

Oven-Baked Chicken Piccata
This easy oven-baked version puts a healthy twist on a classic Italian favorite, delivering tender chicken with bright lemon and caper flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special without the fuss.
Ingredients
Instructions
Brine the Chicken
Start by mixing some lukewarm water with salt in a big bowl until the salt dissolves. Pop the chicken cutlets in and let them sit at room temp for about 15 minutes. Once that’s done, take the chicken out, pat it dry, and toss the salty water.
Season and Flour Cutlets
Season the cutlets with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour, shaking off any extra. Set them aside on a plate while you get the oven ready.
Brown Chicken Cutlets
Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. In a large skillet, melt half the butter with the olive oil over medium-high heat until the butter is fully melted and the oil is shimmering. Brown the chicken cutlets in batches, about 3 minutes per side, then transfer them to your baking dish.
Bake Chicken Thoroughly
Pop the chicken in the oven and bake until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside, around 10 minutes. If you have a thermometer, it should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
Make the sauce
While the chicken is baking, use the same skillet to make the sauce. Heat it over medium-high, then add the chicken stock, lemon juice, and capers. Scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the pan. Season with garlic, salt, and pepper to your liking.
Finish and Serve Sauce
Finally, stir in the rest of the butter, a tablespoon at a time, cooking and stirring constantly until the sauce thickens up and is nice and spoonable—this should take about 4 minutes. Pour the sauce over the chicken and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a perfect balance of tangy lemon, briny capers, and tender chicken. It’s light yet flavorful, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special meal. Plus, baking instead of frying keeps it healthier without losing any taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to keep the meal light. It also pairs well with pasta or mashed potatoes, which soak up the delicious lemon sauce perfectly.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the chicken moist. Avoid freezing, as the sauce may separate and the chicken texture could change.



