Lemon Chicken Piccata
Lemon Chicken Piccata features tender chicken breasts in a vibrant lemon and caper sauce, perfect for a bright, flavorful meal that pairs well with mashed potatoes and fresh greens.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine flour, salt, and black pepper. Dredge chicken in flour mixture, shaking off excess flour.
- In a large frying pan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook about 3 minutes per side or until tender.
- Remove chicken from pan and keep in a warm place.
- Add wine or Sprite to the pan juices, cook for 1 minute, scraping up brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add lemon juice, bring to a boil, then return chicken to the pan and cook with lemon slices.
- Cook until the sauce slightly thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and capers.
- Serve over mashed potatoes with green lettuce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute the butter with more olive oil or use a non-stick spray. If you don't have white wine, Sprite works well for a sweeter flavor. Make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for quicker and more even cooking. You can also add garlic for an extra layer of flavor, similar to Chicken Picata.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or a light salad of green lettuce for a refreshing contrast. You can also serve it alongside steamed vegetables or over a bed of pasta for a heartier meal. For a complete Italian experience, consider adding a side of Garlic Bread or browsing more Italian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Lemon Chicken Piccata can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it may dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Chicken Piccata contains roughly 880 calories, with 71g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (210% of the Daily Value), protein (142% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (100% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2136mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for breasts. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful, making them a great option. Just ensure they are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
What if I don't have capers?
If you don’t have capers, you can use green olives or even a splash of pickle juice for some briny flavor. While it won't be exactly the same, it will still add a nice tangy element to the dish.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and combine them just before serving. Keep them separate in the fridge, and reheat the sauce gently before adding the chicken to ensure it stays tender.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).