Mediterranean Chicken Piccata
This Mediterranean-inspired twist on classic chicken piccata is bright, briny, and full of fresh flavors. Tender, pan-seared chicken cutlets are finished in a zesty lemon-caper sauce enriched with garlic, olive oil, and white wine. Infused with Mediterranean herbs and finished with a sprinkle of parsley and optional feta, it’s a fast and flavorful dish perfect for weeknights or elegant dinners alike.
Total Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the chicken:
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally into cutlets)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the sauce:
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
⅓ cup chicken broth
2 tbsp capers, rinsed and drained
1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh)
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Optional: 2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese for garnish
Instructions
Prepare Chicken Cutlets
Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets. Pat dry, season both sides with salt and pepper, and dredge lightly in flour.
Sear Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken cutlets for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Add Capers & Broth
Stir in capers, oregano, and chicken broth. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly reduced.
Finish the Dish
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over it. Cook for 2 more minutes to warm through and meld flavors.
Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and optional crumbled feta. Serve immediately with your choice of couscous, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
Tips
Pound chicken evenly: If needed, gently pound the chicken cutlets to an even thickness for quicker, uniform cooking.
Don’t crowd the pan: Cook the cutlets in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough—this ensures they brown rather than steam.
Deglaze properly: Scrape the bottom of the pan well after adding wine or broth to capture all the flavor from the seared bits.
Use fresh lemon: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness—bottled lemon juice can taste flat or overly acidic.
Variations:
Add olives: Toss in a handful of Kalamata or green olives for an extra Mediterranean briny bite.
Creamy twist: Stir in 2–3 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or cream at the end for a silky finish.
Herb-rich: Add fresh thyme, dill, or rosemary for aromatic depth.
Vegan option: Use firm tofu or seitan cutlets and veggie broth, skipping the butter and cheese.
Q&A
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes. Sear the chicken and make the sauce ahead, then combine and gently reheat in the skillet when ready to serve.
Q: What can I use instead of wine?
A: Substitute with more chicken broth and a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.
Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: To make it gluten-free, dredge the chicken in cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour.
Q: What side dishes go well with this?
A: It pairs beautifully with couscous, lemon-herb quinoa, roasted potatoes, sautéed spinach, or grilled vegetables.
Nutrition
Calories: ~320
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: ~480mg
Vitamin C: ~25% DV
Iron: ~10% DV
(Nutrition may vary depending on the broth, flour, and cheese used.)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Chicken Piccata is a fast, flavorful, and elegant dish that delivers on both brightness and depth. The savory lemon-caper sauce brings a punch of Mediterranean flavor while keeping the meal light and wholesome. With minimal ingredients and quick cooking time, this is a go-to recipe for both casual weeknights and entertaining. Customize it with herbs, olives, or feta for added flair—and don’t forget to serve with a warm crusty bread to soak up that incredible sauce!