Name: Creamy Chicken Piccata Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; ½ cup white all-purpose flour + 2 tbsp (divided); 1 tsp salt (divided); 1/2 tsp black pepper (divided); 4 tbsp unsalted butter (divided); 2 cups white onion (chopped); 4 cloves garlic (crushed); ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup whole milk; ½ cup lemon juice; 2 tsp lemon zest; 2 tbsp capers; 6-8 lemon slices

Recipe ↓

This creamy chicken piccata recipe is fresh and full of flavor and ready in 40 minutes. Serve with veggies for a well balanced meal that the whole family will love.

Chicken piccata is a classic chicken dish for a reason. Full of fresh flavors and easy to make, I’m sure this will become a family favorite!

Table of Contents

How to Make This Creamy Chicken Piccata Recipe

Pat chicken dry
In a shallow bowl, combine ½ cup flour, ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper
Dip the chicken thighs in to the flour mixture one at a time, coat completely
Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat
When the butter is melted and skillet is heated add the chicken thighs*
Brown on each side, 3-4 minutes per side, set aside
Heat the oven to 400°F
Add the onions to the skillet, sauté 3-4 minutes
Add in the garlic, sauté 1-2 more minutes
Set the onions and garlic aside
Reduce heat of the skillet to medium, add 2 tbsp butter
When the butter is melted add 2 tbsp flour, working with a wooden spoon, stir until the flour dissolves into the butter
Working with a whisk, slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, a roux will form
Add the onions and garlic back to the skillet, mix
Add the chicken thighs back, spoon the cream sauce over the thighs
Pour the lemon juice over the chicken, sprinkle with lemon zest
Sprinkle the capers throughout the skillet
Top with lemon slices
Bake for 10 minutes and serve the creamy chicken piccata immediately.

What is Chicken Piccata?

Piccata is an Italian style of cooking. Meat, usually veal or chicken, is dredged in flour, then sautéed in a sauce containing lemon juice, butter, and capers. To make this recipe a bit more hans off and weeknight friendly, the chicken is finished off in the oven.

What to serve with creamy chicken piccata

I like to keep things simple and serve this chicken dish with simple steamed veggies – green beans work wonderfully, spinach and broccoli would also be great choices. If you are looking for a heartier meal, you really couldn’t go wrong with placing the chicken on a serving of pasta, rice or mashed potato.

Can I substitute the capers in this recipe?

Capers are tangy, lemony and salty with a sharp flavor. If you are not a caper lover you can omit them from the dish, although I think they really do add an amazing element to this meal. Fresh thyme can be used as a substitute – it’s powerful in flavor and works well with the lemon in this dish.

Top Tips to Make Creamy Chicken Piccata

Make sure the chicken thighs are completely coated with the flour mix.
When sautéing the chicken, do it in two batches.
Be sure to pre-heat your oven for the best results.
Use free run / organic chicken that hasn’t been raised on antibiotics.

Be sure to check out these other easy chicken recipes!

If you have tried this creamy chicken piccata recipe, or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!