Chicken Piccata Dish

Chicken piccata is a classic Italian American dish made with thin chicken breast cutlets that are lightly coated in flour, pan fried until golden then served in a buttery lemon sauce with capers and fresh parsley. The sauce is rich, bright and full of flavour making it an easy meal that feels special enough for guests but is simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

Piccata sauce has a wonderful balance of flavours. The butter gives it richness, the fresh lemon adds brightness and the capers bring a slightly salty, tangy bite. A splash of white wine and chicken stock adds depth without making the sauce heavy. It should taste fresh and buttery with just enough lemon to lift the dish rather than overpower it.

If you prefer not to cook with wine, simply replace it with an equal amount of good quality chicken stock. Adding an extra teaspoon or two of fresh lemon juice helps replace some of the brightness that the wine provides. The sauce will still be delicious, silky and full of flavour.

Yes but the flavour will be quite different. Capers add the signature briny taste that makes chicken piccata instantly recognisable. If you don't enjoy capers then chopped green olives are the closest substitute. They add a similar salty flavour while still pairing beautifully with the lemon butter sauce.

A bitter sauce is usually caused by adding too much lemon juice or cooking the lemon for too long over high heat. Freshly squeezed lemon juice should be stirred into the sauce after it has reduced, then balanced with cold butter. Taste before adding more lemon, as a little goes a long way.

The easiest way is to pound the chicken to an even thickness before cooking. This helps every piece cook at the same speed. Cook the chicken just until it reaches a safe temperature, then remove it from the pan while you make the sauce. Once the sauce is ready, return the chicken for only a minute or two to warm through. This keeps it tender and juicy every time instead of going dry.

Chicken piccata is delicious served with buttery mashed potatoes, roasted baby potatoes, pasta, creamy polenta or fluffy rice, all of which soak up the lemon butter sauce beautifully. For something lighter you can serve it with steamed asparagus, green beans, broccoli or a crisp green salad. Warm crusty bread is also perfect for mopping up every last spoonful of the sauce. Our guests love this dish every time we've made it.