Mediterranean Chicken Piccata
📝 Description
A light yet flavorful twist on the classic Italian dish, this Mediterranean Chicken Piccata combines golden-seared chicken breasts with a zesty lemon-caper sauce, olive oil, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. The result is a dish that’s tangy, savory, and beautifully balanced — perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant date-night meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400–450 g total)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup dry white wine (optional; can substitute with more broth)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (plus extra slices for garnish)
- 2 tbsp capers, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prep the chicken:
Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then dredge lightly in flour, shaking off any excess. - Sear the chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside on a plate. - Make the sauce:
In the same pan, add butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Deglaze the pan with white wine (if using) and let it reduce by half, about 2 minutes. - Add the liquids & flavor:
Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, capers, cherry tomatoes, and olives. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken. - Combine and finish:
Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for 2 more minutes until heated through and fully coated. - Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve warm with couscous, orzo, or a simple green salad.
🍽️ Servings & Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes
- Serves: 2–3 people
🧮 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 kcal |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
(May vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.)
🌿 Health Benefits
- High-Protein Meal: Chicken breast supports muscle repair and keeps you full.
- Heart-Healthy Fats: Olive oil and olives are rich in monounsaturated fats that support cardiovascular health.
- Antioxidant Boost: Lemon, tomatoes, and parsley provide vitamin C and phytonutrients.
- Low-Carb Friendly: Great for keto or Mediterranean diets.
- Gut-Friendly: Capers and tomatoes contain beneficial polyphenols that aid digestion.
💡 Chef’s Notes & Tips
- Flatten chicken evenly before cooking for faster, uniform browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook chicken in batches if necessary to keep it crispy.
- Gluten-free? Use almond flour or cornstarch for dredging.
- Extra creaminess: Stir in 1 tbsp heavy cream or Greek yogurt at the end for a silky sauce.
- Flavor twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for extra Mediterranean flair.
- Wine note: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements this dish perfectly.
❓ Q&A
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine and reheat gently before serving to maintain texture.
Q2: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely — thighs add more richness. Just increase the cook time slightly (about 5 minutes longer).
Q3: What can I serve with Mediterranean Chicken Piccata?
Pair with roasted vegetables, quinoa, mashed cauliflower, or lemon orzo.
Q4: How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer longer or whisk in ½ tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water.
Q5: Can I omit the wine?
Yes — substitute with extra chicken broth and a splash of apple cider vinegar or more lemon juice for acidity.
🍷 Serving Suggestion
Serve with a crisp white wine and a side of garlic-roasted potatoes or zucchini noodles for a balanced Mediterranean meal.