Skip to Content
Recipes

Italian American Classics, Part I: Chicken Piccata

The first recipe in a five-part series with an acclaimed Brooklyn chef features the silky, zesty classic of chicken piccata.

Chicken Piccata by Chef Matthew Cutolo.

Chicken Piccata by Chef Matthew Cutolo.

Editor’s Note: We are thrilled to partner with Chef Matthew Cutolo of legendary Gargiulo's Restaurant in this five-part series dedicated to Italian American classics. As a third-generation Italian American working in the kitchen of a restaurant owned and operated by his family in Brooklyn’s Coney Island since 1907, Chef Matthew knows the intricacies of old school Italian cooking. We want to share his dedication to tradition with our readers to inspire the preparation of these dishes at home. 

A video reel will accompany each recipe. 

Watch this space for additional recipes in our five-part series. 

Below is an introduction to and recipe for this week’s dish, Chicken Piccata, from Chef Matthew, who previously contributed a family lasagna recipe.


The ultimate Chicken Piccata is HERE! This is not just a recipe—it’s the first episode in my exciting new series with Appetito magazine, celebrating the most iconic Italian American classics!

Tender chicken, a rich buttery sauce, and that signature lemon-caper kick—this dish is a game-changer! Ready to elevate your cooking game? Stay tuned at Appetito and on Instagram for more drool-worthy recipes and exclusive kitchen secrets.

This is just the beginning, and you don’t want to miss what’s next! For now, though: Try this Chicken Piccata at home! First watch the video and then scroll down for the precise recipe:

Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata

Recipe by Chef Matthew Cutolo
0.0 from 0 votes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. 2 chicken breast

  • 1 cup 1 all-purpose flour (for dredging)

  • 2 tbsp. 2 butter

  • 1/2 cup 1/2 dry white wine

  • 1/2 cup 1/2 chicken broth

  • Juice of one lemon

  • 2 tbsp. 2 capers (rinsed and drained)

  • 2 tbsp. 2 fresh parsley (chopped)

  • salt and pepper

  • olive oil

  • lemon slices (for garnish, optional)

Directions

  • Slice the chicken breasts evenly and pound thinly.
  • Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off the excess.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown (work in batches to avoid overcrowding).
  • Remove the chicken and keep it warm on a plate.
  • Deglaze the pan with white wine and reduce slightly.
  • Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for 3-4 minutes.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over it.
  • Simmer for 2-3 minutes to warm through.
  • Off the heat, whisk in the 2 tablespoons of butter to create a smooth, glossy sauce.
  • Sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken and sauce.
  • Garnish with lemon slices if desired.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @appetitomagazine on Instagram and hashtag it with #italianfoodanddrink

Like this recipe?

Follow @Appetitomagazine on Pinterest

Follow us on Facebook!

Follow us on Facebook

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Appetito

How to Make Nonna Pina’s Stuffed Artichokes

In the first recipe from I Will Be Your Grandmother, Sicilian chef Mario Traina shares the stuffed artichokes his grandmother made slowly and generously for family dinners in Sicily.

May 15, 2026

How to Make Crispy Salmon and Prawn Tagliatelle with Roasted Lime

Crispy salmon, king prawns, roasted lime, and silky parmesan cream sauce turn this tagliatelle into the kind of pasta dinner that feels both comforting and impressive.

May 14, 2026

Why Sanremo Is the Italian Riviera Escape to Know Now

With Belle Époque glamour, Ligurian food traditions, and a newly restored seaside hotel, Sanremo offers a slower and more elegant vision of the Italian Riviera.

May 14, 2026

Four Bassano del Grappa Restaurants Locals Don’t Want You to Know About

Just beyond Venice, Bassano del Grappa offers the kind of local restaurants and everyday Veneto culture many travelers spend years trying to find.

May 13, 2026

How to Make Mira’s Sardinian Culurgiones at Home

At Buffalo’s Mira, chefs Manny and Gina Ocasio are bringing lesser-known regional Italian dishes to the table, including the intricate handmade Sardinian pasta known as culurgiones.

May 13, 2026

Ronnie Fieg Opens Ronnie’s Pronto Beside Kith West Hollywood

The Kith founder’s newest hospitality venture brings Italian-inspired sandwiches, frozen matcha drinks, and New York café culture to Sunset Boulevard.

May 12, 2026
See all posts