemon and capers give the dish its signature bright, savory flavor.

Can I make chicken piccata without using cream in the sauce?

Yes, chicken piccata can be made without cream. To keep the sauce smooth and flavorful, increase the amount of chicken broth or substitute part of it with dry white wine. Avoid using milk or half-and-half, as these can curdle due to the acidity of lemon juice. The traditional version is often cream-free and relies on butter for richness.

What side dishes go well with chicken piccata?

Chicken piccata pairs nicely with a variety of sides such as cooked greens (like sautéed spinach or broccoli), mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. A light pasta tossed with olive oil or butter complements the lemony sauce well. Adding freshly grated Parmesan on top of the chicken or pasta can enhance the dish’s flavor.

How do I know when chicken piccata is fully cooked?

The safest way to confirm chicken piccata is cooked through is by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C). The chicken should no longer be pink inside and juices should run clear. Cooking time varies depending on thickness but generally takes about 3-4 minutes per side.

What is the best way to store and reheat leftover chicken piccata?

Store leftover chicken piccata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the sauce from drying out. Avoid reheating in a microwave to keep the chicken tender and the sauce smooth. Freezing is not recommended, especially if the sauce contains cream.

Chicken Piccata Recipe With Zesty Lemon Sauce Youll Love

Name: Chicken Piccata
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Flour for dredging (amount as needed); 4 tablespoons butter, divided; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 cup chicken broth or dry white wine; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; zest of 1 lemon; 1 tablespoon brined capers, drained; 1/2 cup heavy or whipping cream; Optional garnish: chopped parsley; freshly grated parmesan cheese

Ingredients

Scale

2 large chicken breasts

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Flour for dredging (amount as needed)

4 tablespoons butter, divided

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 cup chicken broth or dry white wine

1 tablespoon lemon juice

zest of 1 lemon

1 tablespoon brined capers, drained

1/2 cup heavy or whipping cream

Optional garnish: chopped parsley

freshly grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1-First, slice the 2 large chicken breasts lengthwise to make four thinner cutlets, trim any fat, and season them with salt, pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder before coating in flour.

2-Next, heat 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until it’s golden brown, and set it aside on a plate.

3-In the same skillet, off the heat, add 1/4 cup chicken broth, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, zest of 1 lemon, the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, and 1 tablespoon brined capers, making sure to scrape up those tasty browned bits from the pan.

4-Stir in 1/2 cup heavy or whipping cream, return the pan to the heat, and once it’s bubbling, add the chicken back in to cook for about 5 more minutes until it’s fully done and the sauce thickens nicely.

5-For a lighter version without cream, simply increase the chicken broth to 3/4 cup and skip the cream to keep things smooth.

6-Finish by garnishing with chopped parsley and/or freshly grated parmesan cheese if you like, and serve right away for the best taste.

Last Step:

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Notes

🍗 Slice chicken breasts thinly for faster, even cooking without pounding.
🧈 Use unsalted butter to control saltiness in the sauce.
🍋 Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for bright, authentic flavor.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet with sauce
Calories: 393
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 352 mg
Fat: 29 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 26 g
Cholesterol: 143 mg