Ditch the dinner-prep stress with this healthy chicken piccata recipe perfect for busy weeknights when you need something tasty on the dinner table, pronto!
Dinner time can be a battlefield. When you’re juggling work, kids, and the never-ending chaos of life, the last thing you want is a complicated dinner.
This simple chicken piccata recipe is my go-to when I’m crunched on time.
With just a handful of ingredients from the grocery store, this Italian dish comes together effortlessly. It’s an easy dinner recipe that doesn’t keep me chained to the kitchen for hours on a busy weeknight.
Plus, it’s a healthy meal that my kids love which pairs well with any side.
What is Chicken Piccata?
Originating from Italian cuisine, chicken piccata recipes have become a cherished classic, celebrated for their simplicity and delightful taste. Often served over a bed of angel hair pasta or with a side of veggies, it’s a versatile dish that captures the essence of Italian dining.
Essentially, it’s thin cutlets, coated in flour and pan-fried until golden brown. The addition of chicken stock, lemon slices, capers, and a splash of dry white wine like Pinot Grigio takes it to the next level.
TIP! Here’s how to make perfectly thin chicken cutlets at home.
But this version of chicken piccata is simplified. Chicken thighs or boneless chicken breasts are lightly pan-seared without flour – no need for heavy breading or excess oil.
As the chicken cooks, lemon slices add a burst of freshness, leaving a citrusy kick. The delicious sauce, made with chicken broth, lots of lemon, dry white wine, and a tablespoon of butter, brings Italian flavor to an otherwise bland dish!
It’s a flavor explosion that Italian restaurants are famous for!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients Needed For Healthy Chicken Piccata
Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to recreate this Italian dish:
- 1 large chicken breast fillet, boneless and skinless
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 chili
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp capers, drained
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and dill
- lemon and lime slices, for serving
Step-by-Step Preparation With Pictures
1. Cut the chicken breast fillet into three portions. Pound chicken into thin chicken cutlets, season with salt and pepper. Let them sit for 5 minutes.
2. Cut 2-3 slices of lime and lemon for serving. Squeeze 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of lime juice.
3. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter on medium-high heat in a non-stick skillet. When the butter has melted and the skillet is hot, add the chicken fillets in a single layer. Cook for 5-6 minutes until both sides of the chicken are golden brown on both sides, then set aside.
4. To the same skillet, toss in chopped chilies and capers. Add 1/2 cup of chicken stock, fresh lemon juice, and lime juice. Scrape the brown bits and let the lemon sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it reduces in volume.
5. Reduce heat to medium low, and whisk in the remaining butter until melted and well blended. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, cover with lemon caper sauce, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes for flavors to combine. Once done, sprinkle with parsley and dill.
6. Transfer the chicken piccata to a plate, garnish with thin slices of lemon and lime, and drizzle with the chicken piccata sauce.
Your healthy and delicious dinner is now ready to serve with your favorite side.
Buon appetito!
Variations
Don’t be afraid to customize the recipe to your liking and dietary preferences. Here are some ideas to tweak this chicken piccata recipe:
Herb Infusion: Try adding your favorite herbs to the sauce. Experiment with oregano or basil. These herbs can elevate your lemon chicken piccata to a whole new level.
Spice It Up: While this recipe calls for chili you can spice it up even further by adding a touch of cayenne and garlic powder to the sauce. It adds a subtle heat without overpowering the dish.
Go Classic: For the classic chicken piccata coat the chicken fillets in all purpose flour. For a healthier option choose whole wheat flour, almond flour or tapioca flour. Experiment with other coatings to match your taste — without sacrificing the perfect golden brown color of the chicken.
Tips for Best Results
- Tender Chicken: To make the chicken breast tender, ensure it’s thinly sliced or pounded to even the thickness.
- Golden-Brown Perfection: Achieve that perfect golden crust by preheating your frying pan and letting the chicken sear undisturbed for 3-5 minutes on each side. As the chicken breasts cook in medium heat, don’t rush the process. Let them mingle until the crust turns into perfect golden brown. The magic happens when those crispy bits stick to the pan.
- Tasty Sauce: When you flip the chicken cutlets, pay attention to the bottom of the pan. Let those bits form, and when you hear the sizzle, it’s your cue. With a spatula or a wooden spoon, scrape the bottom of the pan, to get those browned bits. They dissolve as you add the broth, which adds a twist to the flavor of the chicken.
- Perfect Pairing: Pair it with stuffed portobello mushrooms and cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative or bed it on a bed of pasta for a heartier meal.
How To Store
Store your leftover chicken piccata in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge for a delicious next day lunch. The flavors somehow get even better the second time around.
One Last Thing
I hope you give this simple recipe of a healthy chicken piccata a try.
It’s a true game-changer for busy days and proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to cook a restaurant-worthy meal!
With just a few steps and only half an hour, you’ll have a dish that packs so much flavor! For another flavorful, super simple and quick dinner make this jalapeño popper chicken casserole next!
Your Turn
If you make this easy and healthy chicken piccata with lemon recipe, please take a moment to let me know how you liked it by leaving a rating and a comment below on the recipe card.
Top Easy Recipes to Try Next
- Easy Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls With Cream Cheese
- Quick Baked Salmon With Mayo Recipe: Easy & Creamy
- Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Copycat Recipe
- Mini Key Lime Pie Bites: A Must-Try Easy Recipe
- Best Mini Turtle Cheesecakes Recipe For Dessert Lovers
- Healthy Strawberry Yogurt Parfaits for Wholesome Treat
- Mini Pumpkin Croissants: Easy Crescent Rolls Recipe
Easy and Healthy Chicken Piccata with Lemon Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large chicken breast fillet boneless and skinless
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 chili
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp capers drained
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley and dill chopped
- Lemon and lime slices for serving
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breast fillet into three portions. Pound chicken into thin chicken cutlets, season with salt and pepper. Let them sit for 5 minutes.1 large chicken breast fillet, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Cut 2-3 slices lime and lemon for serving. Squeeze 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of lime juice.2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp lime juice
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter on medium-high heat in a non-stick skillet. When the butter has melted and the skillet is hot, add the chicken fillets in a single layer. Cook for 5-6 minutes until both sides of the chicken are golden brown on both sides, then set aside.1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 large chicken breast fillet
- To the same skillet, toss in chopped chilies and capers. Add 1/2 cup of chicken stock, fresh lemon juice, and lime juice. Scrape the brown bits and let the lemon sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it reduces in volume.1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/4 chili, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp capers, 1 tbsp lime juice
- Reduce heat to medium low, and whisk in the remaining butter until melted and well blended. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, cover with lemon caper sauce, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes for flavors to combine. Once done, sprinkle with parsley and dill.2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Transfer the chicken piccata to a plate, garnish with thin slices of lemon and lime, and drizzle with the chicken piccata sauce.Lemon and lime slices, 2 tbsp fresh parsley and dill
- Your healthy and delicious dinner is now ready to serve with your favorite side.Buon appetito!
Notes
- Tender Chicken: To make the chicken breast tender, ensure it’s thinly sliced or pounded to even the thickness.
- Golden-Brown Perfection: Achieve that perfect golden crust by preheating your frying pan and letting the chicken sear undisturbed for 3-5 minutes on each side. As the chicken breasts cook in medium heat, don’t rush the process. Let them mingle until the crust turns into perfect golden brown. The magic happens when those crispy bits stick to the pan.
- Tasty Sauce: When you flip the chicken cutlets, pay attention to the bottom of the pan. Let those bits form, and when you hear the sizzle, it’s your cue. With a spatula or a wooden spoon, scrape the bottom of the pan, to get those browned bits. They dissolve as you add the broth, which adds a twist to the flavor of the chicken.
Nutrition
Tamara Tsaturyan is the owner and writer of Thriving In Parenting, a website focused on providing simple tips for busy parents — easy and healthy recipes, home decor and organization ideas and all things P A R E N T I N G.
Share Your Thoughts!
I love to know your thoughts, make sure to comment below to start a discussion! You can also follow me on your favorite social network below.