Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata Recipe
A vibrant Mediterranean-style chicken piccata recipe featuring tender butterflied chicken breasts cooked in a zesty lemon, caper, and garlic sauce. This easy stovetop dish is finished with a buttery, olive oil-enriched sauce and garnished with fresh lemon slices and parsley, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both flavorful and elegant.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 skinless, butterflied chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, optional for seasoning
Coating
- 1/2 cup flour (whole wheat or almond flour can be substituted)
Cooking Fat
- 3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus additional as needed
Sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 1/2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed or minced
Garnish
- Sliced lemon
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the flour in a shallow bowl. Butterfly the skinless chicken breasts to create even thickness. Optionally, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece through the flour, tapping off any excess, and set aside on a plate.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or up to 3 tablespoons olive oil) until hot. Add two chicken cutlets at a time, ensuring they have space to cook evenly. Brown the chicken for approximately 2 1/2 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for about 1 more minute. Remove the browned chicken to a clean plate. Add more butter or olive oil as needed between batches to ensure proper cooking and prevent sticking. You may not use all the butter called for.
- Make the Sauce and Finish Cooking: After all chicken pieces are cooked and removed, add lemon juice, chicken stock, capers, and garlic cloves to the hot skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 2-5 minutes until fully cooked through. Incorporate additional butter or olive oil into the sauce if desired to enrich the flavor and texture.
- Serve: Plate the chicken with the sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and tenderness.
- You can substitute whole wheat or almond flour for regular flour for a healthier or gluten-free option.
- Adjust the amount of butter and olive oil according to your dietary preferences or desired richness.
- For a zestier flavor, add extra lemon juice or serve with additional lemon wedges.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad.
Keywords: Chicken Piccata, Mediterranean Chicken, Lemon Chicken, Capers, Easy Dinner Recipe, Stovetop Chicken
