Easy Chicken Piccata
Ingredients
- 2 largechicken breasts
- Salt & pepper
- ¼ tspgarlic powder
- Flour
- 4 tbspbutter
divided
- 1 tbspolive oil
- ¼ cchicken broth
- 1 tbsplemon juice + zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbspbrined capers
drained
- ½ cheavy/whipping cream
- Garnish chopped parsley and/or freshly grated parmesan cheese
Directions
- 1
Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise (I butterfly then cut in half) to make 4 thinner cutlets. Trim off any fat. Season the chicken generously with salt & pepper and sprinkle with garlic powder. Coat the chicken in flour.
- 2
Add 2 tablespoons of the butter plus the olive oil to a skillet over medium-high heat.
- 3
Once the pan is hot, cook the chicken pieces for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- 4
Take the pan off the heat and add the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, and capers to the skillet. Scrape up any browned bits.
- 5
Stir in the cream and return the pan to the heat. Once it's bubbling again, add the chicken back into the pan. If you want to make this recipe without cream, increase the chicken broth to 3/4 cup.
- 6
Cook for another 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reduced to your liking (you may need to turn down the heat a bit if it's bubbling furiously). If the sauce thickens too much, add more broth.
- 7
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and/or parmesan cheese if desired.
Easy Chicken Piccata
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 554 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a classic Italian American dish with all the bright, tangy flavors of lemon and capers, but without spending hours in the kitchen? This Easy Chicken Piccata is your answer. In just about 25 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality main course on your table, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner.
What makes this recipe truly shine is its perfectly balanced lemon butter caper sauce, elevated by a touch of rich cream. Unlike some piccata recipes that can be overly tart or one-note, this version offers a harmonious blend of zesty lemon, briny capers, and a subtle richness that coats every tender piece of chicken. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the depth of flavor you'll achieve, making it a reliable favorite you'll return to again and again.
Prepare for golden, tender chicken bathed in a vibrant, creamy sauce that's both comforting and elegant. Each bite delivers a burst of bright lemon, the salty pop of capers, and a velvety smooth finish thanks to the heavy cream. It’s a dish that feels special yet is incredibly straightforward to execute. With just a handful of pantry staples, you'll create a satisfying meal that everyone at the table will enjoy. This creamy chicken piccata truly delivers on its promise of an easy, flavorful experience.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to adapt this lemon chicken piccata to your pantry and preferences:
- Wine Alternative: The recipe already offers chicken broth as an excellent alternative to dry white wine for the sauce.
- Lighter Sauce: For a lighter, more traditional piccata without the cream, simply omit the heavy cream from the recipe.
- Herb Swap: While parsley is a fantastic garnish, fresh dill or chives can also add a lovely aromatic touch.
- Cheese Please: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the end adds a savory depth that complements the lemon beautifully.
Serve this beautiful chicken piccata with a side of pasta to soak up every drop of that incredible sauce, alongside steamed green beans, or a simple green salad. It's a versatile dish that transitions effortlessly from a quick family meal to a delightful dinner party centerpiece.