There’s something truly magical about a dish that comes together effortlessly yet delivers restaurant-quality flavor! This Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata is exactly that—a light, lemony, and briny dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner idea or a dish to impress guests, this easy-to-make recipe has you covered.
Juicy, tender chicken cutlets are pan-seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a vibrant lemon-caper sauce that perfectly balances tangy and savory notes. The best part? It’s naturally gluten-free (if you use almond flour) and can be made diet-friendly by substituting butter with extra virgin olive oil.
Ready to bring Mediterranean flavors to your kitchen? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Chicken Piccata
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Quick & Easy – Ready in under 45 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal.
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Healthy & Light – Uses fresh, wholesome ingredients, and can be made gluten-free.
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Incredibly Flavorful – The combination of lemon, capers, and garlic creates an irresistible sauce.
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Versatile – Serve it with pasta, rice, or even roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
What Does Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata Taste Like?
The first bite of this dish is bright, savory, and slightly tangy. The chicken is tender and juicy, with a beautifully golden, crisp exterior. The sauce, made with fresh lemon juice, capers, and garlic, coats each bite with a zesty, slightly salty, and buttery flavor. If you love light yet deeply satisfying dishes, this one will quickly become a staple in your home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied and pounded to ½-inch thick)
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½ cup flour (whole wheat or almond flour for a healthier option)
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Salt & pepper (to taste)
For the Sauce:
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6 tbsp butter (or substitute with extra virgin olive oil)
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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus more as needed)
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¼ cup fresh lemon juice
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½ cup chicken stock
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1 ½ tbsp capers (rinsed and chopped)
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2 garlic cloves (smashed or minced)
For Serving:
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Lemon slices (for garnish)
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Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Large skillet
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Sharp knife
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Cutting board
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Plastic wrap
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Meat mallet (or rolling pin)
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Shallow bowl (for dredging flour)
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Tongs or spatula
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Piccata
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
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Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally into two thinner pieces.
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Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a mallet to flatten to about ½-inch thickness.
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Season both sides with salt and pepper.
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Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
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Heat 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add two pieces of chicken at a time, giving them space to cook properly. Sear for about 2 ½ minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
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Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Repeat with the remaining pieces, adding more butter or olive oil if needed.
Step 3: Make the Lemon-Caper Sauce
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In the same skillet, add the lemon juice, chicken stock, capers, and garlic.
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Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
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Add the chicken back into the pan, spooning the sauce over the top.
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Simmer for another 2-5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
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Plate the chicken and drizzle the lemon-caper sauce over the top.
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Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices.
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Serve hot with your favorite side dish (see suggestions below).
What to Serve with Chicken Piccata
This dish pairs beautifully with various Mediterranean-inspired sides! Here are some delicious ideas:
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Easy Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo – A perfect pairing of flavors that complement this dish.
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Rice or Quinoa – A light, fluffy base that soaks up the flavorful sauce.
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Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives – Another delicious chicken recipe with Mediterranean flavors!
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Steamed Vegetables – Asparagus, green beans, or roasted zucchini complement this dish well.
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Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach – A creamy, comforting dish that pairs beautifully with piccata.
Tips for the Best Chicken Piccata
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Use thin chicken cutlets – This ensures even cooking and tender results.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan – Cook in batches to get a beautiful golden sear.
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Taste the sauce before serving – If you prefer a tangier sauce, add a little more lemon juice!
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Add extra flavor – Stir in a splash of white wine for an even deeper, restaurant-quality flavor.
How to Store & Reheat Chicken Piccata
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Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freeze – Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
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Reheat – Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to refresh the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
You can easily make this dish dairy-free by replacing the butter with extra virgin olive oil. The sauce will still be rich and flavorful!
Is This Chicken Piccata Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply swap the wheat flour for almond flour or another gluten-free alternative to keep this dish completely gluten-free.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative, but they may need a few extra minutes to cook through.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Capers?
No capers? No problem! Chopped green olives provide a similar briny, slightly tangy flavor that works beautifully in this dish.
Can I Add White Wine to the Sauce?
Yes! A splash of dry white wine enhances the sauce’s depth of flavor. Just add it when you add the lemon juice and let it cook down slightly.
What’s the Best Side Dish for Chicken Piccata?
This dish pairs well with orzo, pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh Mediterranean salad for a balanced meal.
How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
Can I Freeze Chicken Piccata?
Yes! Let the chicken cool completely, then freeze it with the sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves fresh, zesty flavors! It’s quick, easy, and pairs beautifully with so many sides. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home or a special gathering, this dish will impress every time.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see your creations! Tag me on Pinterest at Recipes by Sylvia or leave a comment below with your thoughts.
Happy cooking!
Print
Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata is a light, zesty, and utterly delicious dish featuring tender, golden-browned chicken simmered in a lemony, garlicky caper sauce. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s elegant enough for entertaining. Serve it with pasta, orzo, or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal!
Ingredients
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For the Chicken:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied and pounded to ½-inch thick)
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½ cup flour (whole wheat or almond flour for a healthier option)
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Salt & pepper (to taste)
For the Sauce:
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6 tbsp butter (or substitute with extra virgin olive oil)
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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus more as needed)
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¼ cup fresh lemon juice
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½ cup chicken stock
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1 ½ tbsp capers (rinsed and chopped)
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2 garlic cloves (smashed or minced)
For Serving:
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Lemon slices (for garnish)
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Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
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Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally into two thinner pieces. Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a mallet to pound them to ½-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
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Dredge the Chicken: Place the flour in a shallow dish and coat each chicken cutlet lightly, shaking off any excess.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add two chicken cutlets at a time and sear for 2 ½ minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from the skillet and repeat with the remaining chicken, adding more butter or oil as needed.
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Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the lemon juice, chicken stock, capers, and garlic. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
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Combine & Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 2-5 minutes, or until fully cooked.
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Serve & Enjoy: Plate the chicken and drizzle the lemon-caper sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve hot with your favorite side.
Notes
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Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or another gluten-free flour alternative.
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Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with extra virgin olive oil.
- Equipment:
Large skillet
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Plastic wrap
Meat mallet (or rolling pin)
Shallow bowl (for dredging flour)
Tongs or spatula -
Extra Flavor Boost: Add a splash of dry white wine to the sauce for even deeper flavor.
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Perfect Pairings: Serve with whole wheat orzo, garlic mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
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Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Mediterranean Chicken Piccata, Lemon Chicken, Chicken Piccata, Easy Chicken Recipe, Healthy Chicken Dinner