Best Easy Quick Chicken Piccata Recipe

Quick chicken piccata features tender chicken breast in a bright lemon-caper butter sauce that comes together in 20 minutes. This high protein, fresh-tasting chicken dish is elegant enough for company yet easy enough for weeknights.

Cook 20 min Difficulty EASY 330 kcal
#high protein #Mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • boneless skinless chicken breast 1 lb
  • all-purpose flour 0.33 cup
  • unsalted butter 3 tbsp
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • chicken broth 0.5 cup
  • lemon 1 piece
  • capers 2 tbsp
  • fresh parsley 2 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • kosher salt 0.75 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 13 g 16%
Protein 32 g 39%
Fat 14 g 45%
Serving size 160g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets, then season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.

  2. 2

    Lightly dredge the cutlets in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to ensure thin even coating.

  3. 3

    Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the chicken cutlets and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining oil, butter, and chicken.

  4. 4

    Add chicken broth, juice from the lemon, and capers to the same pan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet.

  5. 5

    Reduce heat to low. Stir in remaining butter to make a glossy sauce, then return chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer 1–2 minutes until heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this chicken piccata recipe?
The star ingredient is boneless skinless chicken breast, which provides the foundation for tender cutlets. Additionally, fresh lemon juice and capers are essential for delivering the bright, tangy flavor that defines classic piccata.
Q. How do I make sure the chicken is perfectly cooked in this recipe?
Cook cutlets in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for just 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and no longer pink inside. Thin cutlets cook very quickly, so avoid overcooking to maintain juiciness.
Q. What gives chicken piccata its signature flavor?
The combination of fresh lemon juice, capers, and butter creates the crisp, tangy, and slightly briny sauce that is classic for piccata. These ingredients balance richness with a bright finish.
Q. How many calories and what is the macronutrient breakdown per serving?
Each 160g serving provides about 330 kcal, with 13g carbohydrates (16% of calories), 32g protein (39%), and 14g fat (45%). This makes it a high-protein, balanced entrée.
Q. What's the best tip for preventing soggy, greasy chicken piccata?
Lightly dredge the chicken with flour and shake off excess before cooking. Use a hot pan and avoid overcrowding, which helps the cutlets develop a crisp, golden crust without absorbing too much oil or becoming soggy.
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