This one pot chicken piccata is proof that simple ingredients can deliver big flavor. Thin, golden chicken simmers in a bright lemon-butter sauce with garlic and briny capers, creating a dish that’s silky, savory, and just tangy enough to feel fresh. The sauce is rich without being heavy and perfectly balanced, making every bite comforting and lively at the same time.

Because everything cooks in a single pan, the flavors build naturally as you go. The chicken stays tender, the sauce picks up depth from the browned bits in the skillet, and cleanup is kept refreshingly easy. It’s the kind of sauce that clings to the chicken and begs to be soaked up with pasta, rice, or a piece of crusty bread.

This is a reliable go-to when you want dinner to feel a little special without extra effort. It works beautifully for busy weeknights, yet feels polished enough for a relaxed weekend meal, striking that sweet spot between cozy and elegant.

Chicken Piccata

What Is One Pot Chicken Piccata Recipe?

Chicken piccata is a classic Italian-American dish traditionally made with thin chicken cutlets, lemon juice, butter, and capers. The flavors are simple but bold, built around that signature balance of rich butter, sharp lemon, and salty capers.

This one pot version streamlines the process without sacrificing flavor. Instead of juggling multiple pans or steps, the chicken is browned and the sauce is built in the same skillet. The browned bits left behind from the chicken add depth to the sauce, making it even more flavorful.

The result is a bright, savory dish that feels timeless but fits easily into modern, busy cooking routines.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One pan, minimal cleanup, perfect for weeknights.
Bright, balanced flavors from lemon, butter, and capers.
Tender, juicy chicken every time.
Quick and reliable, ready in about 30 minutes.
Versatile, pairing well with pasta, rice, or vegetables.

How This Recipe Works

Thin chicken cutlets cook quickly and stay tender.
Light flour coating helps the chicken brown and slightly thickens the sauce.
Deglazing the pan captures all the flavorful browned bits.
Butter added at the end creates a smooth, silky sauce.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Piccata

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise
½ cup all-purpose flour
Gluten-free flour works well as a substitute.
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

For the Sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup chicken broth
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
¼ cup capers, drained
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Optional: ¼ cup dry white wine (replace with extra broth if preferred)

Close up of one pot chicken piccata — Juicy chicken, zesty lemon, and buttery sauce in every bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge each piece in flour, shaking off excess.

2. Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove chicken and set aside.

3. Build the Sauce

In the same pan, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth (and wine if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

4. Add Lemon and Capers

Stir in lemon juice and capers. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes to slightly reduce.

5. Finish the Dish

Return chicken to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes, until cooked through. Stir in remaining butter until melted and glossy.

6. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Tricks / Flavor Variations

Extra lemony: Add lemon zest for a brighter flavor.
Creamy twist: Stir in a splash of cream at the end.
Gluten-free: Use almond flour or gluten-free flour blend.
Extra savory: Add a few anchovy fillets when sautéing garlic.
Protein swap: This method works well with thin pork cutlets too.

If you love classic comfort dishes, this pairs beautifully with recipes like Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Chicken Noodle Casserole .

Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Instructions

Make-Ahead:
Chicken can be dredged and stored in the refrigerator up to 12 hours ahead.

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Freezing:
Freezing is not recommended, as the lemon-butter sauce can separate.

One pot chicken piccata served on a plate — Zesty, buttery, and ready for dinner tonight

Serving Suggestions

Serve over angel hair pasta or rice pilaf.
Pair with roasted asparagus or steamed green beans.
Add crispy potatoes or garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
Finish with a simple side salad for balance.

Nutritional Notes (Approximate Per Serving)

Calories: 420–460
Protein: 38–42g
Fat: 22–25g
Carbohydrates: 12–15g

Values vary depending on sides and portion size.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry.
Using bottled lemon juice, which dulls the flavor.
Skipping the flour, reducing sauce texture.
Adding butter too early, which can cause separation.

FAQs About One Pot Chicken Piccata

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well and stay very juicy.

Is this dish very sour?
No, the butter balances the lemon nicely.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use olive oil instead of butter, though the sauce will be less rich.

What wine works best?
A dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Can I double the sauce?
Absolutely, especially if serving with pasta.

Conclusion

This One Pot Chicken Piccata brings together bright lemon flavor, tender chicken, and a silky sauce in a way that feels both comforting and fresh. With minimal prep and just one pan, it’s a reliable dinner you can turn to again and again.

If you love easy dinners like Apple Cider Vinegar Braised Chicken or Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.

Bright lemon, buttery sauce, and juicy chicken 🍋✨ Save this One Pot Chicken Piccata for an easy, elegant dinner any night of the week!

One Pot Chicken Piccata Recipe

This One Pot Chicken Piccata is a zesty, elegant meal made effortlessly, featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a bright, buttery lemon-caper sauce. With just one pot, it combines bold flavors, silky sauce, and juicy chicken for a restaurant-quality dinner without the fuss. Quick, flavorful, and satisfying, it’s perfect for weeknights or a special occasion at home.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 360 kcal