Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe (Bright, Easy & Classic Dinner)

BySophie December 18, 2025December 18, 2025

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Have you ever wanted a dinner that feels elegant and comforting at the same time, without turning your kitchen into a mess? That’s exactly what this Lemon Chicken Piccata recipe delivers. It’s bright, tangy, buttery, and full of classic Italian-inspired flavor yet simple enough for a busy weeknight.

Lemon Chicken Piccata recipe with lemon caper sauce served on plate

This dish has earned its place among the most loved chicken dinner recipes because it strikes the perfect balance: crispy chicken breasts, a silky lemon-caper sauce, and a cooking time that fits real life. Whether you’re cooking for family or just want a quick main dish that feels special, this Lemon Chicken Piccata recipe brings restaurant-quality results straight to your table in under 30 minutes.

Lemon Chicken Piccata

This Lemon Chicken Piccata recipe is a restaurant-worthy dish ready in under 30 minutes. Crispy chicken breasts are paired with a silky lemon-caper sauce for an Italian-inspired meal that’s bright, buttery, and perfect for weeknights or special dinners alike.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded to 1/4-inch thickness (about 1.5 lbs)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
salt and black pepper to taste
4 tbsp unsalted butter divided
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup dry white wine or use chicken broth
1/2 cup chicken broth low sodium preferred
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice plus zest (from 2–3 lemons)
2 tbsp capers drained and rinsed
2 cloves garlic minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped, optional garnish
lemon slices optional garnish

Equipment

Large skillet
Tongs

Method

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
Add garlic to the same pan and sauté until fragrant. Pour in wine (or chicken broth), lemon juice, zest, capers, and remaining broth. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly reduced.
Return chicken to the pan. Spoon sauce over and simmer for 2 minutes. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and swirl until melted into sauce.
Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

To make this gluten-free, use almond flour or GF flour blend. Skip the flour for keto. This dish stores well for up to 3 days and can be frozen. Perfect with pasta, steamed veggies, or roasted potatoes.

Table of Contents

Ingredients List for Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe

Featuring crisp chicken breasts and a sauce that’s bright from zesty lemons, this Lemon Chicken Piccata recipe relies on simple ingredients that pack flavor punches. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs, pounded to 1/4-inch thickness for tender results)

Lemon Chicken Piccata recipe ingredients arranged on marble counter

1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative for dubbing)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup dry white wine (substitute with chicken broth for an alcohol-free twist)

1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 2-3 lemons, plus zest for extra brightness)

2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed

2 garlic cloves, minced (for aromatic depth)

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, but adds a fresh, herbaceous note)

Lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Substitutions: Swap the chicken for turkey cutlets in poultry recipes if you’re varying proteins. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter. If you’re on a keto dessert night, pair with a simple lemon sorbet afterwards.

Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

This version is noticeably faster than many traditional picatta recipe chicken piccata recipe methods, making it perfect for quick chicken dishes recipes on busy evenings.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Lightly dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess.

Helpful tip: Evenly pounded chicken cooks faster and stays juicy an essential step in successful chicken breast recipes.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and half of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.

Pro tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve a crisp, restaurant-style sear.

Step 3: Create the Lemon Caper Sauce

In the same skillet, add the garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth), scraping up the flavorful browned bits. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, capers, and chicken broth. Simmer for a few minutes until slightly reduced.

This step is what gives chicken piccata recipe dishes their signature bright and savory flavor.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over each piece. Add the remaining butter and gently swirl the pan until the sauce becomes silky. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (approximate):

Calories: 380
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 20g

This Lemon Chicken Piccata recipe is naturally high in protein and relatively low in carbs, making it suitable for lighter eating styles and balanced main dish recipes.

Healthier Alternatives for Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe

Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or gluten-free flour
Low-Carb / Keto: Skip the flour coating entirely
Dairy-Free: Replace butter with olive oil
Extra Protein: Add an additional chicken breast per serving

These variations allow the recipe to fit a wide range of poultry recipes preferences.

Looking for more inspiration after this Lemon Chicken Piccata? Try these reader favorites:

✅ Yummy Garlic Chicken Keto Recipe – Low-carb and full of flavor.
✅ Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs – The ultimate weeknight comfort dish.
✅ Healthy Shredded Chicken Recipes – Great for meal prep and leftovers.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with:

Steamed asparagus or green beans
Mashed cauliflower or roasted vegetables
Angel hair pasta for a classic presentation

A crisp white wine or sparkling lemon water complements the bright sauce perfectly, making this one of those chicken entrees that always feels special.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken, which leads to dryness
Using too much flour, resulting in a heavy sauce
Skipping the deglazing step, which removes depth of flavor

Following these tips ensures consistently great chicken dinner recipes.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freeze: Freeze chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth

This makes it ideal for meal prep and future chicken dishes recipes.

Conclusion

This Lemon Chicken Piccata recipe proves that classic dishes don’t need to be complicated. Bright, easy, and comforting, it’s a reliable go-to when you want something quick yet impressive.

Try it tonight, and explore more chicken breast recipes and chicken dinner recipes for simple, flavorful meals the whole family will love.

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