What Is Piccata Sauce Made Of? A Complete Breakdown

What is piccata sauce made of. This bright, tangy, and buttery Piccata Sauce is a total game-changer for chicken and fish lovers! 🍋✨ Made with white wine, lemon juice, capers, and a luscious butter-based roux, this sauce comes together in just 15 minutes and transforms any simple protein into an elegant, restaurant-worthy dish. Whether you’re drizzling it over crispy chicken cutlets or flaky white fish, this no-fail recipe will bring a little gourmet magic to your dinner table!.What is piccata sauce made of.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Fast & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes with simple ingredients!
  • Bright & Flavorful – The perfect balance of tangy lemon, briny capers, and velvety butter.
  • Versatile – Pairs beautifully with chicken, white fish, shrimp, or even pasta!
  • Make-Ahead Friendly – Stores well in the fridge or freezer for easy meal prep.What is piccata sauce made of.

What is piccata sauce made of

“At its core, Piccata Sauce is a bright, tangy, and buttery sauce made with white wine, lemon juice, capers, and a luscious butter-based roux. It’s the key element in dishes like Chicken Piccata and Veal Piccata, adding a rich, briny depth of flavor. But have you ever wondered what ‘Piccata’ actually means in Italian? Learn more about its origins and linguistic history in 👉What Does Piccata Mean in Italian?….!”

A flat-lay image of ingredients for homemade piccata sauce, including butter, olive oil, garlic, shallots, white wine, chicken broth, lemon juice, capers, and flour, arranged on a wooden kitchen counter.What is piccata sauce made of
All the essentials for the perfect Piccata Sauce! 🍋✨ Simple ingredients, big flavor!

Fats & Base:

  • Salted Butter – Creates a rich, silky sauce.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Enhances flavor and helps cook the roux.

Aromatics:

  • Garlic – Adds deep, savory flavor.
  • Shallot – Milder than onions, perfect for a delicate sauce.

Thickening Agent:

  • All-purpose flour – Helps give the sauce the perfect thick consistency.

Liquids:

  • Dry White Wine – Adds depth and a subtle acidity. (Can be substituted with more chicken broth.)
  • Chicken Broth – Creates a rich, savory base.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice – The key ingredient for that signature piccata tang!

Briny Touch:

  • Capers – Brings a salty, slightly floral pop of flavor.

👉 Full ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!


How to Make Piccata Sauce

1: Sauté the Aromatics

Sauté The Aromatics.Garlic and shallots sizzling in butter in a skillet, turning golden as they cook. A wooden spoon stirs the ingredients, with butter bubbling around them.
Step one: Sauté the aromatics! 🧄✨ Butter, garlic, and shallots create the perfect flavor base!
  • Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add garlic and shallots and cook for 3 minutes until fragrant.

2: Make the Roux

  • Whisk in olive oil and flour, stirring continuously.
  • Cook for about 5 minutes, until the mixture turns golden (but not too dark!).

3: Add the Liquids

Add The Liquids.White wine being poured into a skillet with sautéed shallots and garlic, sizzling as it deglazes the pan. A wooden spoon stirs the bubbling mixture.
Time to deglaze! 🍷✨ White wine adds depth and richness to this tangy Piccata Sauce!
  • Pour in white wine and chicken broth, whisking constantly.
  • Let it simmer until slightly thickened and reduced by half.

4: Finish the Sauce

Finish The Sauce.Golden piccata sauce in a skillet, thickened to perfection. Fresh lemon juice is drizzled in, and capers are scattered throughout as a wooden spoon stirs the sauce.
Final touch: Lemon juice & capers! 🍋✨ The secret to that irresistible tangy piccata flavor!
  • Stir in fresh lemon juice and capers.
  • Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

5: Serve & Enjoy!

  • Pour this silky, tangy sauce over pan-seared chicken, white fish, or even shrimp!

What is piccata sauce made of Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Don’t Overcook the Roux – Cook the flour just until golden (about 5 minutes) for a light, velvety sauce.
  • Use Fresh Lemon Juice – It makes a huge difference in flavor compared to bottled.
  • Skip the Wine? No Problem! – Just use extra chicken broth instead.
  • Thicken or Thin as Needed – If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth. If too thin, simmer it a little longer.

How to Serve Piccata Sauce

This bright, buttery sauce is perfect over:

  • Pan-Seared Chicken – Classic Chicken Piccata is a favorite for a reason!
  • White Fish – Try it with grouper, tilapia, cod, or sole for a restaurant-quality dish.
  • Seafood – Shrimp or scallops are incredible with this sauce!
  • Pasta – Toss it with spaghetti or angel hair for a light, lemony pasta dish.
  • Vegetables – Drizzle it over roasted asparagus or green beans for a fresh, flavorful side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Sauce Freezing

  • Pour into a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

Sauce Reheating

  • Warm in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a little chicken broth to thin it out.What is piccata sauce made of.

Bonus: Variations of Piccata Sauce

“Love the tangy, buttery flavors of Piccata? There are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this sauce! From a creamy version to a dairy-free alternative, there’s a variation for every taste. If you’re a fan of classic Italian sauces, you might also be curious about how Piccata compares to Marsala sauce. Discover the key differences in 👉What’s the Difference Between Marsala and Piccata?!”

1️⃣ Creamy Piccata Sauce

  • Love a richer, silkier sauce? Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream at the end for a luxurious, velvety texture.
  • This version pairs beautifully with pasta, chicken, and shrimp.What is piccata sauce made of.

2️⃣ Dairy-Free Piccata Sauce

  • Swap the butter for dairy-free margarine or olive oil to keep it completely dairy-free.
  • Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegan-friendly version.

3️⃣ Garlic-Lovers Piccata Sauce

  • If you can’t get enough garlic, double the amount for a bold, savory kick.
  • Roast the garlic first for a milder, caramelized flavor.

FAQs about What is piccata sauce made of

What is Piccata Sauce?

“What is Piccata Sauce? This classic Italian-inspired sauce is known for its lemony, buttery, and slightly briny flavor, thanks to the capers. It’s a staple in dishes like Chicken Piccata, Veal Piccata, and even seafood variations. Speaking of Piccata—did you know there’s some confusion over how to spell it? Some say ‘Picatta,’ while others insist on ‘Piccata.’ Find out the correct spelling and history in Is It Piccata or Picatta?….!”


What type of white wine is best for Piccata Sauce?

Use a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay. Avoid anything too sweet!What is piccata sauce made of.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can refrigerate it for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently before serving.

What else can I serve with this sauce?

Besides chicken and fish, try it over shrimp, pasta, roasted veggies, or even mashed potatoes!


What is piccata sauce made of. This Lemon Piccata Sauce is light, buttery, and packed with fresh, zesty flavor. Whether you’re making classic Chicken Piccata or drizzling it over seafood, this easy sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.What is piccata sauce made of.

Try it tonight and take your dinner to the next level!

Print
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What Is Piccata Sauce Made Of.A plate of chicken piccata drizzled with golden, tangy piccata sauce, garnished with lemon slices and capers. The sauce glistens under warm lighting, with a rustic wooden table in the background.

What Is Piccata Sauce Made Of? A Complete Breakdown

  • Author: olivia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Sauce, Condiment
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian, American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A bright, tangy, and buttery Piccata Sauce that elevates any dish! 🍋✨ Made with white wine, lemon juice, capers, and butter, this quick 15-minute sauce is perfect over chicken, fish, shrimp, or pasta. It’s rich, velvety, and packed with fresh, zesty flavor.


Ingredients

For the Sauce:

  • Salted Butter – Adds richness and smooth texture.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Helps create a silky base.
  • Garlic – Gives depth and savory aroma.
  • Shallot – Milder than onion, adds delicate flavor.
  • All-Purpose Flour – Thickens the sauce slightly.
  • Dry White Wine – Enhances flavor and deglazes the pan. (Can be substituted with chicken broth.)
  • Chicken Broth – Adds a rich, savory depth.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice – Brings the signature bright, tangy taste.
  • Capers – Gives a salty, briny kick.

Instructions

1️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics:

  • In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  • Add garlic and shallots, cooking for 3 minutes until fragrant.

2️⃣ Make the Roux:

  • Whisk in olive oil and flour, stirring continuously.
  • Cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture turns golden.

3️⃣ Add the Liquids:

  • Pour in white wine and chicken broth, whisking constantly.
  • Let it simmer until slightly thickened and reduced by half.

4️⃣ Finish the Sauce:

  • Stir in fresh lemon juice and capers.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

  • Drizzle over chicken, fish, shrimp, or pasta for an elegant, restaurant-quality meal!

Notes

  • No Wine? No Problem! – Replace it with extra chicken broth and a splash of apple cider vinegar.
  • For a Creamy Version – Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream for a velvety finish.
  • Make Ahead – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating Tip – Warm over low heat and add a splash of chicken broth if it thickens too much.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 cup (about 2 tablespoons per serving)
  • Calories: 110 kcal per serving
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: piccata sauce, lemon butter sauce, sauce for chicken, caper sauce, white wine sauce, Italian sauce, pan sauce