Instant Pot Chicken Piccata

This tender Chicken Piccata made in the Instant Pot is SO juicy and packed with gorgeous citrus flavor! You can also easily make this chicken breast recipe in a skillet, too, for a delicious family dinner.

If you love easy chicken dinners, then definitely check out my Melt in Your Mouth Chicken recipe!

The Best Instant Pot Chicken Piccata Recipe

I have children who claim they don’t like lemon. Mind you, by their definition, “lemon” does not apply to the likes of Sour Patch Kids, lemonade… basically, anything artificially flavored. Ahem.

I think I’ve finally found a recipe with real lemon that changes that! Chicken piccata is one of my most-loved chicken dinners, with all its fresh, citrus flavors and creamy, juicy chicken pieces. As it turns out, this chicken is so irresistible, even the kids couldn’t help but love it! Lemon and all.

Making this chicken piccata recipe in the Instant Pot led me to the most delicious, succulent chicken I have ever made! It was pull-apart and tender, which to me is the perfect texture for a dish like this one. If you don’t have a pressure cooker, never fear: I’ve got you covered with an easy skillet method, too!

What’s the Meaning of Piccata?

“Piccata” is the Italian term for “pounded flat”. When it comes to preparing food, piccata refers to slicing, sauteing, and serving meats like chicken or fish in a buttery lemon sauce. The meat is typically floured beforehand.

This chicken piccata recipe keeps things light and skips the butter in favor of olive oil. The results are just as delicious!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken: You’ll need about six boneless chicken breasts, trimmed.
• Flour: All purpose flour for even coating.
• Chicken Broth: I like to use low sodium broth in most of my recipes, since it gives more control over how much salt goes into the dish. You can use whichever kind of broth you prefer (even vegetable), and taste as you go.
• Lemon Juice: I’d highly recommend using fresh squeezed lemon juice for the most authentic flavor.
• Cooking Sherry: Sherry brings a sweet and nutty flavor to the dish. Dry vermouth is the next best substitute, or a dry white wine. If you prefer to cook without alcohol, add extra chicken stock with a little added lemon juice.
• Herbs: Basil and oregano, dried or fresh.
• Capers: For little bursts of salty goodness amidst the citrus. If you’d rather not use capers, substitute chopped olives or leave them out altogether.
• Sour Cream: I love the tang that comes from using sour cream in the sauce. Plain Greek yogurt is a good alternative, or even regular cooking cream if you’d prefer.
• Olive Oil: It wouldn’t be an Italian recipe without it! 
• Garlic
• Salt

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Piccata

This chicken recipe is easy with just a few steps. Whether you make it in the Instant Pot or in the skillet, it always turns out incredible! I’ve included instructions for both methods, with full directions in the recipe card.

Here’s how to make this tender chicken breast recipe in the Instant Pot:

Coat & Brown the Chicken: First, coat your chicken breasts lightly in flour, and then brown the chicken using the sauté setting on your Instant Pot. Once browned, you’ll remove the chicken and saute the garlic.

Combine the Ingredients: Place the browned chicken back into the Instant Pot and add in fresh lemon juice, chicken broth, sherry, basil, oregano and capers.

Cook: Cook the chicken on high pressure for about 10 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked, a little sour cream is added to the sauce. This thickens it up and gives it a nice creaminess.

Serve this versatile chicken piccata recipe on top of pasta (so good) or on it’s own (also good). The bright lemon flavors are perfect for summer and pair easily with so many meals!

Can I Make This on the Stove Instead?

While the Instant Pot doesn’t particularly save time, it does produce a very tender chicken breast. That being said, you can make it on the stove with equally satisfying results. 

The instructions for making this chicken piccata in a skillet are very close to how it’s made in the Instant Pot:

1. Saute: Brown the chicken in the skillet, then continue the steps with the garlic.
2. Combine: Add the liquid, and return the chicken to the skillet. 
3. Cook: Top with the capers, turn down the heat, and cover the skillet. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through, then finish the rest of the recipe as directed.

Tips for Success

• Do I Need To Pound the Chicken?: Traditional piccata recipes call for pounding the chicken flat. Because this recipe uses a pressure cooker, this step isn’t necessary. If you’re using the skillet method, and you have particularly thick chicken pieces, pounding them flat before flouring may help them cook more evenly in the pan. It’s optional, and you can use your discretion!
• Use Fresh Ingredients: I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Fresh lemon is the way to go! Freshly squeezed lemon juice offers far more authentic flavors than anything you’ll find in a bottle. Plus, the lemon slices make a beautiful garnish when serving! If you can, use fresh garlic as well.
• Avoid Overcooking: Depending on the size of chicken breasts you use, and your brand of pressure cooker, cooking times may vary. The chicken breast is finished cooking when the juices run clear and it reaches an internal temperature of 165F. Use a meat thermometer if you have one! Dry chicken is not our friend.

Serving Suggestions

This Instant Pot chicken piccata is a healthy and easy chicken recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Chicken piccata is lovely to serve over pastas, like Spaghetti or Fettuccine. This recipe should make enough sauce for about eight ounces of pasta, depending on how “saucy” you like your noodles.

You can also pair this chicken with other easy sides:

• Fresh garden salad or Greek Quinoa Salad
• Roasted or grilled veggies
• Mashed Potatoes 
• Pull Apart Pizza Sticks
• Garlic Pull-Apart Bread

Storage and Reheating

Store chicken piccata airtight in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The chicken can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave for easy leftovers!

Can I Freeze Chicken Piccata?

Freeze this chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and serving.

More Easy Instant Pot Dinner Ideas

• Instant Pot Butter Rice
• Chicken Enchilada Soup
• Instant Pot Salsa Verde Chicken
• Instant Pot Korean Beef

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