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Bring Italian trattoria vibes to your kitchen with this Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata, a Zesty Chicken Dish featuring golden, tender chicken in a silky lemon-cream sauce with briny capers. This elegant yet comforting dish bursts with bright citrus and savory flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With minimal effort, this Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata will leave your table buzzing with delight!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata

I’m obsessed with this Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata because it’s a Zesty Chicken Dish that’s both sophisticated and easy, ready in under 40 minutes. The combination of crispy chicken, creamy lemon sauce, and tangy capers makes every bite irresistible. This Zesty Chicken Dish is versatile, crowd-pleasing, and sure to become a go-to for any occasion!

Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata

Here’s what you’ll need for Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata (serves 4):

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
3 tbsp capers, drained
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

Shallow dish (for dredging)
Large skillet
Meat mallet or rolling pin
Tongs
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredient Tips

Chicken: Pound to ½-inch thickness for even cooking and tenderness.
Flour: Creates a golden crust; use gluten-free flour for dietary needs.
Wine: Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works well; substitute with chicken broth for non-alcoholic.
Capers: Rinse if sensitive to salt; they add essential tanginess.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for the brightest flavor; avoid bottled if possible.

Directions for Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata

Let’s make this Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata!

Prep the Chicken

I pound 4 chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin to ensure quick, tender cooking.

Dredge the Chicken

In a shallow dish, I mix ½ cup flour, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. I dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off excess for a light coating.

Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I melt 2 tbsp butter with 2 tbsp olive oil. I sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked to 165°F internally, then transfer to a plate and keep warm.

Make the Lemon-Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, I melt 1 tbsp butter and sauté 2 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant. I deglaze with ½ cup white wine (or chicken broth), scraping up browned bits, and simmer for 1–2 minutes. I add ½ cup chicken broth, ½ cup heavy cream, and ¼ cup lemon juice, simmering for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add Capers and Chicken

I stir in 3 tbsp capers, then return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. I simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.

Garnish and Serve

I sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped parsley over the chicken and add lemon slices for a vibrant finish, serving immediately.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~420 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 25g carbs, 35g protein, 25g fat, 1g fiber

Variations for Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata

Try these twists on Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata:

Herb Boost: Add 1 tsp fresh thyme to the sauce for a fragrant Zesty Chicken Dish.
Lightened Up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter Zesty Chicken Dish.
Thighs Swap: Substitute chicken thighs; increase cooking time by 2–3 minutes.
Spicy Kick: Add ¼ tsp red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat.
Veggie Add-In: Toss in sautéed spinach or artichoke hearts for extra depth.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Food and Tips’ Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe for a flavorful meal spread.
Serve with creamy risotto to soak up the Zesty Chicken Dish sauce.
Offer at dinner parties for an elegant, crowd-pleasing main.

Storage

I store leftover Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce, avoiding high heat to prevent curdling. For freezing, I store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, thawing in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Serving Tips

Presentation: Serve chicken fanned over pasta or risotto with sauce drizzled and parsley sprinkled for a stunning look.
Garnish: Add lemon slices or extra capers for a gourmet touch.
Pairing: Enjoy with a crisp Pinot Grigio or sparkling water to complement the Zesty Chicken Dish.
Portion Size: One chicken breast with ¼ cup sauce per person for a satisfying meal.
Occasions: Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or special gatherings.

FAQs About Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata

Here are some frequently asked questions about Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata. They tend to stay moist and flavorful, although they may need a minute or two extra to cook through fully.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
If you’d like something lighter, try using half-and-half or even whole milk in place of heavy cream. The sauce won’t be as rich, but it’ll still taste lovely and lemony.

What can I use instead of white wine?
Chicken broth is a great swap for white wine if you’d rather not use alcohol. It will keep the sauce savory and bright without missing out on depth of flavor.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep your heat at a gentle simmer after adding the lemon juice and cream. Avoid boiling, as high heat is what most often causes dairy-based sauces to split or curdle.

Can I make Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata ahead for a party?
Yes! Make the chicken and sauce as directed, then store separately and reheat gently on the day of your gathering. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal for stress-free entertaining.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for dredging, and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free for a fully gluten-free dish.

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Conclusion

This Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata is a restaurant-worthy dish that transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant, comforting meal. With its golden chicken, silky lemon-cream sauce, and tangy capers, it’s perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special celebrations. Try this Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata and watch it become a new favorite at your table!