Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata is a medium Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 550 calories per serving. Recipe by FOOD TRAVEL SHOPPING CHANNEL on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 31 min | Total: 1 hr 1 min

Cost: $12.64 total, $3.16 per serving

Ingredients

  • 0.33 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 4 pieces Chicken Breast (skinless, boneless, about 6‑oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for pan‑frying)
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (divided: 2 Tbsp for frying, 2 Tbsp for sauce)
  • 8 ounces Mushrooms (sliced (white button or cremini))
  • 0.5 cup Dry White Wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 whole Lemon (juiced (about 2‑3 Tbsp))
  • 2 tablespoons Capers (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream (cold)
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
  • 8 ounces Angel Hair Pasta (cooked al dente)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro (chopped for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Flour Dredge

    In a shallow bowl combine 1/3 cup flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk until evenly mixed.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Butterfly and Pound Chicken

    Place each chicken breast on a sheet of plastic wrap, cover with another sheet, and slice horizontally to butterfly. Using a meat tenderizer, pound each piece to an even 1/4‑inch thickness, keeping the wrap in place to contain juices.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Dredge Chicken

    Lightly coat each pounded chicken piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently so the flour adheres to all sides. Shake off excess and set on a clean plate.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Pan‑Fry Chicken

    Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil and 2 Tbsp butter, swirling to coat. When the butter foams, add the chicken pieces. Cook 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Transfer to a plate.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: medium heat

  5. Set Chicken Aside

    Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and keep warm on a plate covered loosely with foil.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Sauté Mushrooms

    Lower the heat to medium‑low. Add the sliced mushrooms to the same skillet with the remaining 2 Tbsp butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and turn golden, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium‑low heat

  7. Deglaze with Wine

    Increase heat to medium and pour in 1/2 cup white wine, scraping the browned bits from the pan. Let the wine reduce by half, about 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  8. Build the Creamy Lemon‑Caper Sauce

    Stir in the remaining 2 Tbsp butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and capers. Cook 1 minute, then slowly whisk in 1 cup heavy cream. Add a pinch of salt and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Simmer gently, stirring, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  9. Combine Chicken and Mushrooms

    Return the fried chicken pieces and sautéed mushrooms to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Heat for 3 minutes, turning the chicken once, until everything is hot and the chicken absorbs some sauce.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium heat

  10. Cook Pasta

    While the sauce finishes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz angel hair pasta and cook according to package directions (about 8‑10 minutes) until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: boiling

  11. Plate and Garnish

    Divide the pasta among plates, top with chicken pieces, and spoon generous sauce over everything. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a thin lemon slice.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
550
Protein
35g
Carbohydrates
45g
Fat
20g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: contains dairy, contains gluten, not vegan, not vegetarian

Allergens: dairy, gluten

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Chicken Piccata

Recipe by FOOD TRAVEL SHOPPING CHANNEL

A copycat of the Cheesecake Factory's creamy lemon chicken piccata, featuring pan‑seared butter‑coated chicken breasts, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich lemon‑caper cream sauce served over angel hair pasta.

MediumItalian-AmericanServes 4

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

Source Video
27m
Prep
31m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 8m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.64
Total cost
$3.16
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Pounding the chicken evenly to ensure quick, uniform cooking.
  • Deglazing the pan with white wine to capture the fond.
  • Simmering the cream sauce gently to avoid curdling and achieve proper thickness.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter; use a splatter guard or keep a safe distance.
  • Handle the skillet with oven‑mitts when adding butter and wine to avoid burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Chicken Piccata originated from the Italian "piccata" technique of quickly sautéing thinly sliced meat with a lemon‑caper sauce. In Italian‑American restaurants, especially family‑style chains like the Cheesecake Factory, it became a popular entrée because the bright lemon flavor pairs well with the richer American palate.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken Piccata in Italian cuisine?

A

In Italy, piccata is most commonly made with veal (veal piccata) and uses white wine, lemon, and capers. Some northern regions add butter for richness, while southern versions may include olives or a touch of tomato. The chicken version is an American adaptation.

cultural
Q

How is Chicken Piccata authentically served in Italian‑American restaurants?

A

It is typically served over a bed of pasta (angel hair or linguine) or alongside sautéed vegetables, with the lemon‑caper sauce spooned over the meat. A garnish of fresh lemon slices and parsley or cilantro adds color and freshness.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Piccata traditionally associated with in American dining?

A

Chicken Piccata is a popular choice for weekend family dinners, holiday gatherings, and restaurant brunches because it is quick to prepare yet feels elegant enough for special occasions.

cultural
Q

What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with Chicken Piccata?

A

Pair it with a simple arugula salad, garlic‑bread, or a side of roasted asparagus. A light white wine such as Pinot Grigio complements the lemony sauce nicely.

cultural
Q

What makes Chicken Piccata special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?

A

The combination of a bright lemon‑caper sauce with buttery richness creates a balance of acidity and creaminess that is distinct from heavier tomato‑based sauces, making it a standout light yet flavorful entrée.

cultural
Q

How has Chicken Piccata evolved over time in American restaurant menus?

A

Originally a veal dish, American chefs adapted it to chicken for cost and accessibility, often adding cream or extra butter for a richer texture, as seen in the Cheesecake Factory version.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken, using too high heat that burns the butter, and adding cream at a boil which can cause curdling. Follow the medium‑heat steps and monitor the sauce thickness.

technical
Q

Why does this Chicken Piccata recipe use butter and cream instead of a traditional olive‑oil‑only sauce?

A

The Cheesecake Factory style adds butter and cream to create a richer, velvety texture that appeals to a broader American palate while still retaining the classic lemon‑caper flavor.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to 2 hours ahead and keep it on low heat. Store cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, then reheat gently before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel FOOD TRAVEL SHOPPING CHANNEL specialize in?

A

FOOD TRAVEL SHOPPING CHANNEL specializes in recreating popular restaurant dishes at home, offering step‑by‑step video remakes of menu items from various eateries, with a focus on travel‑inspired food experiences.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel FOOD TRAVEL SHOPPING CHANNEL's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

The channel emphasizes realistic home‑cooking techniques, using everyday kitchen tools and detailed explanations of each step, while also providing cultural context and cost‑effective ingredient sourcing, unlike many channels that focus on high‑end equipment or gourmet plating.

channel

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