Meyer Lemon Chicken Piccata

Highlighted under: Homestyle Meals

Meyer Lemon Chicken Piccata is a delightful twist on the classic chicken piccata, featuring the unique sweetness of Meyer lemons.

Emma Johnson

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2025-12-20T13:09:48.543Z

This Meyer Lemon Chicken Piccata is not just a meal; it's an experience. The bright tartness of Meyer lemons complements the savory chicken beautifully, making it a perfect dish for family dinners or special occasions.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • The unique sweetness of Meyer lemons enhances the classic flavors.
  • Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • A delightful balance of savory and tangy that will impress your guests.

A Fresh Take on a Classic Dish

Meyer Lemon Chicken Piccata transforms the traditional chicken piccata with the delightful sweetness of Meyer lemons. These lemons, a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange, bring a unique flavor profile that elevates the dish. The balance of sweetness and acidity creates a vibrant sauce that pairs beautifully with the tender chicken, making each bite a refreshing experience.

This dish not only retains the classic elements of piccata, such as the tangy capers and buttery sauce, but it also introduces a new layer of complexity. The Meyer lemon juice brightens up the overall flavor, making it more approachable for those who might find traditional lemon too tart. This recipe is perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions, ensuring your meal is memorable.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

One of the standout features of Meyer Lemon Chicken Piccata is its quick preparation time. In just under 30 minutes, you can whip up a gourmet meal that feels indulgent. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is designed for busy weeknights when you want to serve something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

The use of pantry staples like chicken broth and olive oil means you can often make this dish without a special grocery trip. Simply keep some chicken breasts and Meyer lemons on hand, and you’ll always be ready for a last-minute dinner that will impress your family or guests.

Impress Your Guests

When hosting a dinner party or special gathering, serving Meyer Lemon Chicken Piccata is sure to impress. The dish not only looks beautiful, with its golden chicken and vibrant sauce, but it also offers a delightful combination of flavors that will have your guests raving. The fresh parsley garnish adds a pop of color and freshness, making the dish as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Moreover, the simplicity of the recipe allows you to focus on your guests rather than being tied to the stove. You can prepare it ahead of time and simply reheat it before serving, allowing you to enjoy your evening without stress. Pair it with a light salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal that feels both elegant and comforting.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Piccata

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Juice of 2 Meyer lemons
  • 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Serve with pasta or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each breast in flour, shaking off any excess.

Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add chicken broth, Meyer lemon juice, and capers. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Combine and Serve

Add the chicken back to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delightful Meyer Lemon Chicken Piccata!

Tips for Perfecting Your Piccata

For the best results, ensure your chicken breasts are of even thickness. This helps them cook uniformly, preventing any dry or undercooked pieces. You can achieve this by gently pounding the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap before seasoning and dredging.

When searing the chicken, resist the urge to overcrowd the skillet. Cooking in batches if necessary allows for better browning and prevents steaming, which can make the chicken less appealing. A golden, crispy exterior contributes to the overall texture and flavor of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Meyer Lemon Chicken Piccata pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or a light herb risotto complement the tangy sauce beautifully. For a healthier option, consider serving it with steamed asparagus or a simple arugula salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.

For wine lovers, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would enhance the citrus notes in the dish. Alternatively, a light-bodied red wine can also work well if you prefer red. Whatever you choose, this dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, Meyer Lemon Chicken Piccata stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container to maintain freshness. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the chicken from becoming tough.

If you want to freeze the dish, it's best to freeze the chicken separately from the sauce to preserve the texture. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy the delightful flavors of Meyer Lemon Chicken Piccata even on those busy days when cooking isn't an option.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons?

Yes, but Meyer lemons are sweeter and less acidic, giving a unique flavor to the dish.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it before serving.

→ What can I serve with Meyer Lemon Chicken Piccata?

It pairs well with pasta, rice, or a light salad.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Meyer Lemon Chicken Piccata

Meyer Lemon Chicken Piccata is a delightful twist on the classic chicken piccata, featuring the unique sweetness of Meyer lemons.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Emma Johnson

Recipe Type: Homestyle Meals

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Chicken Piccata

  1. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. Salt and pepper, to taste
  3. 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  4. 1/4 cup olive oil
  5. 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  6. 1 cup chicken broth
  7. Juice of 2 Meyer lemons
  8. 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
  9. Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each breast in flour, shaking off any excess.

Step 02

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 03

In the same skillet, add chicken broth, Meyer lemon juice, and capers. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 04

Add the chicken back to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 25g