Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata
Introduction
Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata is a delicious and comforting dish that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. With its zesty lemon sauce and tender chicken, this recipe is not only easy to make but also a real crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for a family meal or when you want to impress guests with your cooking skills!
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata. First, it’s quick to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. Second, the combination of lemon, garlic, and capers creates a bright and fresh flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce. Finally, this dish is versatile; you can serve it with rice, pasta, or even crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata
Making Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Follow the steps below to create this delightful dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness. Season with salt and pepper, then dredge lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, capers, and lemon zest.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot, with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata
Serve Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata hot, straight from the skillet. Pair it with your choice of pasta, rice, or even a slice of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A side salad or steamed vegetables can also complement the meal perfectly.
How to Store Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata
To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish should be eaten within 3 to 4 days for the best flavor. When reheating, be gentle with the heat to avoid overcooking the chicken and separating the sauce.
Tips to Make Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata
- Make sure to pound the chicken breasts evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Don’t skip the flour dredging; it helps create a nice crust and thickens the sauce.
- Adjust the lemon juice and capers to your taste; you can make it tangier or milder as you prefer.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe. For a healthier option, you can substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a lighter cream. Adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes can make this dish even more nutritious.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They may take a few extra minutes to cook through.
2. Is there a non-dairy option for this recipe?
You can use a non-dairy cream substitute or coconut cream to make this dish dairy-free.
3. How can I make the sauce thicker?
To make the sauce thicker, you can add a bit more flour while cooking or let it simmer longer to reduce.
Enjoy making and serving this delightful Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata!
