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5.0 from 48 votes

Lemon Piccata Chicken

This Italian Chicken Piccata Recipe has both the typical flour dredge and a coating of crunchy bread crumbs. This extra crispy version tastes so delicious with the buttery lemon sauce and capers.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 616 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian , American

Ingredients

For the chicken:
  • 16 ounces chicken breast cutlets (see note 1)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup Panko bread crumbs (see note 2)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • lemon zest from 1 lemon, about 1 teaspoon (see note 3)
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
For the sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice (from 2-3 lemons), slice and reserve lemon halves for serving (see note 3)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth (see note 4)
  • 1 tablespoon capers (see note 5)
  • fresh parsley minced, for garnish

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Top with a wire rack coated with nonstick spray or olive oil.
  2. Cover a cutting board completely with a piece of plastic wrap. Arrange chicken cutlets in a single layer on the plastic wrap-covered cutting board. Cover with a second piece of plastic wrap. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 1/4-inch. Remove top layer of plastic wrap and season breasts with salt and pepper.
  3. In a shallow dish, add flour. In a second shallow dish, add eggs and beat lightly. In a third shallow dish, combine panko, grated Parmesan, parsley, lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Working with one cutlet at a time, dredge in flour and shake off excess. Dip in eggs and tap gently on side of dish to remove excess. Add to panko mixture and press gently until crumbs adhere. Transfer to a large plate and repeat with remaining cutlets (cutlets can be wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for up to 2 hours).
  5. Line rimmed baking sheet or large plate with 3 layers of paper towels. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil until just smoking, about 400 degrees (this can take a few minutes). Add 2 cutlets and fry until deep golden brown and cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes per side.
  6. Drain cutlets well on paper towel-lined plate and transfer to prepared wire rack in oven to keep warm. Repeat with remaining 2 cutlets.
To make the sauce:
  1. Wipe out pan with dry paper towel. On medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter until foaming. Add lemon juice, white wine, and reserved lemon slices. Boil over high heat until reduced by half, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  2. Off heat, swirl in remaining 2 tablespoons butter and capers. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve chicken with sauce, lemon slices, and fresh parsley.

Notes

  • Chicken breast cutlets: Most grocery stores stock chicken cutlets, but if you can’t find them, set the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board. Working with one breast at a time, place your palm on top of the breast and slice it in half horizontally, cutting all the way through. Repeat with remaining chicken.
  • Bread crumbs: Panko bread crumbs, also known as Japanese bread crumbs, keep breaded and fried foods extra crispy. You can also substitute fresh bread crumbs you grind yourself.
  • Lemons: Zest your lemon before you cut it in half for juice. On average, one lemon has 2 tablespoons of juice in it, so plan on using 2-3 lemons for this recipe. 
  • White wine: Dry white wine, like a pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, works best. You can use chicken broth, too.
  • Capers: Pickled capers adds briny character to this recipe that's hard to replicate with anything else.
  • Yield: This recipe makes 4 cutlets, 4 ounces each, and enough lemon-caper sauce for all.
  • Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 cutlet with sauce Calories 616kcal (31%) Carbohydrates 25g (8%) Protein 30g (60%) Fat 41g (63%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Cholesterol 78mg (26%) Sodium 494mg (21%) Potassium 508mg (15%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 464IU (9%) Vitamin C 9mg (10%) Calcium 108mg (11%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 616

% Daily Value*

Serving 1 cutlet with sauce
Calories 616kcal 31%
Carbohydrates 25g 8%
Protein 30g 60%
Fat 41g 63%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Cholesterol 78mg 26%
Sodium 494mg 21%
Potassium 508mg 11%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 464IU 9%
Vitamin C 9mg 10%
Calcium 108mg 11%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.