Chicken Artichoke Piccata
Tender, pan-seared chicken cutlets in a zesty lemon-butter sauce, elevated with briny capers and tender artichoke hearts. A sophisticated yet easy weeknight dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Chicken
- b.Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound them to an even 1/4-inch thickness.
- c.In a shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp of the salt, and the black pepper.
- d.Pat the chicken cutlets dry with a paper towel, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring it's lightly coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sear the Chicken
- b.In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil and 2 tbsp of the butter over medium-high heat. Wait until the butter is melted and foaming.
- c.Carefully place the floured chicken cutlets in the pan in a single layer. Do not overcrowd; cook in two batches if necessary.
- d.Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).
- e.Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Create the Piccata Sauce
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- c.Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits (fond) from the bottom. Let the wine simmer and reduce by about half, which should take 2-3 minutes.
- d.Stir in the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, capers, and the remaining 1/2 tsp of salt. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- e.Add the drained, quartered artichoke hearts to the sauce and let them heat through for about 2 minutes.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Add the remaining 2 tbsp of cold butter to the pan and swirl until it melts completely into the sauce. This will make the sauce glossy and slightly thicker.
- c.Return the seared chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce, capers, and artichokes over the top of the chicken.
- d.Allow the chicken to simmer gently in the sauce for 1-2 minutes to warm through.
- e.Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For perfectly even chicken cutlets, pound them from the center outwards.
- 2Don't overcrowd the skillet when searing the chicken; this ensures a golden-brown crust instead of steamed chicken.
- 3Always use fresh lemon juice. The bottled kind can have a bitter aftertaste.
- 4The browned bits (fond) at the bottom of the pan are packed with flavor. Be sure to scrape them all up when you deglaze with wine.
- 5Pat the drained artichoke hearts dry with a paper towel before adding them to the pan to prevent a watery sauce.
- 6Finishing the sauce with cold butter (a technique called 'monter au beurre') gives it a beautiful sheen and creamy texture without adding cream.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
For a more traditional piccata, use thinly pounded veal cutlets instead of chicken. Thin pork cutlets or firm white fish like cod or halibut also work well.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Sauté 8 oz of sliced cremini mushrooms after searing the chicken and before adding the garlic for an earthier flavor.
Creamy VersionCreamy Version
For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream at the end, just before returning the chicken to the pan.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
To make this recipe gluten-free, dredge the chicken in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Chicken breast is a primary source of high-quality lean protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Rich in Antioxidants
Artichokes are packed with antioxidants, such as cynarin and silymarin, which help combat oxidative stress and protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Immunity Support
Garlic and fresh lemon juice contribute beneficial compounds like allicin and Vitamin C, both of which are known to support a healthy immune system.
Frequently asked questions
It can be part of a healthy diet. It's high in lean protein from the chicken. However, it is prepared with a significant amount of butter and flour, making it higher in fat and carbohydrates. To make it healthier, you can reduce the amount of butter and serve it with steamed vegetables.