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Cooking adventures in a small, closet sized, kitchen. - I came to realize that my meals were boring and that I had been eating the same few dishes over and over again for years. It was time for a change! I now spend my free time searching for, creating and trying tasty new recipes in my closet sized kitchen.

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Chicken Piccata

[heart_this] · Dec 8, 2012 · 90 Comments

Chicken Piccata

A super quick and easy chicken dish in a tasty lemon, butter and caper sauce that is sure to impress your dinner guests.

After having recently made the chicken marsala , it reminded me of another Italian chicken and pan sauce dish, chicken piccata and I could not resist updating the photos for the recipe. Piccata is an Italian method of preparing meat where the meat is cut thinly, breaded and then fried in oil or butter before a pan sauce is made with the drippings, white wine, lemon juice, capers and butter. Next to the amazing flavour of the pan sauce, my favourite thing about this dish is how quick and easy it is to make; all you need to do is cook the meat, add the ingredients for the pan sauce and reduce it. Not only is this dish easy enough to make on a weeknight but it will also not fail to impress any dinner guest!
Note: Normally the chicken is coated in flour before frying but I prefer to omit this step.
Chicken picatta is lemon butter chicken at it’s best!

Chicken Piccata
Cook some rice or pasta while making the sauce and have a tasty meal in less than 20 minutes.

Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Servings: 2

A super quick and easy chicken dish in a tasty lemon, butter and caper sauce that is sure to impress your dinner guests.

ingredients
  • 2 (6 ounce) chicken breasts, butterflied and pounded thin
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 lemon, juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons capers
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
directions
  1. Heat the oil and butter in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side and set aside.
  3. Add the garlic to the pan and saute until fragrant, about a minute.
  4. Add the wine to the pan and deglaze it.
  5. Add the broth, lemon juice, honey and capers in the pan and simmer until the liquids have reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Stir in the butter, season with salt and pepper, mix in the parsley, return chicken to pan and toss to coat.
Option: For One-Pan: Make this a one-pan meal by adding 8 ounces of pasta and 2 1/4 cups broth or water (or 1 cup of rice and 2 cups broth or water) to the sauce in step 5 and simmer, covered, until cooked, about 12 minutes (or 20 minutes for rice).
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20 Minute Meals, 30 Minute Meals, Chicken, Food, Italian, Low-carb, Main Course, One-Pan, One-Pot, Recipe

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lisa says

    November 4, 2008 at 12:11 am

    Perfect light dish! I need to make something like this after all the candy I ate.

    Reply
  2. Helene says

    November 4, 2008 at 12:33 am

    Kevin,

    I like coming here and reading about your everyday meals. Looks delicious!

    Reply
    • Nicole says

      January 10, 2019 at 11:31 pm

      Just made this dish for the first time. Even my 7 yr old daughter liked it. I did less pepper for her and half the capers. My husband would have liked the full amount of capers so I will do that next time and reduce the salt. I served it with beaded parmasean cauliflower florets. With all the prep between the two dishes it took me about 2 hrs from start to finish. Hoping to learn to make it quicker next time and maybe even prep it the nights before.

      Reply
  3. Pearlsofeast says

    November 4, 2008 at 12:35 am

    lovely recipe and fantastic presentation.

    Reply
  4. MaryBeth says

    November 4, 2008 at 12:36 am

    I have heard nothing but wonderful things about this dish, however I have never made it nor have I ever eaten it. It looks wonderful.

    Reply
  5. Robin Sue says

    November 4, 2008 at 12:47 am

    I love the fresh taste of Chicken piccata! The apple pizza looks great too!

    Reply
  6. HoneyB says

    November 4, 2008 at 12:53 am

    Looks great!

    Reply
  7. maybelle's mom says

    November 4, 2008 at 1:05 am

    wonderful comfort food.

    Reply
  8. youseela73 says

    November 4, 2008 at 1:06 am

    Simple and delicious. I love lemon!

    Reply
  9. Cathy - wheresmydamnanswer says

    November 4, 2008 at 1:14 am

    What a simple and wonderful dish!! You just answered my question as to how to prepare the chicken breasts that I took out of the freezer.

    Reply
  10. Debbie says

    November 4, 2008 at 1:15 am

    This is one of my very favorite dishes. Your are right when you say how simple it is yet so tasty. I love capers and lemon…..

    Reply
  11. Paula says

    November 4, 2008 at 1:37 am

    I love chicken piccata! It’s one of my most favorite dishes, although I cheat and just slice each breast half very thinly in half again. Your recipe looks easy to create. YUM!

    Reply
  12. Mrs Ergรผl says

    November 4, 2008 at 1:42 am

    Lemon, Butter, Capers – my favourite combination too! I have no qualms with making this anytime!

    Reply
  13. mikky says

    November 4, 2008 at 2:04 am

    just the perfect dinner… z:)

    Reply
  14. Manggy says

    November 4, 2008 at 2:19 am

    Isn’t butterflying and pounding meat just the best? It cooks in a flash and is so tender too ๐Ÿ™‚ I’ve never tried piccata but the lemon-butter flavor is just divine!

    Reply
  15. Allie says

    November 4, 2008 at 2:21 am

    This is hands-down my favourite entree. Yours is beautiful!

    Reply
  16. Bellini Valli says

    November 4, 2008 at 2:28 am

    Simple is often the best Kevin. It allows the natural flavours to shine through:D

    Reply
  17. Patsyk says

    November 4, 2008 at 2:32 am

    Chicken piccata is one of my favorites! Your sauce is definitely crying out for some crusty bread to soak it up!

    Reply
  18. Cheryl says

    November 4, 2008 at 2:46 am

    Man I haven’t made that in forever! Makes my taste buds tweak!

    Reply
  19. Anonymous says

    November 4, 2008 at 2:51 am

    Definitely Awesome..Love to taste..great presentation too

    Reply
  20. Bridgett says

    November 4, 2008 at 2:59 am

    This is one of my favorites for an easy but delicious weeknight meal. The flavors never cease to amaze me. Yours looks wonderful!

    Reply
  21. Mochachocolata Rita says

    November 4, 2008 at 3:30 am

    tell me kev…how do you produce and eat all of those good food and stay so slim T_T

    Reply
  22. Diana Evans says

    November 4, 2008 at 3:49 am

    Hi Kevin…oh wow!!! I love this…thanks for sharing your recipe….I have a proposition for you….I am starting up a whole new blog….in it I will be featuring all kinds of wonderful things…one being a section each week called “Let’s eat” It would be awesome if you were a member of my team and did that piece each week…you could pick one of your posts and add it there…what do you think??

    Hugs
    Diana

    Reply
  23. Marc @ NoRecipes says

    November 4, 2008 at 4:36 am

    Looks great Kevin! Every time I hear the name of this dish, it reminds me of Beavis & Butthead. I know… it's an awful show, but it was a lot funnier when I was in highschool:-)

    Reply
  24. Anonymous says

    November 4, 2008 at 4:36 am

    I LOVE chicken piccata. The lemon with the salty capers is always favorite of mine.

    Reply
  25. Beachlover says

    November 4, 2008 at 4:41 am

    look delicious!! I like chicken breast this type of cooking especially butterflies up! healthy too,right?

    Reply
  26. Amber says

    November 4, 2008 at 4:45 am

    I love this stuff, it is also great with turkey cutlets or halibut. I like to make extra sauce for the pasta or rice like you said.

    Reply
  27. daphne says

    November 4, 2008 at 5:36 am

    oh yum! that’s a great dish for the warmer days!

    Reply
  28. Rosa's Yummy Yums says

    November 4, 2008 at 5:46 am

    Delightfully good!

    cheers,

    Rosa

    Reply
  29. Elra says

    November 4, 2008 at 5:56 am

    Lemon, caper, and parsley are so perfect for that chicken breast.

    Reply
  30. Marie says

    November 4, 2008 at 7:32 am

    mmm…I Love chicken piccata. Yours looks fabulous!

    Reply
  31. MeetaK says

    November 4, 2008 at 7:35 am

    looks absolutely succulent and perfect! as always a great recipe kevin!

    Reply
  32. Happy cook says

    November 4, 2008 at 9:52 am

    Just superb and delicious.
    Looking to thise capers make me drool.

    Reply
  33. Clumbsy Cookie says

    November 4, 2008 at 10:03 am

    You are right Kevin, it’s so simple yet it’s delicious. Yours looks cooked up to perfection!

    Reply
  34. Dana McCauley says

    November 4, 2008 at 12:03 pm

    You are so right: simple is usually the best!

    Reply
  35. mycookinghut says

    November 4, 2008 at 12:57 pm

    Looks really yummy! I wish I could have this now… I am having sandwiches for lunch ๐Ÿ™

    Reply
  36. Dee says

    November 4, 2008 at 1:09 pm

    I love that you made a sweet pizza! And this is yet another right-up-my-alley dish, Kevin!

    Reply
  37. CookinsForMe says

    November 4, 2008 at 2:07 pm

    Some of the recipes and pictures in your entries make my mouth water and this is one of them. This chicken looks fantastic and I might have to try it. However, my meat and potatoes man person might not be too thrilled…hmmm, I wonder how it would be with hot water cornbread. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Reply
  38. Meg says

    November 4, 2008 at 2:39 pm

    This dish looks fabulous! Thanks for sharing it!

    Reply
  39. Elizabeth says

    November 4, 2008 at 2:45 pm

    this looks delicious! I can’t wait to try it, I have been looking for some lighter recipes.

    Reply
  40. Dawn says

    November 4, 2008 at 2:55 pm

    I don’t blame you at all for eating too much of that apple pizza. And you’re skinny enough to get away with it.
    I love piccata, and obviously you’ve made it perfectly.

    Reply
  41. Jeanne says

    November 4, 2008 at 2:57 pm

    The first time I had veal piccata was in Italy on a family trip when I was 14. I remember knowing nothing about the recipe (or the ethics of veal!) but being totally blown away by the recipe. For years afterwards I cited that veal piccata in Portofino as my favourite meal ever. Love the simplicity of your recipe and am definitely going to try it at home!

    Reply
  42. Apples and Butter says

    November 4, 2008 at 4:01 pm

    Looks great! I agree that that there’s nothing better than extra sauce to be soaked up by all of the rice!

    Reply
  43. Maria says

    November 4, 2008 at 4:28 pm

    You always have the nicest presentation!! Looks good!

    Reply
  44. Olga says

    November 4, 2008 at 4:59 pm

    that looks super good!!!
    Maybe I should make it for dinner one of these nights.

    Reply
  45. Pam says

    November 4, 2008 at 5:08 pm

    I love chicken piccata, I am going to have to try your version! It is so delicious looking (and sounding)!

    Reply
  46. Karen says

    November 4, 2008 at 8:22 pm

    This is one of my favorites! The capers add so much… and the lemon sauce sounds great!

    Reply
  47. Jeena says

    November 4, 2008 at 8:31 pm

    It looks wonderful the chicken looks cooked to perfection. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  48. Amy says

    November 4, 2008 at 8:33 pm

    That looks so good! I don’t think that I’ve ever had it before but I definatly want to try it sometime.

    Reply
  49. Beth says

    November 4, 2008 at 9:14 pm

    This looks like just the kind of light dinner dish I need after my weekend of exceses!!!!

    Reply
  50. Cucinista says

    November 4, 2008 at 10:15 pm

    Recipe looks fantastic, and what a great photo. I love that your recipes are all easy and quick, but mighty tasty too.

    Reply
  51. Marjie says

    November 4, 2008 at 10:35 pm

    I just love what lemon does for chicken! Beautiful presentation, as always.

    Reply
  52. Anonymous says

    November 5, 2008 at 4:52 am

    Your piccata looks fabulous. I totally agree on extra sauce. I love the tanginess of the lemons and capers. Yum!

    Reply
  53. Pam says

    November 5, 2008 at 6:41 am

    I’ve been craving this dish lately. Your recipes sounds perfect.

    Reply
  54. CECIL says

    November 5, 2008 at 3:06 pm

    I think this should be in my next week menu. It just looks so yum.

    Reply
  55. Deborah says

    November 5, 2008 at 3:57 pm

    Delicious!

    Reply
  56. Katrina says

    November 5, 2008 at 6:34 pm

    LOVE chicken picata! Looks de-lish.

    Reply
  57. noble pig says

    November 6, 2008 at 1:54 am

    Chicken Piccata has always been one of my favorite meals!

    Reply
  58. CreoleInDC says

    November 14, 2008 at 1:34 am

    I made this tonight. I NEVER have seconds. I sooooooooo wanted seconds. I love you. ROFL! I mean really…how could I not? A man who loves to cook? Cooks WELL? And has a FABULOUS blog all about cooking?????

    *sigh* This blog is DELIGHTFUL!

    Reply
  59. Joann Kim says

    December 9, 2008 at 6:14 pm

    made this a few days ago and it was delicious despite it being a bit too lemony.
    thanks again!

    Joann
    http://updownacross.wordpress.com/

    Reply
  60. Babs says

    December 12, 2008 at 11:55 am

    I made this last night for my guy. We LOVED it. Thanks!

    Reply
  61. Katelyn Mack says

    January 20, 2009 at 1:41 am

    I made this dish and it tastes like a 5 star restaurant! I didn’t follow the recipe exactly (i.e., I used all wine, no chicken broth) but it was absolutely divine. Thank you!

    Reply
  62. Elizabeth says

    January 22, 2009 at 2:56 pm

    I tried this last night… it was delicious! Thanks!

    Reply
  63. Adam says

    February 22, 2009 at 11:46 am

    My only real suggestion, which in my opinion really makes the dish 150% better (not that it’s not spectatular to begin with) is to add whole pepperoncinis into the sauce. It add a slight but pleasant zing to contrast with the strong bold lemon flavor.

    Reply
  64. Kevin says

    February 24, 2009 at 3:49 am

    Adam: Adding pepperoncinis sounds like a good idea. I will have to see if I can find some.

    Reply
  65. Caitlin Bellah-Trenzano says

    November 15, 2011 at 9:37 pm

    This…was…insanely..good. New go to recipe. YUM.

    Reply
  66. cliff @ livelovepasta says

    June 7, 2012 at 3:12 pm

    Making this tonite for my wife! She has been eye-ing this recipe for some time now, I'm sure it will be amazing, thanks!

    Reply
  67. Nancy Long says

    December 8, 2012 at 9:29 pm

    have been make piccata for years, but the honey is a new twist and will definitely try this.

    Reply
  68. Angela LeMoine says

    December 8, 2012 at 11:49 pm

    Love this classic Italian dish! Simple & wonderful flavors!
    http://lemoinefamilykitchen.blogspot.com

    Reply
  69. Rob says

    December 9, 2012 at 12:32 am

    This is a good dish and have to try making it. I do make Chicken Francaise which is similar and also very good over fettuccine.

    Reply
  70. Joanne says

    December 9, 2012 at 12:54 pm

    I love the sauce for this recipe! I could pretty much drink piccata sauce.

    Reply
  71. Little Kitchie says

    December 9, 2012 at 1:57 pm

    i LOVE me some chicken piccata. yours looks great!

    Reply
  72. Joyce says

    December 12, 2012 at 3:33 am

    Chicken piccata is one of my all time favorites. I made this exactly as written and love the addition of the honey. The sauce was smooth and silky. Delightful!!

    Reply
  73. Lisa @ The Meaning of Me says

    January 7, 2013 at 12:27 am

    Hi, Kevin. Chicken piccata is one of my husband's favorites, so we decided to give yours a try. This was wonderfully fast and the honey is a different, but really nice touch. He and my daughter loved it – the Kid couldn't stop talking about it yesterday and asked to have it again tonight! That's a winner!

    Reply
  74. Amy says

    January 18, 2013 at 4:15 pm

    I made this two nights ago for my family and it was so good! I really enjoy your site and just wanted to say thank you for all your delicious meal ideas!

    Reply
  75. MuchMoreThanPretty says

    March 2, 2013 at 11:23 pm

    This is insanely easy and delicious. I buy the thin cut chicken breast to make it that much easier. The only real change I made was to dredge the chicken in flour before frying it. i've tried it both ways, and I have found that the flour helps the chicken tetain moisture and flavor.

    Reply
  76. Anonymous says

    March 17, 2013 at 2:15 pm

    Love this recipe! It was so quick an easy to make. Definitely bookmarking it to make it again some other day! Thanks!

    Reply
  77. Penny C says

    May 2, 2013 at 7:24 pm

    Made this a couple nights ago and it was perfect!!

    Reply
  78. Anonymous says

    May 15, 2013 at 12:08 am

    I just made this and it's amazing! ๐Ÿ˜€ I actually added artichoke hearts to it and it was really good!

    Reply
  79. Michelle Blair says

    December 14, 2013 at 11:27 pm

    I made this for dinner and it was so good!! I added a little dill to mine and the family ate it all up ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  80. Elizabeth says

    January 21, 2014 at 12:06 am

    Yum! I made this tonight sans honey and garlic, and with a little more butter. It was delicious! Thanks so much for the recipe! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  81. Lori B says

    April 7, 2014 at 2:32 am

    Made this tonight with a variation…no honey, more garlic & added sliced mushrooms. Paired it with mushroom ravioli. Was incredible! !

    Reply
  82. Irina @ My Indian Taste says

    June 9, 2015 at 6:03 pm

    Your chicken piccata looks so delicious! Must try it as soon as possible ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  83. Jan Bow says

    January 17, 2017 at 8:21 pm

    Going to Phoenix for awhile and going to play chef, my family is picky, so I have to be creative. This recipe is on the list.

    Reply
  84. Sandra Perdriel says

    September 3, 2018 at 7:48 am

    Quick and again delicious. As I did in another chicken recipe I used wings as I do not care for breast. Thank you Kevin.

    Reply
  85. Robin says

    October 18, 2018 at 5:42 pm

    I love this dish. I did take the honey out though because you can really taste it and I donโ€™t like honey. Thanks for sharing the recipe!

    Reply
  86. Maria S. says

    February 17, 2019 at 5:20 am

    Have been making this easy & so delicious chicken recipe quite often, without the honey though as my family prefers. Always enjoyed by family & friends. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  87. Sandra Perdriel says

    March 23, 2019 at 10:48 am

    It was delicious. I don’t care for breasts, so made it with wings. Just had to change the cooking method a bit..

    Reply
    • kevin says

      March 23, 2019 at 11:22 am

      Making it with wings sounds good!

      Reply
  88. beavis @ i need tp says

    June 26, 2019 at 3:35 am

    cant hear chicken picata without imagining beavis saying it from “beavis and butthead do america”

    Reply

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Kevin: I came to realize that my meals were boring and that I had been eating the same few dishes over and over again for years. It was time for a change! I now spend my free time searching for, creating and trying tasty new recipes in my closet sized kitchen.
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