Description
An elegant yet simple creamy lemon chicken piccata that is perfect for entertaining. This dish features tender pan-seared chicken breasts in a velvety, tangy lemon-caper sauce enriched with heavy cream and Parmesan.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp capers, drained
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts on a cutting board, cover with plastic wrap, and pound to 1/2-inch thickness. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Once butter foams, add chicken. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add garlic and capers; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Lower heat to low. Slowly pour in heavy cream, whisking constantly. Simmer gently for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Warm through for 1 minute.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to ensure proper browning. Use fresh lemon juice, not bottled, for best flavor. If the sauce breaks, whisk in a tablespoon of cold water to bring it back together. For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One chicken breast w
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: creamy lemon chicken piccata, dinner party entree, Italian chicken recipe, easy entertaining, pan-seared chicken, lemon caper sauce