How To Make Deliciously Easy Chicken Piccata Recipe

Chicken piccata recipe lovers, get ready to indulge in a restaurant-quality dish you can whip up at home. Whether you’re craving a tangy, buttery sauce, or looking for the best chicken piccata recipe with pasta, you’re in the right place.

Before we dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions, let’s talk about how this recipe came to be on Recipes Tasteful. Our passion for real, comforting home cooking started in a small family kitchen. It’s where buttery lemon sauces met sizzling chicken cutlets—where we first fell in love with the art of balance between tart capers and creamy finishes. That same passion lives in this chicken piccata recipe.

From our kitchen to yours, this easy chicken piccata recipe will become your go-to dish for family dinners, romantic meals, or comfort food cravings. We’ve simplified the authentic Italian chicken piccata recipe while adding creamy richness for an unforgettable flavor experience. And don’t worry—we’ll even cover what to serve with chicken piccata to round out your meal.

This dish also includes tips for those who prefer a chicken piccata recipe white wine version, and of course, we’ll break down a creamy chicken piccata recipe variation. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, you’ll find helpful techniques, internal links to other irresistible chicken dishes, and FAQs to elevate your experience.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

What Makes This Chicken Piccata Recipe Irresistible?

A Perfect Balance of Bold Flavors

The chicken piccata recipe stands out because of its unique contrast: the tartness of lemon and briny capers, offset by the richness of butter and a golden sear on the chicken. While many Italian recipes showcase heavy sauces, this one focuses on brightness and freshness. It’s the zingy lemon juice and white wine (or chicken broth) that keep things light, while the buttery finish brings decadence.

It’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving this as a chicken piccata recipe with pasta, spooning it over mashed potatoes, or dishing it up solo with roasted vegetables, the sauce makes everything taste better.

Want to make it extra lush? Try the creamy chicken piccata recipe version below. We’ll show you how to master both traditional and modern creamy styles in the same pan—without losing the dish’s original charm.

The Origins of Authentic Italian Chicken Piccata

While Americans know and love chicken piccata, the original Italian version actually uses veal. Over time, chicken became the protein of choice for its affordability and accessibility, especially in the U.S.

If you’re after the authentic Italian chicken piccata recipe, this one honors that tradition. We’ve added a creamy twist and simplified some steps, but the heart of the dish—the tangy-lemon caper sauce—remains untouched.

Instead of using only traditional Italian cheeses, feel free to experiment. Creamy sauces and melting cheeses like Velveeta can give it a Southern twist—similar to this comforting chicken spaghetti with Rotel and Velveeta that’s loved for its smooth, cheesy texture.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Chicken Piccata Recipe

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Choosing the Right Chicken for Texture and Flavor

The foundation of any great chicken piccata recipe is, of course, the chicken. For the juiciest results, use two large boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These are ideal for slicing into cutlets, ensuring even cooking and better surface area for searing.

Cut each breast lengthwise to form four thinner pieces. This technique, often referred to as “butterflying,” not only reduces cooking time but also increases tenderness by minimizing overcooking.

Season them generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. A light dusting of all-purpose flour creates the golden crust that holds onto that lemony sauce beautifully.

Don’t miss our pan-seared chicken guide with crispy skin tips if you want a deeper dive into cooking poultry to perfection.

Bold Pantry Staples That Define Flavor

These pantry-friendly ingredients deliver the iconic tangy, buttery flavor of this authentic chicken piccata recipe:

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Butter	4 tablespoons (divided)	Adds creaminess and flavor; key for emulsifying the sauce
Olive oil	1 tablespoon	Helps achieve a crisp sear without burning the butter
Chicken broth or dry white wine	1/4 cup	Base for deglazing and sauce depth
Lemon juice + zest	1 tablespoon + zest	Provides the classic brightness of chicken piccata
Capers (brined)	1 tablespoon	Briny, salty contrast that makes the dish unmistakable
Heavy/whipping cream	1/2 cup (optional)	Used in the creamy version for added richness
Parsley/Parmesan (optional garnish)	As desired	Adds freshness and a bit of nutty flavor

Whether you’re leaning toward the creamy chicken piccata recipe or keeping it traditional with a wine-based sauce, these ingredients allow you to customize the flavor to your liking.

Ingredient Substitutions and Enhancements

Want to add your own twist? Here are a few pro-level enhancements:

• White Wine: Use Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for bright acidity in your chicken piccata recipe white wine version.
• Shallots or minced garlic: Adds depth to the sauce during deglazing.
• Vegetable broth: A great option if you’re avoiding alcohol and out of chicken broth.

Experimenting? You might love our herbed lemon chicken pasta bake which pairs bright sauces with comforting carbs.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken Piccata Like a Pro

Prepping the Chicken for the Perfect Sear

Start by slicing each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create four thin cutlets. If necessary, pound them lightly to ensure even thickness. This allows for quick and consistent cooking, giving your chicken piccata recipe that irresistible golden crust without drying out the meat.

Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Next, dredge each piece lightly in flour—shake off the excess. This light coating helps brown the chicken beautifully and thickens the sauce later on.

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken cutlets in the pan and sear them for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

This cooking method ensures your chicken is flavorful on the outside, juicy on the inside—an essential element of the best chicken piccata recipe.

Building the Signature Lemon-Caper Sauce

Remove the skillet from heat. Immediately pour in 1/4 cup of chicken broth or dry white wine, the juice and zest of one lemon, and 1 tablespoon of drained capers. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to help emulsify the sauce. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits (called “fond”) from the pan—this is where much of the flavor lives.

Return the pan to medium heat and bring it to a gentle simmer. For a creamy chicken piccata recipe, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream at this point. Let the sauce bubble for a few minutes, then add the chicken back to the pan.

Simmer everything together for 5 more minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and the chicken to absorb the flavor. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth to loosen it up.

Final Touches and Garnishes

Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, taste and adjust seasoning. If needed, add a pinch more salt or a dash of lemon juice.

To serve, spoon the sauce generously over the chicken. Optional but highly recommended garnishes include chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan.

How to Make Chicken Piccata Recipe with Pasta

Choosing the Right Pasta for a Delicious Pairing

When it comes to comfort food, chicken piccata recipe with pasta is hard to beat. This combo is more than just filling—it’s the perfect vehicle for that irresistible lemon butter sauce. But not all pasta types are created equal when it comes to absorbing and holding onto flavor.

To bring out the best in your piccata dish, opt for pasta shapes that allow the sauce to cling well. Here are top options that work beautifully:

Pasta Type	Flavor & Texture Match
Angel Hair	Thin and tender—ideal for lighter sauces
Linguine	Just thick enough to capture creamy or tangy sauces
Fettuccine	Great for heavier variations with cream
Spaghetti	A classic, neutral choice that never goes wrong

Cook your pasta until just al dente, then drain—but don’t forget to reserve some pasta water. A splash of that starchy liquid can help emulsify and stretch the sauce, giving it an even silkier texture when tossed with the noodles.

Bringing It All Together: Chicken, Sauce & Pasta

Once your chicken is golden and resting in its lemony sauce, it’s time to combine everything. Slide your cooked pasta into the skillet (or use a large mixing bowl if you prefer more room), and gently fold the noodles into the sauce.

If your pan is a bit dry, add a few tablespoons of that reserved pasta water. This helps thin the sauce slightly and creates a luscious coating on each strand of pasta.

Nestle the chicken pieces on top or slice them before tossing everything together. Finish with a shower of chopped parsley, and if you’re feeling indulgent, a sprinkle of fresh parmesan makes a world of difference.

Now you’ve got a restaurant-quality chicken piccata pasta dish—bright, rich, and perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners.

If you enjoy bold, creamy pasta dishes, you’ll love how the tang of piccata sauce pairs with noodles—especially when you’ve already fallen for recipes like our creamy Cajun chicken linguine with garlic mozzarella sauce, which delivers both spice and richness in one plate.

Easy Variations – Creamy, White Wine & Ina Garten-Inspired Chicken Piccata

Creamy Chicken Piccata Recipe for Richer Flavor

If you’re craving a more decadent version of this dish, a creamy chicken piccata recipe is your best bet. This twist brings the richness of heavy cream into the sauce, mellowing the sharpness of the lemon and taming the briny bite of capers.

To make it creamy, add ½ cup of heavy whipping cream after the lemon juice, zest, broth, and capers have simmered. Stir well and let the sauce bubble gently. The result is a velvety, slightly tangy sauce that clings beautifully to chicken—and even better to pasta.

Cream balances the brightness and turns this into a more indulgent comfort dish. Want a pro tip? Sprinkle parmesan right into the sauce to add a nutty finish and boost creaminess.

Check out our creamy garlic chicken skillet dinner for a similar one-pan favorite.

The Classic White Wine Chicken Piccata Variation

For those who like a slightly sharper, more traditional flavor, you’ll love the chicken piccata recipe with white wine. White wine enhances the acidity and depth of the sauce without overpowering the dish.

Simply substitute the chicken broth with dry white wine—Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or even dry vermouth all work well. These wines bring a crispness that complements the lemon and pairs beautifully with both light and creamy variations.

Let the wine simmer until the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a complex, layered flavor that elevates the entire dish. Just be sure not to add the cream before the wine has reduced, or the sauce may separate.

Don’t miss our pan sauces guide for wine-based reductions if you want to take it even further.

Ina Garten’s Take on Chicken Piccata

Fans of Barefoot Contessa often search for a chicken piccata recipe Ina Garten version—and it’s easy to see why. Her style focuses on straightforward ingredients with elevated technique, turning a simple dish into something special.

Ina keeps it close to classic: lightly dredged chicken, a butter-based sauce with lemon and capers, and no cream. She often uses white wine to deglaze the pan, building flavor from the browned bits left behind after searing the chicken.

To mimic her style, use good-quality butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and don’t skip the capers—they’re key to the signature pop of flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley, and serve over a bed of linguine or orzo for a full Barefoot Contessa-inspired meal.

If you’re drawn to comfort food with a creamy twist, you’ll love browsing Salt & Lavender’s Chicken & Poultry Recipes—a goldmine for cozy, flavor-forward dishes like creamy lemon chicken and skillet favorites.

What to Serve with Chicken Piccata – Perfect Pairings

Pasta, Potatoes & Grains That Soak Up the Sauce

One of the best parts of making a chicken piccata recipe is deciding what to pair with it. The sauce—bright, buttery, and laced with lemon—is the star, so your side dish should be something that soaks up every drop.

Here are some ideal pairings to consider:

Side Dish	Why It Works
Angel Hair Pasta	Delicate strands that don’t overpower the sauce
Mashed Potatoes	Creamy, absorbent, and a comforting contrast to citrus
Rice Pilaf	A light, herbed base that complements the lemon flavor
Orzo	Small pasta that mimics risotto texture when sauced
Quinoa	High-protein option with a nutty flavor balance

Pasta is always a top pick, especially if you’re going for a chicken piccata recipe with pasta. But if you want something gluten-free or lower-carb, cauliflower mash or garlic-roasted sweet potatoes make fantastic substitutes.

Discover more creative sides in our flavor-packed risotto dishes roundup.

Vegetables That Brighten and Balance

Since chicken piccata is already rich and savory, pairing it with fresh, crisp vegetables creates harmony on the plate. Look for side dishes that bring color and crunch:

• Steamed asparagus – lightly seasoned with sea salt and lemon zest
• Garlic green beans – sautéed in olive oil and a dash of red pepper flakes
• Roasted broccoli or cauliflower – adds a toasty bite
• Zucchini ribbons or squash noodles – for a low-carb pasta alternative

These vegetable sides keep the meal light and satisfying, and they pair perfectly with either the creamy chicken piccata recipe or the classic lemon-wine version.

Salads and Light Starters to Complement the Dish

Starting your meal with a fresh salad balances the richness of the main course. Some go-to options include:

• Arugula salad with shaved parmesan and balsamic
• Cucumber and dill salad with a lemon vinaigrette
• Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes

A quick starter keeps the meal elegant but unfussy—ideal for a date night or a dinner party.

For more inspiration on pasta-based meals, check out their Pasta Recipes section. It’s filled with quick, indulgent dinner ideas that pair beautifully with any buttery or citrusy chicken dish.

How to Store, Reheat & Freeze Chicken Piccata

Best Practices for Storing Leftovers

Cooked too much? Good news—chicken piccata stores incredibly well, especially if you handle it the right way. Once your dish has cooled to room temperature, transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Be sure to store the chicken and any pasta or sides separately if possible. This helps keep everything from getting soggy and makes reheating easier.

Also, if you made a creamy chicken piccata recipe, the cream in the sauce will thicken as it sits, but don’t worry—it will smooth out again when heated properly.

Don’t miss our guide to storing creamy dishes the right way for more time-saving kitchen hacks.

How to Reheat Chicken Piccata Without Drying It Out

To keep the chicken juicy and the sauce silky, reheating needs a gentle approach.

Stovetop (recommended):

1. Place chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat.
2. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
3. Cover and let it warm through for 5–7 minutes.

Microwave (for quick lunches):

1. Use a microwave-safe dish with a lid.
2. Add a spoon of water or cream and heat in 30-second bursts.
3. Stir gently between intervals to ensure even reheating.

Avoid high heat—it can make the sauce split and dry out the chicken. A slow, low simmer is your friend here.

Freezing Chicken Piccata for Later

You can absolutely freeze your chicken piccata recipe, especially if you’re meal prepping or saving leftovers. Just make sure to cool everything first.

Here’s how:

• Place chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• Label and date it—use within 2 months for best flavor.
• When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove.

If your version includes pasta, we recommend freezing the chicken and sauce only. Make a fresh batch of pasta the day you plan to serve it.

People Also Ask – FAQs About Chicken Piccata

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