Ask Cookix, your sous-chef

Crispy Chicken Thigh Piccata

Crispy Chicken Thigh Piccata is a refined take on the classic Italian dish, featuring succulent, bone-in chicken thighs with perfectly crisped skin, bathed in a vibrant lemon-caper butter sauce. This keto-friendly recipe enhances traditional piccata flavors with rich, golden-browned chicken and a bright, tangy sauce that balances richness with acidity. The combination of fresh lemon slices, briny capers, and velvety butter creates a luxurious yet simple dish that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a light salad. Ideal for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings, this dish delivers bold flavors with minimal effort, making it a staple in any modern kitchen.

Main | Italian | Gluten-Free | Keto | Roast Chicken | Frying Pan | Oven | Caper | Chicken Thigh | Lemon | Parsley | Roasting | Searing | Elegant Dinner | Weeknight
Time to complete

Prep

10min

Cook

25min

Wait

0 minutes

Total

35min

Ingredients (Makes 4 servings)

Ingredients

  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons capers
  • 1 lemon, sliced into wheels

For Serving/Garnishing

  • Chopped fresh parsley
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 210
  • Fat: 15
  • Protein: 18
  • Carbohydrates: 2
  • Fiber: 0.5
Directions

Preparing the Chicken

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • 2. Season the chicken thighs generously on both sides with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Searing the Chicken

  • 3. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for about 5 minutes, until the skin is golden and crispy.

Baking the Chicken

  • 4. Flip the chicken thighs over and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Making the Sauce

  • 5. Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the chicken to a plate, covering it to keep warm.
  • 6. In the same skillet, add the butter, lemon juice, lemon slices, and capers. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate into the sauce.

Serving

  • 7. Plate the chicken and drizzle the lemon-caper butter sauce over the top.
  • 8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Cookix's Secrets

Alternative Cooking Methods

  • Try air-frying the chicken thighs for an even crispier texture.

Alternative Proteins

  • Substitute chicken thighs with turkey cutlets or pork chops for a different take on piccata.

Bold Flavor Enhancements

  • Incorporate minced garlic into the sauce for a more robust taste.

Complementary Flavor Pairings

  • Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.

Cooking Tips

  • Ensure the chicken skin is completely dry before searing to achieve maximum crispiness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F (74°C) is the safe internal temperature for chicken.

Healthier Variations

  • Use ghee instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

Seasonal Tweaks

  • In summer, serve with grilled zucchini or a citrusy arugula salad.

Serving Tips

  • Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.