Chicken Piccata with Artichokes

Chicken Piccata with Artichokes is a bright, tangy, and elegant dish featuring tender pan-seared chicken, a lemony white wine sauce, and briny capers with tender artichoke hearts. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a delicious balance of savory and citrusy flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & easy – Ready in 30 minutes!
  • Bright & flavorful – The lemony, buttery sauce enhances the chicken beautifully.
  • One-pan meal – Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
  • Healthy & light – Low-carb and packed with lean protein and veggies.
  • Perfect for meal prep – Reheats well for leftovers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin)
  • All-purpose flour (for dredging)
  • Salt & black pepper
  • Garlic powder (optional)
  • Olive oil & butter

For the Piccata Sauce:

  • Garlic, minced
  • White wine (or chicken broth for alcohol-free)
  • Lemon juice & zest
  • Chicken broth
  • Capers, drained
  • Artichoke hearts (canned or jarred, drained and quartered)
  • Heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Pound chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness for even cooking.
  2. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Dredge lightly in flour, shaking off excess.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

  1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Piccata Sauce

  1. In the same pan, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
  2. Pour in white wine, scraping up browned bits, and simmer for 2 minutes.
  3. Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, capers, and artichokes. Simmer for 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

  1. Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes until heated through.
  2. Stir in butter (or heavy cream for a creamy version).
  3. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

  • Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, or keep it low-carb with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Creamy Piccata – Add ¼ cup heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
  • Gluten-Free – Use almond flour or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Extra Veggies – Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
  • Dairy-Free – Use ghee or extra olive oil instead of butter.
  • Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
  • Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months (without cream) and thaw before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great—just adjust cooking time.

What can I substitute for white wine?

Use chicken broth with a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice.

Do I have to use capers?

No, but they add a great briny flavor. Substitute with chopped green olives.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! The flavors deepen over time—reheat gently before serving.

What’s the best side dish for chicken piccata?

Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies pair perfectly.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer longer or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water.

Can I use frozen artichokes?

Yes! Just thaw and drain before adding to the sauce.

Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes! Skip the flour dredging or use almond flour.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Sauté the chicken, add ingredients, and pressure cook on HIGH for 7 minutes.

What herbs pair well with chicken piccata?

Parsley, thyme, basil, or oregano add great flavor.

Conclusion

Chicken Piccata with Artichokes is a bright, zesty, and satisfying dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight meal yet elegant enough for entertaining. With tender chicken, a lemony butter sauce, and briny capers & artichokes, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and bring Mediterranean flavors to your table!

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Chicken Piccata with Artichokes

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-Sautéed
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Chicken Piccata with Artichokes is a bright, tangy, and savory dish featuring pan-seared chicken in a silky lemon-butter sauce, briny capers, and tender artichokes. It’s a quick, one-pan meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness, or use chicken cutlets)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter

For the Sauce:

  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 1/4 cup)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp capers (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup artichoke hearts (quartered, canned or jarred, drained)
  • 2 tbsp butter (for finishing the sauce)
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare & Sear the Chicken

  1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Lightly dredge each piece in flour, shaking off excess.
  3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Lemon-Butter Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the white wine, scraping up the browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  3. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, capers, and artichoke hearts. Stir well.
  4. Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F/75°C).
  5. Stir in 2 tbsp butter to make the sauce silky and rich.

Step 3: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
  2. Pair with angel hair pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce!

Notes

  • Want a creamier sauce? Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end.
  • Prefer a spicier kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Extra veggies? Toss in spinach or cherry tomatoes for added freshness.
  • No wine? Use extra chicken broth and a splash of apple cider vinegar for depth.

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