Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian-inspired dish featuring tender, pan-seared chicken cutlets in a rich, tangy lemon-butter sauce with briny capers and fresh parsley. This dish is light yet flavorful, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a restaurant-quality meal at home.
What is Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Piccata?
Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Piccata is a pan-seared chicken dish cooked in a zesty lemon-butter sauce with capers and fresh parsley. The chicken cutlets are lightly dredged in flour and quickly sautéed for a crispy golden crust while staying tender inside. The buttery, citrusy sauce brings a perfect balance of brightness and richness, making this a simple yet sophisticated dish.

Why You’ll Love Gordon Ramsay Chicken Piccata
- Crispy, golden chicken – Lightly coated in flour for a perfect crust.
- Bright and tangy sauce – Made with fresh lemon juice, butter, and capers.
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Restaurant-quality flavor – A balance of richness and acidity in every bite.
- Pairs well with pasta or vegetables – A versatile dish for any meal.
Ingredients Needed for Gordon Ramsay Chicken Piccata
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup chicken stock
- ¼ cup dry white wine (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp capers, drained
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Gordon Ramsay Chicken Piccata
Prepare the Chicken:
- Butterfly and flatten the chicken – Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally, then pound them to ¼-inch thickness for even cooking.
- Season and dredge – Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then coat lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
Sear the Chicken:
- Heat the pan – In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken – Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the Lemon-Butter Sauce:
- Deglaze the pan – Pour in white wine (if using) and let it reduce for 1 minute, scraping up browned bits.
- Add chicken stock and lemon juice – Stir in chicken stock and lemon juice, letting it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Incorporate butter and capers – Stir in capers and the remaining butter, swirling until the sauce thickens slightly.
Finish the Dish:
- Return the chicken to the pan – Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it heat for 1 minute.
- Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley, garnish with lemon slices, and serve immediately.

Best Sides to Serve with Gordon Ramsay Chicken Piccata
- Angel hair pasta – Light and delicate, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Garlic mashed potatoes – A creamy, comforting side.
- Steamed asparagus – A fresh, crisp contrast to the rich sauce.
- Sautéed spinach – Light and slightly bitter, balancing the acidity.
- Crusty bread – Ideal for dipping into the lemon-butter sauce.
Pro Tips for the Best Gordon Ramsay Chicken Piccata
- Pound the chicken evenly – Ensures quick and even cooking.
- Use fresh lemon juice – Bottled juice lacks the bright, fresh flavor.
- Deglaze with wine for depth – White wine enhances the sauce’s complexity.
- Don’t overcook the chicken – Thin cutlets cook quickly; remove once golden brown.
- Swirl in butter at the end – Create a smooth, glossy sauce.
Creative Variations of Gordon Ramsay Chicken Piccata
- Make it creamy – Add ¼ cup heavy cream for a richer sauce.
- Try a low-carb version – Skip the flour and use almond flour instead.
- Add artichokes – For an extra Mediterranean touch.
- Use lime instead of lemon – Adds a slightly different citrusy flavor.
- Make it extra spicy – Add red pepper flakes for a kick.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Gordon Ramsay Chicken Piccata
- Store in an airtight container – Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stove for best results – Warm over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Avoid microwaving – The chicken may become dry.
- Freeze without sauce – Store the cooked chicken and make fresh sauce when reheating.
FAQs
What is the best substitute for capers in chicken piccata?
Green olives or chopped pickles can replace capers, providing a similar briny and tangy flavor to balance the lemon-butter sauce.
How do you keep chicken piccata from getting too sour?
Use fresh lemon juice in moderation and balance the acidity with a little extra butter or a teaspoon of honey to mellow the sharpness.
Can I make chicken piccata without wine?
Yes, replace the white wine with extra chicken stock or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a similar depth of flavor without alcohol.
What kind of pasta goes best with chicken piccata?
Light pasta like angel hair, linguine, or spaghetti works best, as it absorbs the sauce without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Final Thoughts
Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Piccata is a quick, elegant dish featuring crispy chicken, a tangy lemon-butter sauce, and briny capers. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish is easy to make yet bursting with flavor. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes!
PrintGordon Ramsay Chicken Piccata – Bright, Tangy & Buttery
Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Piccata is a pan-seared chicken dish cooked in a zesty lemon-butter sauce with capers and fresh parsley. The chicken cutlets are lightly dredged in flour and quickly sautéed for a crispy golden crust while staying tender inside. The buttery, citrusy sauce brings a perfect balance of brightness and richness, making this a simple yet sophisticated dish.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup chicken stock
- ¼ cup dry white wine (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp capers, drained
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Butterfly and flatten the chicken – Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally, then pound them to ¼-inch thickness for even cooking.
- Season and dredge – Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then coat lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
Sear the Chicken:
- Heat the pan – In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken – Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the Lemon-Butter Sauce:
- Deglaze the pan – Pour in white wine (if using) and let it reduce for 1 minute, scraping up browned bits.
- Add chicken stock and lemon juice – Stir in chicken stock and lemon juice, letting it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Incorporate butter and capers – Stir in capers and the remaining butter, swirling until the sauce thickens slightly.
Finish the Dish:
- Return chicken to the pan – Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it heat for 1 minute.
- Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley, garnish with lemon slices, and serve immediately.