Chicken Piccata | Lemon Butter Chicken Breast
When it comes to a delightful dish that embodies comfort and elegance, few can compare to Chicken Piccata | Lemon Butter Chicken. This recipe features perfectly seared chicken bathed in a rich, buttery lemon sauce—it’s the kind of meal that warms your heart and satisfies those cravings for something comforting yet vibrant. With its bright citrus notes and creamy texture, each bite invites you to savor the balance of flavors, making it a winner for family dinner or an impressive dish to serve at gatherings.
Table of Contents
I first discovered the magic of Chicken Piccata when I was searching for a quick yet crowd-pleasing meal to impress some friends. Little did I know, this dish would not only become a staple in my kitchen but also a favorite among dinner guests. The harmony of zesty lemon, tender chicken, and fresh herbs is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up! Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a recipe to save for special occasions, I can’t wait for you to try this one.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of cooking, you can serve a gourmet meal in under an hour!
- Irresistible Flavor: The bright notes of lemon combined with buttery richness create a sauce that delights the palate and elevates the dish.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green beans and luscious sauce make this plate a feast for the eyes, perfect for impressing guests.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it over steamed brown rice, cauliflower rice, or crusty bread—the choice is yours!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for paleo diets and dairy-free preferences. Just swap the butter for ghee or vegan options.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: This lean protein serves as the heart of the dish, offering tender and juicy bites.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: This essential ingredient enhances flavor, making the chicken savory and satisfying.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and brings out the other flavors beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): Provides that rich, creamy texture; you can swap with ghee for a dairy-free option.
- 1 pound green beans (ends trimmed and cut in half): Offers a crisp texture and fresh flavor, complementing the rich chicken perfectly.
- 1 small shallot (minced): This adds a mild sweetness and aromatic depth to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a wonderful aromatic quality that elevates the overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend that brings herbaceous notes, helpful for rounding out the dish.
- 1 medium lemon (zest and juice, plus additional slices for serving): The star of this recipe! Its acidity brightens the dish and balances the richness.
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk (14 ounces): This dreamy alternative to cream thickens the sauce, adding a lovely richness without dairy.
- Chopped fresh thyme or parsley: Sprinkled on top, these herbs impart freshness and a pop of color.
- Steamed brown rice, cauliflower rice, crusty bread, or whole wheat pasta: Each offers a comforting base to soak up the delicious sauce.
How to Make Chicken Piccata | Lemon Butter Chicken Breast Recipe
Preheat the Oven: Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat it to 375°F. Preparing the oven ensures even cooking as the chicken finishes.
Season the Chicken: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper evenly over the chicken breasts or thighs. This simple step enhances the natural flavors of the meat.
Sear the Chicken: In a large, ovenproof skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken, searing on both sides until they achieve a deep golden brown, approximately 10 to 12 minutes total. Once beautifully browned, transfer the chicken to a plate—this step brings out that rich flavor.
Cook the Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter, then toss in the trimmed green beans, minced shallot, minced garlic, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and cook for about 7 minutes, stirring often, until the green beans are crisp-tender and fragrant.
Add Lemon and Coconut Milk: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the zest of the lemon directly into the pan and squeeze in the juice, followed by slowly pouring in the 14-ounce can of full-fat coconut milk while stirring gently to combine. This will create a wonderfully creamy sauce.
Return the Chicken to the Skillet: Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, ensuring it’s well-coated in the luscious lemony sauce.
Bake the Dish: Carefully place the skillet in the preheated oven and cook for 15 to 25 minutes. The chicken is ready when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest portion registers 165°F and the juices run clear. Remember that cooking time may vary based on chicken size.
Finish and Serve: Once cooked, sprinkle with chopped fresh thyme or parsley. Be generous with lemon wedges on the side, inviting everyone to add a splash of brightness as desired. Serve your Chicken Piccata alongside steamed brown rice, pasta, or crusty bread for that perfect ‘sauce-mopping’ experience.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Chicken Piccata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you prefer to freeze it, transfer the cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container and enjoy it within three months. To reheat, simply warm it gently in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Note that the sauce may thicken upon cooling, so feel free to stir in a splash of water or more coconut milk to refresh the creaminess before serving.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—it’s crucial for juicy chicken.
- Ingredient Temperature: Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Make It Ahead: You can sear the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance. Just combine everything and bake when you’re ready to serve.
- Flavor Boost: For a more intense flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and spices for an hour before cooking.
- Texture Tip: If the sauce seems too thick, whisk in a bit of chicken broth or more coconut milk to achieve your desired consistency.
It’s pretty clear why Chicken Piccata | Lemon Butter Chicken is a culinary treasure in many homes! Its robust flavor, comforting texture, and ease of preparation make it a hit at dinner tables. Besides, don’t shy away from adding your own flair—maybe a touch of spice or a different vegetable to suit your tastes! This dish is open to interpretation, inviting you to explore your culinary creativity while enjoying its essence.
Savor every bite, share it with loved ones, and bask in the delight of home-cooked comfort—dinner never tasted so good!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more moisture and depth of flavor to the dish, making it rich and delicious. Just remember that they may need a few extra minutes in the oven depending on their size.
What can I substitute for coconut milk?
If coconut milk isn’t your thing, heavy cream or full-fat Greek yogurt can work well. However, note that this will change the flavor, making it less tropical but just as creamy.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should read 165°F when fully cooked. Alternatively, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken to see if the juices run clear.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce up to one day in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
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📖 Recipe Card
Chicken Piccata | Lemon Butter Chicken Breast
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Chicken Piccata features tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich lemon butter sauce with coconut milk, making it perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner. Enjoy with rice or pasta for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs or a mix!
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 1 pound green beans ends trimmed and cut in half
- 1 small shallot minced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon italian seasoning
- 1 medium lemon zest and juice, plus additional lemon slices for serving
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk (14 ounces)
- chopped fresh thyme or parsley
- steamed brown rice
- cauliflower rice
- crusty bread
- whole wheat pasta
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and place a rack in the center.
- Season the chicken with kosher salt and black pepper.
- In a large ovenproof skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and sear the chicken for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown, then transfer to a plate.
- Lower the heat to medium-low, add the remaining butter, green beans, shallot, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir frequently and cook for 7 minutes until the green beans are crisp-tender.
- Remove the skillet from heat, add lemon zest and juice, then pour in the coconut milk while stirring to combine.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and place it in the oven.
- Cook for 15 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165 degrees F internally and juices run clear, noting that cooking time varies by chicken size.
- Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges, rice, pasta, or fresh bread.
Notes
You can substitute ghee for a paleo option or use vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
For variety, try using asparagus instead of green beans.
This dish pairs nicely with steamed rice, crusty bread, or whole wheat pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
