Easy Chicken Piccata Recipe – Reviewed By Reddit Users

What Is Chicken Piccata

Chicken piccata is a simple, flavorful dish featuring chicken breast cutlets that are lightly dredged in flour, pan-seared until golden, and served with a tangy sauce made from butter, lemon juice, capers, and chicken stock or white wine. Ready in 30 minutes or less, it is an accessible and versatile recipe ideal for weeknight dinners. The dish balances bright, zesty flavors with rich, savory notes, making it a staple in many home kitchens.

Origins and Influences

While its exact origins are unclear, chicken piccata is rooted in Italian cuisine, where veal piccata is more traditionally prepared. The American adaptation likely substitutes chicken for veal, catering to broader preferences. The flavors remain distinctly Mediterranean, incorporating staples like olive oil, lemon, white wine, brined capers, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. This blend of ingredients creates a harmonious balance of acidity, saltiness, and richness.

Topping Variations to Try

Capers are a signature component, contributing a briny sharpness, but they can be omitted or substituted for those who prefer milder flavors. Chopped green olives offer a similar salty tang if capers are unavailable. Additional variations to customize the dish include:

• Vegetable Additions: Sautéed garlic, mushrooms, or onions.
• Liquid Adjustments: Using a mix of half chicken stock and half dry white wine for added depth.
• Cheese Substitutions: Replacing Parmesan with Romano or Asiago for a sharper or nuttier flavor.
• Protein Swaps: Adapting the recipe for other proteins, such as sole (sole piccata) or incorporating it into pasta dishes like chicken piccata pasta.

What to Serve With Chicken Piccata

The dish is traditionally paired with pasta, rice, or other grains to absorb the flavorful sauce. For a heartier meal, doubling the sauce ingredients is recommended when serving with these sides. For low-carb options, consider vegetable-based accompaniments. Recommended sides include:

• Vegetables: Sautéed asparagus with morels, roasted baby carrots, or broccoli rabe with caramelized onions.
• Lighter Options: Green beans tossed with shallots and pancetta, or peperonata (sautéed peppers and onions).

Chicken Piccata

Print

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 17 minutes

Total Time 27 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds, skinless chicken breast halves, or 4 to 8 chicken cutlets
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 pinch ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock, or dry white wine (such as a Sauvignon Blanc)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup capers, drained
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken cutlets:

To make chicken cutlets, slice the chicken breast halves horizontally, butterflying them open. If the breast pieces you are working with are large, you may want to cut them each into two pieces.

If the pieces are still thick after butterflying, put them between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them with a meat hammer to 1/4-inch thickness.

2. Dredge the cutlets:

Mix together the flour, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan. Rinse the chicken pieces in water. Dredge them thoroughly in the flour mixture until well coated.

3. Brown the cutlets:

Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet on medium high heat. Add half of the chicken pieces, do not crowd the pan. Brown well on each side, about 3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and reserve to a plate.

Cook the other breasts in the same manner, remove from pan. Place the breasts on a rack over a roasting pan and keep warm in a 225°F oven while you prepare the sauce.

4. Add the stock (or wine), lemon juice, and capers:

Add the chicken stock (or white wine), lemon juice, and capers to the pan. Use a spatula to scrape up the browned bits. Reduce the sauce by half.

5. Whisk in the remaining butter:

Whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.

6. Serve immediately:

Plate the chicken and serve with the sauce poured over the chicken. Sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1154Total Fat: 49gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 30gCholesterol: 474mgSodium: 1025mgCarbohydrates: 46gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 118g

Reddit Reviews

• Reddit user kinda_sorta_decent said that the recipe made him drool

• u/back-in-the-highlife said he would eat this recipe all day long

• and the u/Dumper4200 said that the recipe looks yummy