Express Chicken Piccata Bowl

Featured in: Quick Delights

This vibrant dish highlights tender chicken pieces simmered in a tangy lemon piccata sauce enriched with capers and butter, served over fluffy steamed rice. Garlic and fresh herbs add depth while a quick skillet method keeps it fast and flavorful. Ideal for an easy, elegant meal with options to customize grains or dairy-free butter for dietary preferences.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:03:00 GMT
Golden chicken piccata rice bowl, served over fluffy rice, drizzled with zesty piccata sauce and herbs. Save
Golden chicken piccata rice bowl, served over fluffy rice, drizzled with zesty piccata sauce and herbs. | snacksplat.com

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.

This recipe has become a favorite for busy weeknights when I want something flavorful but fast to prepare.

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.
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My family loves gathering around this dish especially when I'm short on time but want to impress.

Notes

For extra flavor add a splash of dry white wine with the broth Substitute quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version Add steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for more vegetables To make it dairy-free use plant-based butter

Required Tools

Large skillet Shallow bowl Knife and cutting board Rice cooker or saucepan

Allergen Information

Contains Gluten (flour) Dairy (butter substitute as needed) May contain Sulfites (capers wine if used) Always verify ingredient labels for specific allergens

A steaming bowl of Express Chicken Piccata Rice Bowl, with glistening chicken and capers atop white rice. Save
A steaming bowl of Express Chicken Piccata Rice Bowl, with glistening chicken and capers atop white rice. | snacksplat.com

This dish is a perfect balance of comfort and elegance for any occasion.

Recipe Guide

What cut of chicken works best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces cook evenly and absorb the piccata sauce well.

Can I use a different grain instead of rice?

Yes, options like quinoa or cauliflower rice provide a low-carb alternative while complementing the flavors nicely.

How do capers enhance the flavor?

Capers add a briny, slightly tangy note that balances the lemony sauce, giving it a bright, savory kick.

What is the best way to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking?

Coating chicken lightly in seasoned flour and cooking in hot olive oil creates a golden crust that helps prevent sticking.

How can I make a dairy-free version of this dish?

Substitute unsalted butter with plant-based margarine or oil to keep the creamy richness without dairy.

Express Chicken Piccata Bowl

Juicy chicken in lemony piccata sauce served atop steamed rice, with fresh parsley and capers for zest.

Prep duration
10 min
Kitchen time
20 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Katie Miller


Skill level Easy

Heritage Italian-American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels None specified

What you'll need

Protein

01 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces (approximately 1.1 lbs)

Rice

01 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (approximately 10.5 oz)

Coating & Seasoning

01 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
02 1 teaspoon salt
03 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cooking

01 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

01 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
02 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
03 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
04 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
05 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or dairy-free margarine for dairy-free option)

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
02 Lemon slices, for serving (optional)

Method

Step 01

Prepare Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, and black pepper. Dredge chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.

Step 02

Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate.

Step 03

Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 04

Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer.

Step 05

Add Capers and Chicken: Stir in capers and return chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.

Step 06

Finish Sauce: Stir in butter until melted and sauce becomes glossy. Remove from heat.

Step 07

Assemble Bowl: Divide cooked rice evenly among four bowls. Top with chicken and spoon piccata sauce over. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices if desired.

Kitchen tools

  • Large skillet
  • Shallow bowl
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Rice cooker or saucepan

Allergy details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains gluten (flour) and dairy (butter; substitute as needed). May contain sulfites (capers, wine if used). Verify ingredient labels for specific allergens.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

Numbers shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 420
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 30 g