If you love the light, citrusy flavor of classic chicken piccata but want a healthier, lighter version that doesn’t cut corners on flavor, you’ll be in heaven. This healthy chicken piccata recipe keeps all the signature flavors—snappy lemon, salty capers, and rich chicken—while making some smart swaps to create a healthier spin.
No matter if you’re watching calories, cutting back on butter, or just wanting to indulge in a guilt-free dinner, this recipe is the answer. And best of all, it’s quick enough for a weeknight supper and elegant enough for guests.
Healthy Chicken Piccata Recipe
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup whole wheat flour (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
2 tablespoons capers, drained
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Optional: lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge lightly in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Take it out and leave it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, sauté the garlic 30 seconds. Add your chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to a simmer and cook 4–5 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add Capers & Chicken: Stir in capers. Return the chicken to the pan and simmer until chicken is heated through, another 3–4 minutes, spooning sauce over the chicken.
- Finish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices if desired. Serve warm with steamed veggies, a side salad, or over zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
This healthy chicken piccata proves that you don‘t need to rely on a lot of heavy ingredients to make something satisfying. Try it this week—you might just make it a habit.
Bonus:
If you’d like an alternative chicken piccata recipe that is sure to tantalize your tastebuds, check out this delicious Chicken Piccata with Lemon Caper Sauce recipe by Food Wishes. While the recipe is slightly different, it is still a fantastic recipe for you to try out!