If you’re looking for a dish that’s light, flavorful, and packed with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, this Chicken Piccata is the perfect choice. Combining tender, buttery chicken with a tangy lemon sauce, briny capers, and aromatic garlic, this classic dish gets a Mediterranean twist that makes it even more delicious.
This gluten-free and Mediterranean diet-friendly recipe is a fantastic option for those looking to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. The lemony, buttery sauce pairs beautifully with the lightly dredged and pan-seared chicken, creating a dish that’s not only comforting but also bright and refreshing. Whether you serve it over whole wheat pasta, orzo, or alongside a fresh salad, this chicken piccata will surely become a staple in your kitchen.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of preparing this easy Mediterranean-style Chicken Piccata, along with expert tips, variations, and serving ideas. Let’s get started!
Why You Will Love This Chicken Piccata Recipe
- Light & Flavorful: The combination of lemon juice, capers, and garlic creates a bright and tangy sauce that enhances the flavor of the chicken.
- Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal.
- Healthy & Diet-Friendly: Made with gluten-free options, whole wheat flour, and extra virgin olive oil, this recipe is great for those following the Mediterranean diet.
- Versatile: Serve it with orzo, whole wheat pasta, roasted vegetables, or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Enjoy an elevated, gourmet-style dish without the hassle of going out to eat.
Ingredients for Chicken Piccata
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied and flattened to ½” thickness)
- ½ cup whole wheat flour or almond flour (for dredging)
- ½ tsp salt (optional, for seasoning)
- ½ tsp pepper
- ¾ stick (6 tbsp) butter (or substitute with extra virgin olive oil for a lighter version)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 1 ½ tbsp capers (rinsed and chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (smashed or minced)
Optional Garnishes:
- Sliced lemon
- Fresh chopped parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally in half.
- Place each piece between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a mallet to flatten them to about ½ inch thick.
- Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper, if desired.
- Place the flour in a shallow bowl and dredge each piece of chicken, tapping off the excess.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the chicken cutlets in the skillet and cook for about 2 ½ minutes on one side, until golden brown.
- Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a clean plate.
- Repeat with the remaining chicken, adding more butter or olive oil if needed.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the lemon juice, chicken stock, capers, and garlic.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and let it cook for another 2-5 minutes until fully heated and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add more butter or olive oil if desired for a silkier sauce.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Plate the chicken with a generous drizzle of sauce.
- Garnish with sliced lemon and fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve with whole wheat pasta, orzo, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
1. Gluten-Free Chicken Piccata
Use almond flour or gluten-free flour instead of wheat flour for a gluten-free alternative.
2. Dairy-Free Chicken Piccata
Replace butter with extra virgin olive oil for a completely dairy-free version.
3. Low-Carb Chicken Piccata
Serve with zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or steamed vegetables instead of pasta.
4. Extra Lemony Chicken Piccata
Add zest from one lemon to the sauce for an even brighter, more citrusy flavor.
5. Creamy Chicken Piccata
Stir in 2 tbsp heavy cream or coconut cream at the end for a richer, silkier sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Reheat with fresh sauce.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean-style Chicken Piccata is a dish that is both healthy and satisfying. With its bright citrus flavors, savory capers, and tender chicken, it’s a meal that feels light yet indulgent at the same time.
Not only is this recipe quick and easy, but it’s also versatile and adaptable. Whether you’re following a Mediterranean diet, gluten-free lifestyle, or simply looking for a new family favorite, this dish has something for everyone.
So, the next time you’re craving something fresh, zesty, and delicious, give this Chicken Piccata a try! Serve it with your favorite pasta, grains, or veggies, and enjoy a meal that’s as comforting as it is flavorful.
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🍋 Mediterranean-Style Chicken Piccata – Light, Fresh & Flavorful!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This Mediterranean-style Chicken Piccata is a bright, zesty, and deliciously light dish perfect for dinner! With tender butterflied chicken, a lemony caper sauce, and Mediterranean-friendly ingredients, this recipe is both gluten-free and diet-friendly. Serve it with whole wheat pasta or orzo for a complete meal!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied & flattened to ½”)
- ½ cup whole wheat flour (or almond flour)
- ¾ stick (6 tbsp) butter (or extra virgin olive oil for a lighter option)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (additional as needed)
- Salt & pepper (optional)
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 1 ½ tbsp capers (rinsed & chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (smashed or minced)
- Sliced lemon & chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, place flour and season with salt & pepper (if using). Dredge butterflied chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
2️⃣ Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tbsp butter & 1 tbsp olive oil. Cook chicken 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove to a clean plate. (Cook in batches if needed, adding more butter/oil as required.)
3️⃣ Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add lemon juice, chicken stock, capers, and garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
4️⃣ Simmer & Serve: Return chicken to the skillet, simmer for 2-5 minutes until fully cooked. Stir in extra butter or olive oil if desired.
5️⃣ Garnish & Enjoy: Serve with lemon slices & fresh parsley. Pair with whole wheat pasta or orzo for a Mediterranean-inspired meal!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Fat: 16g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 9g per serving
- Protein: 35g per serving