Name: Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5–8 oz. each); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup flour; 3 tablespoons butter, divided; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2–3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons capers; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, to thicken); Lemon slices, to garnish

If you’re craving a dish that’s bright, comforting, and just a little bit fancy, you’re in the right place. This Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe is one of those meals I turn to when I want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss—zesty lemon, tender chicken, and a luscious creamy sauce all come together beautifully.

Creamy Lemon Chicken - A white plate holds a serving of creamy fettuccine pasta with a smooth, pale yellow sauce coating the noodles. On top of the pasta lies a golden-brown cooked chicken cutlet covered in the same creamy sauce. The sauce is dotted with small green capers and specks of black pepper, adding texture. Two slices of lemon, one whole round and one wedge, rest on the chicken, providing a bright yellow contrast. Fresh green parsley is sprinkled on top, enhancing the presentation. A fork is placed on the right side of the plate, partially resting on the pasta. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t say enough about how easy and delicious this Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe is. It’s got those tangy, buttery flavors that feel special but comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights or impressing guests without breaking a sweat.

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh lemons, making it easy to whip up anytime you have a craving.
Fast and Flavorful: Quick cooking time but packed with bright, creamy, and savory notes.
Versatile Serving: Pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes—perfect for whatever side you prefer.
Room for Creativity: Easy to tweak for your taste—add herbs, spice, or a splash of wine to make it your own.

Creamy Lemon Chicken - The image shows a close-up of golden brown cooked pieces of meat with a crispy texture on the top, partially covered in a creamy white sauce with visible green herbs and small dark green capers scattered around. Lemon slices with bright yellow skin and pale yellow flesh are placed around the dish, adding a fresh touch. The sauce has a smooth texture and is thick enough to coat the meat and pool slightly around it. There are small bits of green herbs sprinkled on the surface, enhancing the visual contrast. The scene is set on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients harmonize perfectly—the lemon’s acidity cuts through the richness of the cream and butter, while capers add a little pop of briny goodness. Here’s a quick dive into why each one is key for this Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe.

Creamy Lemon Chicken - Flat lay of four raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts with a smooth, pale pink surface, fresh vibrant yellow lemon slices arranged around them, small piles of bright green chopped parsley leaves, plump green capers scattered artistically, several peeled garlic cloves with their papery white skins, a small mound of fine white flour, and a few dollops of creamy pale yellow butter, all placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Chicken breasts: Pounded thin for quick, even cooking and tender texture.
Flour: Helps create a light crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce slightly.
Butter and olive oil: For browning the chicken and adding richness to the sauce.
Garlic: Brings aromatic depth without overpowering the lemon.
Chicken broth: Adds savory flavor and forms the sauce base.
Heavy cream: Transforms the sauce into a silky, creamy dream.
Capers: Little bursts of salty, tangy flavor that make this recipe stand out.
Lemon juice: The star ingredient that brightens everything up.
Parsley: Fresh herb to balance the richness and add color.
Cornstarch slurry (optional): For those days when you want a thicker sauce without extra simmering.
Lemon slices: Fresh garnish that makes your plate pop visually and flavor-wise.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about the Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I love personalizing it with what I have on hand or adjusting the flavors to suit different moods.

Variation: Sometimes I swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option—it still turns out rich and delicious.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes always perks up the tanginess with just a little heat.
Herb twist: Fresh thyme or basil can be great additions if you want a slightly different herbal note.
Wine lover’s tweak: I occasionally splash dry white wine after sautéing chicken for extra depth before adding broth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Pound the Chicken Evenly

First things first—get your chicken breasts to an even 1-inch thickness. I use a meat mallet or even the bottom of a heavy skillet. This helps them cook evenly without drying out. Don’t forget to season both sides generously with salt and pepper—that’s where your flavor foundation starts.

Step 2: Flour and Brown the Chicken

Next, dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess so it’s just a light coating. Heat butter and olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, until beautifully golden. Removing it to a plate gives the perfect base for your sauce.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Build the Sauce

Lower the heat slightly and melt the remaining butter. Toss in the garlic, sautéing just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up those tasty browned bits from the pan. Then, stir in heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Brighten with Capers, Lemon, and Parsley

Add capers, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley to the sauce. I always taste at this stage and adjust salt and pepper to get the perfect balance between creamy and tangy.

Step 5: Thicken and Finish Cooking

Let the sauce simmer gently to reduce and thicken. If you're short on time, I use a quick cornstarch slurry to get that creamy consistency faster. Nestle the chicken back in, spoon sauce over it, and let it heat through for a couple of minutes before serving.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned the small details that really make this Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe shine and stay foolproof every time I make it.

Don’t skip pounding the chicken: Even thickness means even cooking and juicy, tender bites.
Use fresh lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice can taste flat—fresh always adds that bright zip.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give the chicken room to brown properly; otherwise, it steams and won’t get that golden crust.
Adjust sauce thickness at the end: Simmer longer for a natural reduction or add cornstarch slurry for a shortcut without sacrificing flavor.

How to Serve Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe

Creamy Lemon Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of green and lemon slices on top, which guests love to squeeze over their portions. It adds freshness and makes the plate look restaurant-worthy without any extra effort.

Side Dishes

This creamy lemon chicken piccata is crazy versatile with sides—I love serving it over angel hair pasta tossed with olive oil, alongside buttery mashed potatoes, or even with a simple roasted vegetable medley for something lighter.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve placed the chicken on a bed of creamy risotto and spooned the sauce artistically around, then topped with microgreens and edible flowers for a truly unforgettable presentation that friends always ask about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Whenever there are leftovers (which is rare!), I store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days. I’ve found that keeping the sauce with the chicken prevents it from drying out.

Freezing

I have frozen this dish once or twice, but the texture of the cream sauce changes slightly. If you want to freeze, consider freezing the chicken and sauce separately and combine when reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, spooning sauce over the chicken to keep it moist. I avoid microwaves when possible because gentle reheating helps maintain creaminess without breaking the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will give you a juicier, slightly richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is there a dairy-free way to make this dish?

Yes, you can swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream substitute to keep it creamy without dairy. Just be mindful that the flavor will shift slightly, but it’s still delicious!

What can I serve on the side with Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe?

Some great options include buttery mashed potatoes, pasta tossed with olive oil and garlic, roasted asparagus, or a simple green salad. The brightness of the dish pairs well with both fresh and comforting sides.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it longer to naturally reduce it, or whisk together a small cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water) and stir it into the sauce. Cook for another minute or two until it reaches your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so reliably delicious and pretty forgiving when you cook it. I love how the tangy lemon and capers cut through the rich creaminess, making it feel indulgent but fresh. If you haven’t tried it yet, I genuinely encourage you to give it a go—once you do, I bet it’ll become one of your favorites too!