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.
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! 🍋✨