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Zesty Chicken Piccata with Lemon Caper Sauce Recipe

Zesty Chicken Piccata with Lemon Caper Sauce Recipe


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4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 22-24 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Chicken Piccata delivers a zesty Italian classic that makes your dinner table sparkle with tangy, lemony goodness. Tender chicken cutlets dance with a bright sauce that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 chicken breast halves

Coating:

  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • Vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup pan drippings or butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Tenderize your chicken breasts to ¼-inch thickness using a meat mallet. Pound firmly and evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
  2. Combine ⅓ cup flour, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon onion powder in a shallow dish.
  3. Whisk 2 large eggs and ½ cup milk in a separate bowl. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture.
  4. Heat ¼ inch vegetable oil in a large skillet to 375°F. Carefully place floured chicken into hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  6. In the same skillet, add chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan while liquid simmers.
  7. Stir in 2 tablespoons capers and reduce sauce for 2 minutes over medium heat until slightly thickened.
  8. Return chicken to skillet, coating each piece with the lemon caper sauce. Warm for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  9. Transfer chicken to serving plates and drizzle with extra sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten chicken breasts evenly, ensuring consistent cooking and tender texture.
  • Season the flour mixture generously with spices to create a flavorful, crispy coating that adds depth to the chicken.
  • Pat chicken dry before dredging to help the flour mixture adhere better and create a crispier exterior when frying.
  • For a lighter version, try baking the chicken or using a non-stick pan with less oil to reduce calories while maintaining the classic flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg