Chicken Piccata | Lemon Butter Chicken Breast Recipe is a delightful dish that perfectly combines luscious flavors with a hint of brightness. This comfort food offers an irresistible lemony sauce that clings beautifully to tender chicken. The overall experience is enhanced by the crispness of the green beans and the warmth from the butter, creating just the right balance of heartiness and freshness. Not only is it an ideal solution for busy weeknights, but it also impresses on those special occasions when you need a meal that showcases love and care—all without extensive prep work.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Chicken Piccata | Lemon Butter Chicken Breast Recipe
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Chicken Piccata | Lemon Butter Chicken Breast

Chicken Piccata | Lemon Butter Chicken Breast

I remember the first time I made this dish—it was a rainy evening, and I was in dire need of something warm and comforting. As the rich aroma of garlic and butter filled my kitchen, I could hardly contain my excitement. Each bite felt like a warm hug, and it’s become a staple in my cooking rotation ever since. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, this Chicken Piccata is truly a winner in flavor and presentation. So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your family or guests with this delicious dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip this up in just 10 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of cooking time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of lemon, garlic, and coconut milk creates a creamy and zesty taste profile that’s simply unforgettable.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green beans and golden chicken topped with fresh herbs make for a visually stunning dish.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a hearty family dinner or an elegant dinner party, and pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for paleo or dairy-free diets by swapping in ghee or vegan butter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (or a mix): Choose your favorite cut for tenderness; thighs will add more flavor.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering them.
½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and depth.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Gives that creamy richness; ghee can be used for a paleo option.
1 pound green beans: Fresh and crunchy, they bolster the meal with vibrant color and nutrients. Feel free to substitute asparagus.
1 small shallot, minced: Provides a subtly sweet onion flavor, complementing the garlic.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant and savory touch to the sauce.
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings an aromatic earthiness to the dish.
1 medium lemon, zested and juiced: Essential for that fresh, tangy flavor that brightens the whole dish.
1 can full-fat coconut milk (14 ounces): Offers creaminess to the sauce; avoid light versions to maintain thickness.
Chopped fresh thyme or parsley: A fresh herb for garnish, adding a pop of color and flavor.
Steamed brown rice, cauliflower rice, crusty bread, or whole wheat pasta: These are perfect accompaniments to soak up that luscious 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 degrees F, so it’s ready to cook the chicken perfectly.

Season the Chicken: Generously season 1 ½ pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. This seasoning not only enhances flavor but also helps create a lovely crust.

Sear the Chicken: In a large, ovenproof skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear on both sides, approximately 10 to 12 minutes total, until it’s deeply golden brown. This step locks in the flavors and adds that perfect golden crust. Transfer the chicken to a plate when done.

Prepare the Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Toss in 1 pound of green beans, 1 minced small shallot, and 2 cloves of minced garlic along with ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir well and cook for about 7 minutes until the green beans are crisp-tender, releasing their vibrant color and aroma.

Combine Flavors: Remove the skillet from heat and zest the lemon into the mixture. Squeeze in the lemon juice, and as you stir, slowly pour in 1 can of full-fat coconut milk (14 ounces). This will create a rich, creamy sauce that envelops the chicken beautifully.

Cook the Chicken: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the green beans and sauce. Now, place the skillet in your preheated oven and cook for 15 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the chicken reads 165 degrees F and the juices run clear.

Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh thyme or parsley over the top. Serve with extra lemon wedges on the side, and don’t forget the steamed brown rice, cauliflower rice, crusty bread, or whole wheat pasta—you’ll want something to soak up the heavenly sauce!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Chicken Piccata, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can sit at room temperature for an hour or two but is best refrigerated if not consumed right away. In the fridge, it will keep for 3-4 days. You can freeze the dish for up to 3 months—just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Keep in mind that the texture may vary a little once frozen, so refreshing it with some extra lemon juice or herbs can reinvigorate the flavors.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Watch for Doneness: Avoid overcooking your chicken by using a meat thermometer. This ensures tender, juicy chicken every time.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh green beans and shallots make a world of difference. They add vibrancy and taste that dried or old ingredients just can’t match.
Coconut Milk Choice: Stick to full-fat coconut milk for the best sauce thickness. Light varieties won’t yield the same results.
Zesting Technique: Use a microplane for perfectly fine lemon zest that spreads evenly, elevating the dish’s flavor.
Make-Ahead Windows: You can prepare the chicken and green beans in advance, storing them separately until you’re ready to cook. Just add the coconut milk and lemon when you’re ready to bake!

You may just find that Chicken Piccata quickly becomes your go-to recipe for any occasion—from casual family dinners to more formal gatherings where you’d like to impress. The simple yet robust flavors work best when made with fresh ingredients, so don’t hesitate to explore what colors and textures you can bring to the table. Looking for a little zing? Consider tossing in some capers for a classic touch, or play around with herbs based on what you enjoy!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe. They tend to stay moist and tender, plus they add a rich flavor to the dish.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can easily swap the unsalted butter for ghee or vegan butter. Just make sure to use full-fat coconut milk to achieve that creamy texture!

What can I serve with Chicken Piccata?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed brown rice, cauliflower rice, crusty bread for dipping, or even whole wheat pasta tossed in a bit of olive oil.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and just add the coconut milk and lemon juice when you’re ready to bake. This will save you time during meal prep!