If you’re looking for a meal that feels fancy but is actually easy to make, Chicken Piccata with Capers is the answer. This dish has everything: golden pan-seared chicken, a bright lemon-butter sauce, and those little bursts of salty capers that take things to the next level. It’s packed with flavor yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

The secret to a great chicken piccata is getting that perfect balance between the richness of butter and the tanginess of fresh lemon juice. The sauce is light yet full of depth, coating each piece of chicken in a velvety glaze. Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or even a side of roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a meal that’s guaranteed to impress.

Let’s break it down step by step so you can make this classic dish at home with ease.

Table of contents

What Makes Chicken Piccata So Good?

There’s a reason this dish has been a favorite for so long. Every bite delivers a mix of flavors that keeps things interesting:

Crispy, Pan-Seared Chicken – Lightly coated in flour and cooked to golden perfection, the chicken stays tender while soaking up the delicious sauce.
Bright, Tangy Sauce – Made with lemon juice, butter, and chicken broth, the sauce is simple but full of flavor.
Capers for a Salty Kick – These tiny green gems add just the right amount of briny contrast to the buttery sauce.
Quick and Easy – From start to finish, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it great for busy nights.

How to Make Chicken Piccata with Capers

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish in no time:

Prep the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. This helps them cook quickly and evenly.
Coat and Sear: Lightly dredge the chicken in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden brown, then set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and capers. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to develop flavor.
Finish with Butter: Stir in a bit of butter to make the sauce silky smooth. Return the chicken to the pan and let it soak up the flavors.
Serve and Enjoy: Spoon extra sauce over the chicken and serve with your favorite sides.

Simple Ways to Switch It Up

Want to give this classic dish a personal touch? Try one of these variations:

Creamy Piccata – Add a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer, silkier sauce.
Garlic Lover’s Twist – Sauté minced garlic with the capers to boost the depth of flavor.
Extra Herbs – Fresh parsley is a must, but basil or thyme can also add a unique twist.
Spicy Kick – If you like heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will bring a little fire to the sauce.

Why You’ll Want to Make This Again and Again

Chicken Piccata isn’t just delicious—it’s also practical. Here’s why this dish will become a regular in your kitchen:

Quick and Simple – It’s ready in 30 minutes with minimal effort.
Full of Flavor – The combination of lemon, butter, and capers is bright, bold, and satisfying.
Pairs with Everything – Whether you want pasta, rice, or veggies, this dish works with all of them.

Click here to preview your posts with PRO themes ››

Great Side Dishes to Pair with Chicken Piccata

This dish shines on its own, but a well-chosen side can make it even better. Here are a few great options:

Buttery Angel Hair Pasta – The light texture of angel hair soaks up the piccata sauce beautifully.
Lemon Garlic Green Beans – A fresh, vibrant side that complements the bright flavors of the dish.
Parmesan Roasted Potatoes – Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of cheesy goodness.
Simple Arugula Salad – A peppery arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances out the richness of the dish.

Save for Later!

Chicken Piccata with Capers

Chicken Piccata with Capers is a quick, flavorful dish featuring golden pan-seared chicken in a bright lemon-butter sauce. With capers adding a salty bite, this easy meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough for a special occasion.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings serving

Equipment

Skillet For pan-searing the chicken and making the sauce

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced in half lengthwise
1/2 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
2 tbsp olive oil for cooking
1 cup chicken broth for the sauce
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice adds brightness
2 tbsp capers rinsed and drained
3 tbsp butter for a silky sauce

Instructions

Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Season with salt and pepper.
Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Simmer for 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Stir in butter until melted and return the chicken to the skillet. Let it cook for 2 more minutes.
Serve hot, spooning extra sauce over the chicken. Enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, add garlic or white wine to the sauce.
Pairs well with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Keyword chicken piccata, chicken with capers, lemon butter chicken

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Carrie Boyd

Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.

As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.

A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!