If you’ve been dreaming of a dish that’s bright, zesty, and effortlessly fancy, Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata is about to become your new weeknight favorite. This easy, gluten free-friendly recipe captures everything wonderful about Mediterranean cooking: juicy, buttery chicken is bathed in a tangy lemon-caper sauce, kissed with fragrant garlic, and finished with a shower of fresh herbs. Whether you’re a fan of the Mediterranean diet or simply love a dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite bistro, this Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata is the answer. Every bite delivers a beautiful combination of lively flavors and comforting textures, making it just right for laid-back gatherings or a quiet night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata comes from its simple yet powerful lineup of ingredients. Each element adds something unique, whether it’s a burst of citrus, a touch of richness, or a pop of color, so don’t skip the little details—each one really matters!
- Chicken Breasts: Thinly butterflied and pounded, these create tender cutlets that cook quickly and soak up the tangy sauce.
- Flour: Use whole wheat or almond flour for a nutty undertone and a light, crispy crust. Both are gluten free-friendly options.
- Butter: Go classic for creamy richness, or keep things light with extra virgin olive oil for a more diet-friendly twist.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds depth and Mediterranean flair, helps brown the chicken beautifully, and keeps the sauce velvety.
- Lemon Juice: The splash of citrus here gives the sauce brightness that wakes up the chicken and ties all the flavors together.
- Chicken Stock: Builds body in the sauce and enhances the savory notes.
- Capers: Rinsed and chopped, they offer briny, salty bursts that are absolutely signature in Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata.
- Garlic Cloves: Either smashed or minced, garlic infuses the dish with savory warmth and aroma.
- Salt and Pepper (Optional): A simple sprinkle helps the chicken shine—season according to your taste.
- Sliced Lemon and Fresh Parsley (Optional): These fresh garnishes brighten up each plate with color and extra zing.
How to Make Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata
Step 1: Prep and Flatten Your Chicken
Start by prepping your chicken breasts. Take each one and slice it horizontally in half, then sandwich them between two pieces of plastic wrap. A few gentle taps with a mallet will flatten them to about half an inch thick. This step is key for quick, even cooking and lets all those luscious flavors reach every bite.
Step 2: Dredge and Season
In a shallow bowl, add your flour of choice. Give your chicken cutlets a sprinkle of salt and pepper if you like, then coat each piece in flour. Shake off any excess—this delicate dusting helps get that irresistibly crisp, golden finish without being heavy.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding a mix of butter and olive oil (or just olive oil for a lighter touch). Working in batches, lay your chicken in the hot pan—two at a time so they have breathing room. Let each side brown for about 2 ½ minutes on the first side and another minute once flipped. Move browned cutlets to a clean plate and repeat. Add more butter or oil if needed between batches for maximum flavor and golden color.
Step 4: Make the Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata Sauce
When all your chicken is browned, turn back to the pan. Pour in the lemon juice, chicken stock, capers, and garlic, scraping up every delicious browned bit left from the chicken. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to deepen the flavors, then reduce the heat.
Step 5: Simmer and Finish
Return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for about 2–5 more minutes, just until the chicken is cooked through and perfectly juicy. If you want extra richness, swirl in a touch more butter or olive oil before removing from heat. Serve your Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata hot, spooning that shimmering sauce over the top.
How to Serve Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata
Garnishes
Sprinkle plenty of chopped fresh parsley over each plate, then tuck in a few bright lemon slices for extra zest. Both add color and a pop of freshness that make the finished dish not just delicious, but stunning to look at.
Side Dishes
Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata is wonderful alongside a bowl of fluffy wheat orzo or whole wheat penne—both are super Mediterranean diet-friendly choices! For something lighter, serve it with a fresh arugula salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, or some simply roasted veggies for a pop of color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling creative, try slicing the chicken piccata and layering it over a platter of couscous studded with roasted cherry tomatoes and olives. Or make open-faced sandwiches using rustic sourdough bread, spooning sauce over the chicken before topping with herbs. Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata minis are also perfect for parties—try serving as sliders or over a bed of greens for a beautiful, shareable meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata, let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more savory when reheated the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooled chicken in a single layer, spoon some sauce over each piece, then cover tightly. Store in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
For the juiciest chicken, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken stock or water to refresh the sauce. You can also microwave on low, covered, checking often so the chicken stays moist and the sauce doesn’t separate.
FAQs
Can I make Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata gluten free?
Absolutely! Simply use almond flour instead of regular or whole wheat flour for dredging the chicken. This tweak works beautifully and keeps that lovely, light crust gluten free-friendly.
What are capers and do I really need them?
Capers are small, brined flower buds that add salty, tangy pops of flavor. While you can leave them out in a pinch, they’re signature in Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata and really elevate the dish’s unique taste.
Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier result. Just be sure to pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly and soak up the sauce like the traditional cutlets.
How can I lighten up the recipe further?
For a lighter Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata, use extra virgin olive oil instead of butter and pair with lots of fresh herbs and a big side of greens. You’ll keep all the deliciousness while making it even healthier!
Is this dish kid friendly?
Absolutely! Many kids love the mild, zesty flavor of the lemony sauce and the tender chicken. If your little ones are sensitive to capers, you can chop them small or skip them for a more subtle pop of flavor.
Final Thoughts
Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata is one of those rare dishes that feels special enough for guests, yet so quick and easy you’ll want it every week. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. You’ll fall in love at first bite!
PrintMediterranean Style Chicken Piccata Recipe
This Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for a delightful dinner. With a tangy lemon sauce and savory capers, this recipe brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. It’s a great choice for those following the Mediterranean diet or looking for a gluten-free meal option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 skinless, butterflied chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup flour (whole wheat or almond)
- 6 tbsp butter or extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (additional as needed)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 1/2 tbsp capers, rinsed and chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed or minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sliced lemon and chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, dredge in flour, and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Brown the chicken in a skillet with butter and olive oil. Cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add lemon juice, chicken stock, capers, and garlic. Simmer, then return chicken to the skillet and cook until done.
- Serve: Plate the chicken, spoon sauce over the top, and garnish with lemon slices and parsley.
Notes
- You can use almond flour as a gluten-free alternative.
- Feel free to substitute extra virgin olive oil for a lighter dish.
- Experiment with whole wheat pasta options like penne or orzo to complement this dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: N/A
