🎉 Introduction
Few dishes can match the elegance and bold flavor of chicken piccata with lemon sauce. It’s a classic that feels both light and indulgent, making it perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. With tender chicken breasts, a silky lemon-forward sauce, and a balance of savory and tangy notes, this recipe delivers timeless comfort with a refined touch.
What truly sets this chicken piccata apart is its vibrant lemon sauce. The citrus cuts through the richness of butter and cheese, creating a dish that feels fresh, satisfying, and never heavy. Each bite combines juicy chicken with a smooth, glossy sauce that coats the palate beautifully.
This version is designed for home cooks who want restaurant-style results without complicated steps. It uses simple pantry ingredients, avoids alcohol by relying on chicken broth, and comes together quickly in one pan. If you enjoy lemon chicken recipes, easy skillet dinners, and Italian-inspired comfort food, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
🧰 Equipment Needed
To prepare this chicken piccata with lemon sauce, you’ll need:
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Shallow bowls (for dredging)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
- Knife and cutting board
- Plate for resting chicken
Tip: A wide skillet allows the chicken to cook evenly without overcrowding.
🛒 Ingredients
All ingredients should be prepared and measured before cooking.
Protein
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Coating
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Liquids & Sauce Base
- 6 tablespoons chicken broth
- 5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ⅛ teaspoon hot pepper sauce
Fresh Ingredients
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
Egg Mixture
- ½ cup egg substitute
Dairy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fats
- 3 teaspoons olive oil
Ingredient Notes:
- Fresh lemon juice is essential for authentic chicken piccata flavor.
- Parmesan adds subtle richness without overpowering the sauce.
👩🍳 Directions
Follow these steps carefully for perfectly cooked chicken piccata with lemon sauce.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- If chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
- Pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Set Up Dredging Station
- In one shallow bowl, add flour and salt.
- In another bowl, add the egg substitute.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture.
- Lightly dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken in batches.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and cover lightly.
Step 5: Build the Lemon Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium-low.
- In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice.
- Add hot pepper sauce.
- Stir well, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
Step 6: Simmer the Sauce
- Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes, until slightly reduced and glossy.
Step 7: Return Chicken to Pan
- Place chicken back into the skillet.
- Spoon sauce over each piece.
- Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes to absorb flavor.
Step 8: Finish with Cheese and Herbs
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: About 40 minutes
An ideal choice for quick dinners with an elegant presentation.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheating
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat
- Add a splash of chicken broth to refresh the sauce
Tip: Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender.
🥄 Variations
Customize your chicken piccata with lemon sauce with these ideas:
- Extra Lemon Flavor
- Add lemon zest to the sauce
- Creamy Piccata
- Add ¼ cup whole milk for a richer sauce
- Spicy Kick
- Increase hot pepper sauce slightly
- Herb-Forward
- Add fresh thyme or basil
- Low-Carb Version
- Skip flour and lightly pan-sear the chicken
❓ 10 FAQs
- Is chicken piccata traditionally lemony?
Yes, lemon is the defining flavor of piccata. - Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs work well. - Why dredge in flour?
It helps create a golden crust and thickens the sauce. - Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but reheats well. - Is this dish spicy?
No, the heat is very mild. - What can I serve with chicken piccata?
Rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables pair well. - Can I freeze this recipe?
Freezing is not recommended due to the sauce texture. - Why is my sauce too thin?
Let it simmer a bit longer to reduce. - Can I reduce the lemon?
Yes, adjust to taste. - Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it’s flavorful but mild.
🏁 Conclusion
This ultimate chicken piccata with lemon sauce brings classic flavors to your table in a simple, reliable way. With tender chicken, a bright citrus sauce, and a touch of richness from butter and Parmesan, it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication.
Whether you’re cooking for guests or preparing a quick family dinner, this dish delivers elegance without effort. Once you try it, you’ll understand why chicken piccata remains a timeless favorite in kitchens around the world.
The Ultimate Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce – Bright, Creamy, and Restaurant-Quality
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Follow these steps carefully for perfectly cooked chicken piccata with lemon sauce.
- If chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
- Pat dry with paper towels.
- In one shallow bowl, add flour and salt.
- In another bowl, add the egg substitute.
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture.
- Lightly dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken in batches.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and cover lightly.
- Reduce heat to medium-low.
- In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice.
- Add hot pepper sauce.
- Stir well, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
- Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes, until slightly reduced and glossy.
- Place chicken back into the skillet.
- Spoon sauce over each piece.
- Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes to absorb flavor.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
Yes, lemon is the defining flavor of piccata. Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs work well. Why dredge in flour?
It helps create a golden crust and thickens the sauce. Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but reheats well. Is this dish spicy?
No, the heat is very mild. What can I serve with chicken piccata?
Rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables pair well. Can I freeze this recipe?
Freezing is not recommended due to the sauce texture. Why is my sauce too thin?
Let it simmer a bit longer to reduce. Can I reduce the lemon?
Yes, adjust to taste. Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it’s flavorful but mild. 🏁 Conclusion This ultimate chicken piccata with lemon sauce brings classic flavors to your table in a simple, reliable way. With tender chicken, a bright citrus sauce, and a touch of richness from butter and Parmesan, it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication. Whether you’re cooking for guests or preparing a quick family dinner, this dish delivers elegance without effort. Once you try it, you’ll understand why chicken piccata remains a timeless favorite in kitchens around the world.
