Easy Chicken Piccata Recipe

Savor the exquisite blend of tender chicken, caressed by rich lemon butter sauce, capers and creamy accents, creating a refined dish that promises restaurant quality in a home setting. Enjoy the harmonious medley of citrus and delicately seasoned flavors in every bite, delivering a luxurious dining experience in 25 minutes.

I’ve always been a fan of recipes that combine flavor with good nutritional balance and this Easy Chicken Piccata is no exception. I start with 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts which offer great protein for muscle maintenance along with a satisfying lean meal.

After seasoning the chicken with salt and freshly ground pepper, I dredge it in 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour to create a light coating that crisps beautifully when pan-fried in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then I turn the heat down a bit before adding 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter which creates a rich base for the sauce.

I add 1 cup low sodium chicken broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, letting these ingredients merge into a tangy and creamy sauce with capers tossed in for a burst of briny flavor. This dish is a quick fix dinner thats got that restaurant-quality touch without any excessive fuss.

Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love that this recipe makes a fancy dinner feel super easy and quick, like I can whip it up in just 25 minutes even on a busy night.
2. I like how the creamy lemon butter sauce brings a perfect mix of tangy and rich flavors, its kinda amazing how the capers add that little extra kick.
3. I enjoy the way it feels like a restaurant quality meal, even tho its super simple and doesnt require tons of ingredients or steps.
4. I also appreciate that I can tweak it a bit to suit my mood, like adding more parsley or even adjusting the salt and pepper – it makes me feel like im really in control of the flavors.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts are lean and loaded with protein, making this dish hearty and satisfying.
• Olive oil adds healthy fats and a rich, smooth flavor throughout the recipe.
• Chicken broth gives a light, savory base that ties all the tastes together.
• Heavy cream brings a thick, luxurious texture that balances the tangy notes.
• Lemon juice delivers a tangy sour punch that brightens the overall flavor profile.
• Capers offer tiny bursts of salty brininess which really elevate the dish’s taste.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total)
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make this

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground pepper and then dredge them in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any extra.

2. Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat and add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the unsalted butter.

3. Place the chicken in the skillet and sear each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn a nice light brown; then remove them and set aside.

4. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same pan.

5. Pour in the low sodium chicken broth, heavy cream, and fresh lemon juice; stir it up well.

6. Add in the drained capers and let the sauce simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often so it thickens a bit.

7. Return the chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over them; let the chicken cook in the sauce for another 3 to 4 minutes until it’s fully done.

8. Taste the sauce and add a bit more salt or pepper if needed.

9. Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and extra flavor if you like.

10. Serve hot and enjoy your restaurant-quality dinner at home!

Equipment Needed

1. A large skillet for searing the chicken and cooking the sauce
2. A measuring cup to portion the chicken broth, cream, and lemon juice
3. Measuring spoons for the butter, capers, salt, and pepper
4. A shallow dish or plate for dredging the chicken in flour
5. A spatula or tongs for turning the chicken in the skillet
6. A small knife for chopping the parsley
7. A stirring spoon (or small whisk) to mix the sauce ingredients together

FAQ

Easy Chicken Piccata Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• All-purpose flour: If you dont have it, you could use gluten-free flour or even a bit of cornstarch mixed with a lighter flour as a good substitute.
• Olive oil: You can swap this out with canola oil or even avocado oil if you want a milder taste.
• Unsalted butter: If you’re out of this, try using ghee for a nuttier flavor or a good quality margarine.
• Chicken broth: You can easily swap it with vegetable broth if you prefer or if chicken broth isnt available.
• Heavy cream: You can replace heavy cream with half and half with a small addition of butter to mimic its richness if needed.

Pro Tips

1. Let the chicken sit at room temp for a few minutes before you season and dredge, it makes sure the meat cooks more evenly and doesnt turn out too tough.
2. When searing the chicken, dont cram too many pieces at once in the pan, it can lower the temperature too much and cause the chicken to steam instead of get a nice golden crust.
3. If you have any garlic lying around, toss a clove into the pan with the butter when making the sauce to bring some extra flavor into the mix.
4. Always taste the sauce at the end and adjust seasonings if needed, sometimes it might need a touch more salt or even a bit extra lemon juice to really pop.