Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata is a medium Italian recipe that serves 4. 560 calories per serving. Recipe by COOKING WITH SHEREEN on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 35 min

Cost: $12.17 total, $3.04 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds Boneless Skinless Organic Chicken Breast (organic, trimmed into 4 equal pieces)
  • 0.33 cup All-Purpose Flour (for dredging, whisked before use)
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Garlic (or garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (plus extra for seasoning)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Freshly Cracked Black Pepper (to taste)
  • 5 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin for fruity flavor)
  • 1 Large Shallot (finely minced)
  • 2 Lemon (juiced, no pith or white rind)
  • 1 tablespoon Capers (rinsed well to remove brine)
  • 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cold, cut into small pieces)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped fine)
  • 0.25 cup Chicken Stock (homemade or low‑sodium store‑bought)

Instructions

  1. Dry and Season Chicken

    Pat the chicken breasts dry with heavy‑duty paper towels, then season both sides with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Dredge in Flour

    Place 1/3 cup all‑purpose flour in a shallow bowl, whisk, then lightly coat each chicken piece, shaking off excess.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Prep Remaining Ingredients

    Finely mince the shallot, juice the lemons (avoid the white pith), rinse capers, cut butter into small cubes, and roughly chop the parsley.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Sear First Batch of Chicken

    Heat the skillet over medium heat, add 3 tbsp olive oil, and when it shimmers, add half the chicken. Sear 1–1.5 minutes per side until lightly golden.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: medium

  5. Sear Second Batch

    Remove the first batch, add another 2 tbsp olive oil if needed, and sear the remaining chicken pieces the same way.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: medium

  6. Saute Shallot

    Add the minced shallot to the pan and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

    Time: PT30S

    Temperature: medium

  7. Deglaze and Reduce

    Pour in 1/4 cup chicken stock and the lemon juice, scraping up browned bits. Reduce the liquid by half, about 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  8. Add Capers and Finish Chicken

    Stir in the rinsed capers and a pinch of lemon zest, then return all chicken pieces to the pan. Cook for another 2 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  9. Emulsify Butter into Sauce

    Reduce heat to low. Add the cold butter pieces a few at a time, whisking constantly until fully incorporated and the sauce becomes velvety.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: low

  10. Finish and Serve

    Stir in the chopped parsley, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then transfer chicken to a serving platter and spoon sauce over the top.

    Time: PT30S

Nutrition Facts

Calories
560
Protein
45 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
38 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, High protein

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Chicken Piccata

Recipe by COOKING WITH SHEREEN

A quick and easy Italian chicken piccata featuring tender organic chicken breasts, a bright lemon‑caper sauce, and a velvety butter emulsion. Perfect for a weeknight dinner served with salad, rice, or crusty bread.

MediumItalianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
22m
Prep
2m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
34m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.17
Total cost
$3.04
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Drying the chicken thoroughly to achieve a proper sear.
  • Searing the chicken without moving it until a golden crust forms.
  • Reducing the deglazed liquid by half before adding butter.
  • Emulsifying cold butter over low heat to create a velvety sauce.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter; use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Butter can separate if heated too quickly; keep heat low during emulsification.
  • Use a sharp knife carefully when mincing shallot and chopping parsley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Piccata in Italian cuisine?

A

Chicken Piccata originates from the Italian word "piccata" meaning "pounded" or "flattened" and refers to the technique of lightly breading and sautéing thin cuts of meat. It became popular in the United States as an Italian‑American classic, showcasing the bright flavors of lemon, capers, and butter that are hallmarks of Southern Italian cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken Piccata in Italy?

A

In Southern Italy, piccata is often made with veal (veal piccata) and uses olive oil, lemon, and capers. In the north, you may find a richer butter‑based sauce or the addition of white wine. Some regions substitute parsley with fresh basil for a different herb note.

cultural
Q

How is authentic Chicken Piccata traditionally served in Italy?

A

Traditionally, piccata is served hot, drizzled with its lemon‑caper butter sauce, alongside simple sides such as sautéed greens, roasted potatoes, or a light arugula salad. It is often accompanied by crusty Italian bread to soak up the sauce.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Piccata traditionally associated with in Italian culture?

A

Chicken Piccata is a versatile weekday dinner but is also served at family gatherings and festive occasions because it can be prepared quickly yet feels elegant. It appears on holiday menus during Easter and Christmas in many Italian-American households.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with Chicken Piccata?

A

Pair Chicken Piccata with a simple Italian salad (mixed greens with vinaigrette), roasted asparagus, or a side of creamy polenta. A glass of crisp Pinot Grigio or Vermentino complements the lemony sauce beautifully.

cultural
Q

What makes Chicken Piccata special or unique in Italian cuisine?

A

The dish balances bright acidity from lemon, briny capers, and rich butter, creating a harmonious flavor profile that highlights the Italian principle of simple, high‑quality ingredients working together. Its quick pan‑sear method also showcases the Italian love for fast, flavorful cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Piccata?

A

Common errors include not drying the chicken, which leads to steaming instead of searing; overcooking the chicken, resulting in a rubbery texture; and adding butter over high heat, which causes the sauce to break. Follow the low‑heat emulsification step for a velvety sauce.

technical
Q

Why does this Chicken Piccata recipe use butter emulsified at low heat instead of adding it at the end over high heat?

A

Emulsifying butter over low heat prevents the fat from separating, creating a smooth, velvety sauce. Adding butter over high heat would cause the butter to melt too quickly and split, leaving an oily, greasy sauce.

technical
Q

Can I make Chicken Piccata ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce up to a few hours in advance. Keep the cooked chicken and sauce separate in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a few fresh butter cubes to restore the sauce’s silkiness before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel COOKING WITH SHEREEN specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel COOKING WITH SHEREEN focuses on approachable home‑cooked meals, emphasizing fresh ingredients, clear step‑by‑step tutorials, and practical kitchen tips for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel COOKING WITH SHEREEN's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

COOKING WITH SHEREEN blends classic Italian techniques with modern, time‑saving shortcuts, such as using organic chicken for flavor and emphasizing sauce emulsification tips that many traditional channels overlook, making authentic dishes more accessible for busy home cooks.

channel

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