Copycat Chicken Piccata CPK​

Chicken Piccata CPK is a flavorful dish inspired by the popular menu item from California Pizza Kitchen (CPK). Known for its tangy, buttery lemon sauce and savoury capers, this dish elevates classic chicken piccata with a restaurant-quality touch. Adding extra chicken broth and fresh herbs enhances the depth of flavour, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying yet elegant meal.

CPK’s Chicken Piccata is separate from other options by its balance of bold and fresh flavours. The chicken is coated in a light layer of breading and then seared to a golden brown before being simmered in a highly flavorful, citrusy sauce. It’s often served with spaghetti or roasted veggies, making it a full-on, cozy, and gourmet meal.

Suppose you’re a fan of California Pizza Kitchen’s signature dishes or love a good old-fashioned, zesty, saucy chicken recipe. In that case, recreating Chicken Piccata CPK-style at home is a good idea. It’s simple to make, full of bright flavours, and perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions. You can make this restaurant-style dish at home with only a few ingredients!

Origins of Chicken Piccata CPK

Chicken Piccata has such a wide-reaching appeal and flavour that it has had its place in Italian-American cuisine. In their signature way, California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) reengineered the classic recipe, giving the original a twist with a mix of fresh ingredients. Their version cuts the buttery richness of the sauce with the citrusy tang of fresh lemon juice, capers, and extra chicken broth, making it feel healthy yet still decadent in a gourmet way.

Unlike traditional chicken piccata, CPK’s variation often features a slightly creamier texture with a more refined balance of acidity and savoriness. The chicken is lightly breaded, pan-seared, and then simmered in the piccata sauce, making it tender and flavorful. Served alongside pasta or vegetables, this dish has become a fan favourite for those looking for a refreshing yet indulgent meal.

Keys to Perfecting Chicken Piccata CPK

To achieve the perfect Chicken Piccata CPK, focus on the following key elements:

Golden, Crispy Chicken – Lightly dredging the chicken in flour before pan-searing ensures a crispy yet tender texture.
Balanced Lemon Sauce – The right amount of lemon juice and butter creates the ideal tangy yet creamy sauce.
Quality Chicken Broth – Using a rich chicken broth adds depth and enhances the sauce’s complexity.
Fresh Ingredients – Fresh parsley, garlic, and capers add layers of authentic flavor.
Simmering for Perfection – Allowing the chicken to simmer in the sauce ensures maximum flavor absorption.

Why Homemade is a Great Idea

Making Chicken Piccata CPK at home is a great idea because:

• Cost-Effective: Restaurant meals can be pricey, but making it yourself saves money.
• Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to your taste, such as using gluten-free flour or a dairy-free alternative.
• Healthier Options: Control the amount of butter, salt, and other ingredients for a healthier version.
• Convenient: No need to wait for takeout; this dish can be made in under 30 minutes!

Health Benefits of Chicken Piccata CPK

While this dish feels indulgent, it also offers several nutritional benefits:

Chicken piccata nutrition facts​

Notes:

• Calories: The calorie count is adjusted for the absence of alcohol (white wine), replacing it with chicken broth.
• Fat: Using less butter or oil can decrease the fat content further.
• Sodium: Chicken broth, especially store-bought, can be high in sodium. Opting for a low-sodium broth could reduce the overall sodium content.
• Carbohydrates: The carbohydrate content is relatively low in this recipe due to the minimal amount of carbs from capers and lemon juice.
• Protein: The protein content comes primarily from the chicken breast, which remains consistent even without alcohol in the recipe.

This nutritional information is for a standard serving of Chicken Piccata without the white wine and using chicken broth instead. If you modify the recipe further (e.g., using olive oil instead of butter), the nutrition will vary accordingly.

Variations of Chicken Piccata CPK

If you want to try different variations of this dish, consider these ideas:

• Creamy Chicken Piccata – Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer taste.
• Garlic Parmesan Piccata – Increase the garlic and add grated Parmesan for a bold flavor.
• Spicy Piccata – Add red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
• Keto Piccata – Use almond flour instead of regular flour for a low-carb version.
• Vegetarian Piccata – Substitute chicken with tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based alternative.

Chicken Piccata CPK ” Copycat Version”

Copycat Chicken Piccata CPK (No Alcohol)

Enjoy a delicious homemade version of California Pizza Kitchen’s Chicken Piccata without alcohol! This dish features juicy, golden chicken cutlets in a tangy lemon butter sauce with capers, served over pasta or vegetables.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course chicken

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 4

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Shallow dish for dredging
• Tongs
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

• For the Chicken:
• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (halved lengthwise)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• For the Piccata Sauce Alcohol-Free:
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth instead of wine
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar optional, for acidity
• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons capers rinsed and drained
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• For Serving:
• Cooked spaghetti mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables
• Extra lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets.
• In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
• Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

• Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
• Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Alcohol-Free Piccata Sauce

• In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in the chicken broth (instead of wine), scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes.
• Stir in the lemon juice, capers, and white vinegar (if using) and let simmer for another 2 minutes.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

• Lower the heat and whisk in the cubed butter, allowing it to melt and create a silky sauce.
• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to absorb flavors.
• Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Plate the chicken over pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
• Drizzle extra sauce over the top and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

• Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or gluten-free flour for dredging.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine.
• Extra Creamy Version: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream for a richer taste.

Now you can enjoy a restaurant-style Chicken Piccata CPK without any alcohol while keeping all the delicious flavors!

Keyword CPK Chicken Piccata, Lemon Butter Chicken, No Alcohol

Conclusion

This CPK Chicken Piccata will transport you to the best restaurant kitchen. It is comfortable and elegant, perfect in its bright balance of lemon, butter, and capers. Whether you love California Pizza Kitchen’s version or enjoy Italian-inspired cuisine, prepare this restaurant dish yourself, and you’ll get the same gourmet experience in the comfort of your home with the freshest and finest ingredients.

Making CPK Chicken Piccata from scratch allows you to manage the seasonings and healthiness. You can play with acidity, creaminess, or spice to fit your taste. It is, too, a flexible dish that complements a range of sides, from traditional pasta to low-carb roasted vegetables. Also, homemade cooking is cheaper and healthier than eating out.

Make Chicken Piccata CPK the ticket for a fast and flavorful meal. In less than half an hour, you have a decadent meal that tastes light enough to work for busy weeknights and special occasions. So why not pass up the restaurant and savour a homemade version that’s just as good, if not better? Just do it! You will taste the deliciousness of lemon and butter dancing with each other in your mouth with well-cooked chicken meat on top!

FAQs : Chicken Piccata CPK

Share Your Twist!

We’d love to hear your version of Chicken Piccata CPK ! What special ingredients or techniques do you use to make it uniquely yours? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below, and let’s inspire each other to create even more delicious meals!

References

Quick Chicken Piccata Recipe