Easy Chicken Piccata Recipe
This Easy Chicken Piccata recipe features tender chicken cutlets cooked to golden perfection and served in a tangy lemon, caper, and cream sauce. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a quick yet elegant dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The creamy sauce balances citrus bright notes with savory richness, making it a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Flour (for dredging)
Sauce & Cooking
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice + zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon brined capers (drained)
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped parsley
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Slice each chicken breast lengthwise to create 4 thinner cutlets by butterflying and cutting in half. Trim off any fat. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge each piece evenly in flour to coat.
- Heat Pan and Cook Chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, add the floured chicken cutlets and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Prepare Sauce Base: Remove skillet from heat and add chicken broth (or dry white wine), lemon juice, lemon zest, remaining 2 tablespoons butter, and drained capers. Scrape the pan thoroughly to release any browned bits, which adds flavor.
- Add Cream and Simmer: Stir in the heavy cream and return skillet to medium heat. Once the sauce bubbles gently, return the chicken cutlets to the pan.
- Finish Cooking: Simmer chicken in the sauce for about 5 minutes, or until cooked through and the sauce reduces to your preferred thickness. If the sauce bubbles too vigorously, lower the heat. Add additional chicken broth if the sauce gets too thick.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and/or grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy a rich, tangy, and creamy chicken piccata.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, omit the cream and increase chicken broth to 3/4 cup.
- Butterflying chicken breasts ensures even cooking and improves tenderness.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth to loosen it.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest flavor.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or vegetables to complement the sauce.
Keywords: Chicken Piccata, Easy Chicken Recipe, Lemon Chicken, Creamy Chicken, One Pan Dinner, Italian Chicken
Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/easy-chicken-piccata-recipe/
