Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce is a weeknight lifesaver for busy moms and professionals. I’m a chef at Cookeroni. It saved countless weeknights when hockey practice ran late. Flavors should meet speed, so you feed your family well. You can do it without spending all evening in the kitchen. This dish brings restaurant-grade citrus brightness, buttery richness, and a tangy caper pop. All in about 50 minutes. You’ll sear juicy chicken cutlets to a golden crust. Then finish them in a glossy lemon-butter sauce that clings to every bite. Read on to see how a classic Italian-inspired favorite becomes your new go-to in minutes per week.
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what make this Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce special
Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce is special because it marries sophistication with practicality. I love how the chicken cooks quickly into a tender, lightly crusted fillet. It hinges on a bright, buttery lemon sauce that gleams with capers and a kiss of garlic.
It’s Italian-inspired comfort that fits into a busy schedule, making weeknights feel indulgent rather than rushed. The citrus tang, butter richness, and salty bite of capers hit the right notes without fuss. It’s refined enough to serve guests, yet friendly enough for a casual family dinner.
The recipe scales easily, so you can feed a crowd or savor leftovers all week.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
I love how quickly Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce comes together. Dredging and searing give a crisp edge without drying the center. The lemon-butter sauce finishes glossy and bright, like a sunlit glaze. Capers add a briny pop that lifts everyday chicken. It’s approachable for busy nights yet fancy enough for guests. Serve with pasta, potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete dinner.
Ingredients
I gather these ingredients for Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce.
- 2½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Notes (optional ingredients and tips):
- For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging.
- Parsley is optional but adds color and a fresh finish.
- If you prefer less tang, reduce lemon juice by 1–2 tablespoons.
- Exact quantities suitable for printing are at the bottom of the article.

How to Make Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
Step 1 – Prepare Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
- I season chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- I lightly dredge each piece in flour, shaking off excess.
- This step forms the foundation for a juicy, golden-crusted chicken and easy sauce.
Step 2 – Dredge and Sear Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
- I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- I add 2 tablespoons of butter; once melted, I place the chicken in batches.
- I sear the chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- I rest the chicken briefly to stay juicy while I make the sauce.
Step 3 – Make Sauce for Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
- I add the remaining butter and minced garlic; I cook about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- I pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest, scraping up browned bits.
- I stir in capers and simmer 5–7 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly and becomes glossy.
Step 4 – Finish and Serve Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
- I return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over, and simmer 3–5 minutes.
- I garnish with parsley if desired and serve immediately with pasta, potatoes, or vegetables.
Tips for Success
- Dry chicken thoroughly before dredging to maximize crust and browning on Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches for even searing and juicier meat.
- Keep the pan at medium heat to avoid burning garlic and butter.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or white wine.
- Have everything ready before you start; a calm kitchen saves time.

Equipment Needed
- Large skillet (12-inch is ideal); nonstick or stainless both work for even browning and a glossy sauce.
- Tongs for turning chicken and lifting pieces without crowding the pan.
- Spatula or wooden spoon for scraping browned bits from the pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons to keep your ratios precise.
- Sharp knife and cutting board for prepping the chicken and lemon zest.
Variations
- Gluten-free: use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging instead of all-purpose flour.
- Dairy-free: reduce butter by half and add a splash of olive oil to keep the sauce silky.
- White wine option: substitute a splash of dry white wine for part of the chicken broth.
- Protein swap: try shrimp or pork cutlets for a different twist on Piccata.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce over linguine, angel hair, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
- Pair with roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans for color and crunch.
- A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhances the lemon brightness.
Make-Ahead Tips for Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
- Prep the chicken for Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce and have the dredging flour measured in advance; refrigerate the cutlets wrapped up to 1 day.
- The sauce can be prepared up to a day ahead and reheated gently; rewarm the chicken in the sauce just before serving for a seamless finish.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove to keep the sauce glossy and the chicken tender.

FAQs
Is Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce gluten-free?
With gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging, this dish can be gluten-free. I often swap in certified gluten-free flour or starch and double-check broth and capers for any hidden gluten so it fits dietary needs without skipping flavor.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, but adjust cooking time to avoid undercooking or drying. I sometimes use boneless thighs for juicier results; slice into uniform cutlets so they sear evenly and finish with the same tenderness as breasts.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days; rewarm gently on the stove. This keeps the sauce glossy and the chicken tender, so you can enjoy a quick lunch or dinner next day.
Can I freeze the sauce?
The sauce freezes well; reheat slowly and adjust brightness with a splash of lemon juice if needed. I usually freeze the sauce separately and combine with fresh chicken when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
I love how Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce brightens weeknights. The lemon, butter, and capers feel like a small celebration. It stays practical for busy days and special enough for guests. I often finish with parsley and a squeeze of extra lemon for brightness.
This dish proves you can deliver restaurant flair without complexity. I savor the leftovers, and so will your family. The recipe scales easily, too, making weeknights calmer and meals memorable. I hope you savor every bite and feel a touch of kitchen confidence. May your table sparkle with sunshine and easy, joyful cooking.
Print
Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce Ultimate Chic Bold 50Min.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce: A bright, elegant pan-seared chicken dish bathed in a tangy lemon-butter sauce with capers for a classic Italian-inspired flavor.
Ingredients
- 2½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- ¼ cup capers, drained
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken cutlets with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Lightly dredge each piece in flour, shaking off excess.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter and garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in capers and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces.
- Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 3–5 minutes, spooning sauce over the chicken.
- Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, dredge the chicken in gluten-free flour or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour.
- Serve over cooked pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste for more or less tang.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-seared, simmered
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/8 of recipe)
Keywords: Chicken Piccata, Lemon Sauce, Capers, Pan-Seared Chicken, Lemon Butter Sauce, Italian Chicken, Chicken with Lemon, Piccata