Save to Pinterest A vibrant and zesty rice bowl featuring juicy chicken breast in a lemony piccata sauce, served over steamed rice with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick yet elegant meal.
I first served this to my family on a busy weeknight and everyone loved how bright and satisfying the flavors were.
Ingredients
- Protein: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500 g), cut into 1-inch pieces
- Rice: 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (about 300 g)
- Coating & Seasoning: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Cooking: 2 tbsp olive oil
- Sauce: 2 cloves garlic, finely minced, 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons), 2 tbsp capers, drained and rinsed, 2 tbsp unsalted butter (use dairy-free margarine for dairy-free option)
- Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, Lemon slices, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a shallow bowl, mix flour, salt, and black pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
- Step 2:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.
- Step 3:
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 5:
- Stir in capers and return chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 2 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6:
- Stir in butter until melted and sauce is glossy. Remove from heat.
- Step 7:
- To serve, divide cooked rice among four bowls. Top with chicken and spoon over the piccata sauce. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices.
Save to Pinterest My family loves gathering around the table for this colorful and comforting dish, making weeknights special.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a splash of dry white wine with the broth. Add steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for more vegetables.
Required Tools
Large skillet, shallow bowl, knife and cutting board, rice cooker or saucepan
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (flour) and dairy (butter; substitute as needed). May contain sulfites (capers, wine if used). Always verify ingredient labels for specific allergens.
Save to Pinterest This dish comes together quickly and delivers a rich balance of tangy and savory flavors, perfect for an impressive yet simple meal.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What cut of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces cook quickly and absorb flavors well in this dish.
- → Can I substitute the rice?
Yes, cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice can be used as alternatives for a lower-carb option.
- → How is the lemony sauce made?
The sauce combines lemon juice, chicken broth, capers, and butter, simmered to a glossy finish enhancing the chicken's flavor.
- → Is there a dairy-free version?
Use plant-based butter instead of unsalted butter to make the dish suitable for dairy-free diets.
- → What garnishes complement this bowl?
Chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices add brightness and a fresh finish to the dish.
- → Can I add vegetables?
Steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach are great additions to increase nutritional value and color.