Description
This Chicken Piccata Recipe turns simple chicken breasts into a restaurant-worthy dinner in under 30 minutes. Bright lemon, buttery sauce, and briny capers make it indulgent yet balanced — and with a few easy swaps, you can keep it healthier and even low-carb. A flavorful chicken dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something light, tangy, and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, butterflied
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup wheat flour (or almond flour for low carb)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon spice blend (Italian seasoning or favorite mix)
- 3 to 4 lemon slices for garnish
- Oil to fry
Instructions
- Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing horizontally through the center like opening a book.
- Cover with plastic wrap and pound until even.
- Pat dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, and spice blend, then drizzle with lemon juice.
- Dredge lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
- Heat half the butter and a splash of oil in a skillet.
- Fry the chicken on each side until golden and crisp, then set aside.
- Wipe the skillet, add the remaining butter along with lemon juice and zest.
- Stir in the capers and chicken broth, simmer briefly.
- Add the cream and whisk until smooth.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top; add lemon slices.
- Finish with parsley and green onions before serving.
Notes
Keep it light: Swap flour for almond flour and cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a healthier chicken piccata.
Don’t skip pounding the chicken: Even thickness means even cooking — and no dry spots.
Capers are non-negotiable: They bring the salty, briny bite that makes this dish sing.
Extra zest: If you love lemon, grate a little more over the chicken just before serving.
*Curious about calories or carbs? You’ll find a rough nutrition estimate in the recipe card below. Just keep in mind, it’s a ballpark figure based on common ingredients — not a medical guide. For anything more specific, it’s always best to check with a registered nutritionist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Chicken Breast
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg