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If you’re looking for a dish that combines rich, savory flavors with a keto-friendly twist, Keto Chicken Piccata is the perfect recipe for you. This delightful meal features tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy, golden crust, all drenched in a buttery lemon caper sauce. It’s full of flavor, super easy to prepare, and works beautifully for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Best of all, it’s low-carb, so you can indulge in the deliciousness without worrying about breaking your keto lifestyle!
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Why You’ll Love Keto Chicken Piccata
There are so many reasons to love this Keto Chicken Piccata recipe! First and foremost, it’s incredibly flavorful. The tangy lemon and salty capers in the sauce create a perfect balance with the crispy chicken. It’s also quick and easy to prepare—no complicated steps here! This dish is a wonderful option for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle because it’s naturally free of breadcrumbs and flour, which are often found in traditional piccata recipes. Plus, it’s versatile! Pair it with cauliflower rice, zoodles, or a simple green salad, and you’ve got a complete, satisfying meal that won’t derail your keto goals.
My Personal Experience
When I first made this Keto Chicken Piccata, I honestly wasn’t sure how the flavors would come together without the usual carb-laden coating on the chicken. But I was completely blown away by how perfectly the chicken crisped up and how the sauce turned out. The combination of buttery, tangy lemon with those little bursts of salty capers is absolutely amazing. It quickly became one of my favorite go-to meals, and every time I serve it, my family and friends can’t believe it’s keto-friendly! It’s that good. If you’re looking for a satisfying, flavorful dinner that fits perfectly into your keto routine, you’re going to love this recipe.
Required Equipment
To make this Keto Chicken Piccata, you’ll need just a few basic pieces of equipment that will help you create a delicious, restaurant-quality dish:
- Large Skillet – A heavy-duty, non-stick skillet is key to making the chicken perfectly crispy. It helps evenly distribute the heat and ensures your chicken doesn’t stick to the pan. Trust me, once you have a good skillet, you won’t go back!
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accurate measurements are essential to get the right balance of flavor, especially with ingredients like lemon juice and capers. These tools make the process quick and easy, and they ensure you hit all the right notes in your sauce.
- Tongs or a Spatula – These tools are perfect for flipping your chicken without disturbing the crust. Tongs are especially helpful for handling the chicken in and out of the skillet smoothly.
- Knife and Cutting Board – You’ll need a sharp knife to slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally and to finely chop any garlic or herbs for the sauce. A cutting board helps keep things tidy while prepping your ingredients.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here are all the ingredients you’ll need for Keto Chicken Piccata and some suggestions for substitutions in case you need them:
- Chicken Breasts (2 large) – I like to slice these in half horizontally to make thinner cutlets. This ensures they cook faster and get extra crispy. If you prefer thighs, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead.
- Almond Flour (1/2 cup) – Almond flour gives the chicken a light, crispy coating without the carbs of traditional flour. If you’re allergic to almonds, coconut flour is a viable alternative, though it’s denser, so you’ll need to adjust the amount.
- Egg (1 large) – Eggs help bind the almond flour to the chicken, creating that perfect crispy crust. If you need an egg substitute, a flax egg can work, though the coating might not be as crisp.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons) – Olive oil provides the perfect medium for frying the chicken, giving it flavor while keeping it healthy. You can substitute with avocado oil or butter if you prefer.
- Butter (3 tablespoons) – The butter in the sauce is key to making it rich and creamy. Grass-fed butter adds a fantastic flavor. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or ghee can work as a substitute.
- Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons) – Fresh lemon juice is a must for that signature tangy piccata flavor. I wouldn’t recommend using bottled lemon juice, as fresh really makes a difference.
- Capers (2 tablespoons) – Capers are the star of this dish and provide that signature briny bite. If you’re not a fan of capers, you can use green olives or even anchovies as a substitute.
- Chicken Broth (1/4 cup) – This helps to deglaze the pan and build the flavor for the sauce. You can substitute with vegetable broth if you’re looking for a non-meat version.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish) – Parsley brightens up the dish and adds a touch of freshness. You can also use basil if you prefer.
How to Make Keto Chicken Piccata
Follow these detailed steps to make the perfect Keto Chicken Piccata:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by slicing the chicken breasts horizontally into thinner cutlets. This helps them cook faster and evenly. Once sliced, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness—about 1/2 inch. This ensures the chicken cooks quickly and crisps up beautifully.
- Coat the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg. In another shallow dish, combine the almond flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then dredge it in the almond flour mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken cutlets. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Piccata Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the lemon juice and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the capers and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Combine and Serve: Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet and coat them in the sauce. Let them cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Tips for This Recipe
- Make sure your oil is hot before adding the chicken to get a crispy coating.
- Don’t skip pounding the chicken to an even thickness—it ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can prep the chicken and sauce separately, then combine them right before serving.
Optional Additions
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor that complements the sauce perfectly.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb side, serve your chicken piccata with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Serving Ideas
This Keto Chicken Piccata pairs wonderfully with a variety of keto-friendly sides. Serve it with:
- Cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower
- Zucchini noodles (zoodles)
- A simple green salad with avocado and lemon dressing
Storage Recommendation
Store any leftover Keto Chicken Piccata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a skillet over low heat. If you prefer, you can microwave it, but the sauce might lose some of its creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes! Substitute the butter with coconut oil or ghee.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great for this recipe.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Total Carbs: 5g
- Net Carbs: 3g
- Fat: 23g
- Protein: 30g
Keto Chicken Piccata Recipe
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts 2 large
- Almond Flour 1/2 cup
- Egg 1 large
- Olive Oil 2 tablespoons
- Butter 3 tablespoons
- Lemon Juice 2 tablespoons
- Capers 2 tablespoons
- Chicken Broth 1/4 cup
- Fresh Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Slice the chicken breasts horizontally into thinner cutlets and pound them to an even thickness.
- Whisk the egg in a shallow bowl. In another shallow dish, combine almond flour, salt, and pepper.
- Dip the chicken cutlets into the egg, then dredge in the almond flour mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Pour in lemon juice and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Add the capers and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve.
I’m so excited to hear how this recipe turned out for you! 😊 Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for daily keto inspiration, tasty recipes, and all the support you need to crush your goals. Want to make your keto journey easier? Get a meal plan tailored to your unique needs and preferences, designed to keep you on track effortlessly. Start your personalized plan now!
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