Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata with Capers
This yummy Italian dish combines tender chicken, a tangy lemon sauce and salty capers for an explosion of flavors in every bite. The creamy sauce makes it extra rich and comforting!
One of the most simple Italian dishes you can master is chicken piccata. This particular recipe for creamy lemon chicken piccata is a modern twist on the original, which dates back to the early 1900s. The original version consists of thinly sliced chicken breast, dredged in flour, and smothered in a rich, lemony sauce studded with tangy, salty capers.
While our family recipe stays true to that original combination, it elevates the classic with the addition of heavy cream and garlic to pump up the texture and flavor. Its bright citrusy flavor and smooth, savory sauce taste light and fresh while substantial enough to satisfy every appetite. The zesty, comforting flavors of this dish will have your family and guests going for seconds.
Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also surprisingly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for both casual weeknight dinners and elegant dinner parties alike.
What to serve with creamy lemon chicken piccata
If you’re looking for a classic pairing, try serving the chicken over a bed of linguine or fettuccine. For something lighter, you could opt for a side of steamed or roasted broccoli or asparagus, allowing the bright veggies to balance out the rich sauce.
A simple salad is also a refreshing balance to the richness of this dish. My classic Caesar salad recipe is a perfect choice.
To drink, a glass of chilled white wine, like a cool, crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the acidity and richness of the lemony sauce. For non-alcoholic options, consider a lemon-lime sparkling water for a similar effect.
And don’t forget dessert! A scoop of refreshing gelato is a great choice, or, echo the lemon flavor with this easy and moist lemon loaf for a sweet finale.
Ingredients needed to make this easy chicken piccata recipe
Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients you’ll need and what they bring to the dish:
- Chicken: Chicken breasts are the main attraction in this recipe, with the tender cuts soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- Flour: All-purpose flour creates a light, crispy coating on the chicken.
- Salt, Black Pepper & Garlic Powder: These seasonings enhance the overall taste, with pepper bringing spice and depth and garlic powder giving a savory boost.
- Butter: Creamy butter forms the base of the delicious chicken piccata sauce.
- Minced Garlic: Heightens the savory flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Brings rich flavor to the creamy sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce velvety smooth.
- Lemon Juice & Lemon Zest: Brings a bright, citrus pop to the dish.
- Capers: Add a salty, tangy twist.
- Parsley & Parmesan (Optional): These garnishes bring a combination of freshness and nutty notes.
Be sure to check out the full ingredient measurements and complete recipe below.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Spatula
- Tongs
Frequently asked questions about lemon chicken piccata
Below are the most common questions that come up when I share this recipe for creamy lemon chicken piccata with capers. If you have another question I haven’t covered, ask in the comments section, and I will reply as soon as I can!
What’s the difference between chicken piccata and chicken Francaise?
Chicken francaise involves dredging the chicken cutlets in an egg mixture before frying, while piccata uses only flour. Also, chicken francaise (some say chicken francese) is typically served with a lemon butter sauce that does not include capers.
What’s the difference between chicken Milanese and chicken piccata?
Chicken Milanese has a thicker breaded coating on the pounded cutlet and is served with pasta or over greens, chicken piccata has a thinner flour coating and is served with a lemony caper sauce.
What’s the difference between chicken Marsala and chicken piccata?
Chicken Marsala’s main feature is its rich, mushroom sauce made with Marsala wine, while chicken piccata’s sauce has a brighter lemon flavor with briny capers.
More Grandma-Approved Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed this recipe for creamy lemon chicken piccata then take a look at some of these other yummy recipes:
- Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken
- Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole
- Easy Swedish Meatballs Recipe
- Chicken Spaghetti With Rotel
- Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata with Capers
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Large skillet or dutch oven
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ÂĽ cup flour
- ÂĽ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ cup chicken broth
- â…“ cup heavy cream
- zest of 1 lemon
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons brined capers drained
- fresh parsley optional garnish
- shredded parmesan cheese optional garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Pour flour mixture into a large gallon Ziploc bag.
- Filet the chicken breasts into 4 pieces and then toss in the flour mixture. Set aside.
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat and place the chicken in a pan. Cook 3-5 minutes on each side undisturbed. Once golden and cooked through, transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice and zest, bringing to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream.
- Simmer for about 5 minutes before adding the capers. Add chicken back to the pan and drench sauce over top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
