Go Back
Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata, a featured image showcasing this delicious Italian-American dish.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata Easy

This Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata is an easy and flavorful dish that balances the bright acidity of lemon with the richness of cream. The recipe carefully incorporates the cream to prevent curdling, resulting in a smooth and delicious sauce served over tender chicken breasts.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 6 oz each
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Lemon slices, for garnish optional

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Plastic wrap
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Shallow dish
  • Large Skillet
  • Whisk
  • Spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Tongs or spatula

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even 1/4-inch thickness.
  2. Dredge the Chicken: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add two chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Repeat with the remaining olive oil, butter, and chicken breasts.
  4. Deglaze the Pan: Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the white wine into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Make the Sauce: Add the chicken broth and lemon juice to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken. Stir in the capers.
  6. Incorporate the Cream: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, ensuring it is fully incorporated into the sauce. Simmer gently for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Do not boil.
  7. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated. Heat through for another minute or two. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices (if desired). Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or alongside vegetables.

Notes

For best results, use freshly squeezed lemon juice. To prevent the cream from curdling, ensure the heat is low when adding it and do not boil the sauce. The sauce can be adjusted to your taste by adding more or less lemon juice. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.