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Chicken Piccata with Lemon and Capers

Bright, zesty, and weeknight-easy

chicken piccata in content v2

This Chicken Piccata with Lemon and Capers is a light yet flavorful classic that feels fancy but comes together fast—perfect for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining. Tender chicken medallions are lightly coated, pan-seared until golden, then simmered in a tangy lemon-butter sauce dotted with briny capers. It’s bright, comforting, and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. If you’re searching for an easy chicken dinner that tastes restaurant-quality without the stress, this lemon chicken piccata delivers big flavor in under 30 minutes. Fresh, vibrant, and satisfying—this is one recipe you’ll keep on repeat.

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients List

  • 3 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch medallions
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ lemon, thinly sliced (optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Shallow bowl for flour
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Season the chicken medallions on both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Dredge lightly in flour, shaking off excess for a thin, even coating.
  3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove to a plate.
  4. Add garlic to the same skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer 2 minutes.
  6. Stir in lemon juice, lemon slices, and capers. Simmer 3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  7. Whisk in butter until the sauce is glossy
  8. Return chicken to skillet and simmer 2–3 minutes until cooked through.
  9. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately

Pro Tips

  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Make it creamy: Add 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream for a richer sauce.
  • Meal prep: Slice chicken ahead of time and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
  • Serving ideas: Serve over angel hair pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed asparagus.

Print
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chicken piccata in content v2

Chicken Piccata with Lemon and Capers


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  • Author: Julia Marenne
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This easy chicken piccata is bright, zesty, and ready in under 30 minutes. Tender chicken in a lemon butter caper sauce perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch medallions

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

  • ½ lemon, thinly sliced (optional)

  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed

  • 3 tablespoons butter

  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley


Instructions

  1. Season the chicken medallions on both sides with salt and pepper.

  2. Dredge lightly in flour, shaking off excess for a thin, even coating.

  3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove to a plate.

  4. Add garlic to the same skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  5. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer 2 minutes.

  6. Stir in lemon juice, lemon slices, and capers. Simmer 3 minutes until slightly reduced.

  7. Whisk in butter until the sauce is glossy

  8. Return chicken to skillet and simmer 2–3 minutes until cooked through.

  9. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 servings
  • Calories: 421
  • Fat: 21g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Protein: 41g

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