Herb-Infused Chicken Piccata with Artichoke Hearts

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Amy Hand
Amy Hand

Amy Hand

Amy worked as the head pastry chef and the head chef at multiple restaurants in South Africa. She now shares her professional insights about cooking and kitchen tools here at The Skillful Cook.

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Herb-Infused Chicken Piccata with Artichoke Hearts

This variation on a chicken piccata integrates a herb-infused sauce and sautéed artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist.

Many people think that chicken piccata is an authentic Italian dish, but in fact, it has its origins in Italian-American cuisine. America is known for its pockets of Italian immigrant communities across the country, and these groups created this iconic dish.

Adding the herbs and the artichoke hearts brings this dish closer to its Mediterranean roots.

The thyme and rosemary create an herbaceous depth that works perfectly with the tender chicken, zesty sauce, and tangy artichokes.

Why you will love this Chicken Piccata recipe…

  • Salty and tangy- The lemon, capers, and artichokes create a burst of zingy flavor in your mouth.
  • Makes chicken breasts interesting- This protein can be dull, but this sauce makes them far more fun to eat.
  • Easy midweek meal- This dish takes just 40 minutes, so it’s a great option after a busy workday.
  • Great for entertaining- It’s an easy dish to multiply to serve guests.
  • Beginner-friendly- Even an inexperienced cook can execute this dish quickly with very few steps.
Why you will love this Chicken Piccata recipe

Herb-Infused Chicken Piccata with Artichoke Hearts

This recipe for chicken piccata is an upgrade on the classic with the addition of fresh herbs and artichoke hearts.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4
Calories 499 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless (pounded to ½-inch thickness)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp olive oil (divided)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme finely chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary finely chopped
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • ¼ cup capers drained
  • 1 can(14 oz) artichoke hearts drained and halved
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley for garnish
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions
 

Ingredients

  • Herb-Infused Chicken Piccata with Artichoke Hearts Ingredients
  • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off the excess.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
    Chicken piccata Instruction - cook chicken until golden brown
  • In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter. Once melted, add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the halved artichoke hearts and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to brown slightly. Remove the artichokes and set them aside with the chicken.
    Chicken piccata Instruction - Toss in the halved artichoke hearts
  • In the same skillet, add the fresh thyme and rosemary, allowing them to sizzle for about 30 seconds to release their flavors. Pour in the white wine, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly.
  • Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Add the cooked artichoke hearts back into the sauce, allowing them to warm through.
    Chicken piccata Instruction - add the capers
  • Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to soak in the flavors. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
    Chicken piccata Instruction - Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving

Nutrition

Calories: 499kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 51gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 161mgSodium: 789mgPotassium: 943mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 513IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Chicken Piccata
Tried this recipe?Let us know how if you liked it in the comments below!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chicken piccata over your favorite pasta or mashed potatoes. A side of sautéed spinach or a green salad would finish off this meal perfectly.

🧑‍🍳 Expert Tips

  • Pound the chicken evenly. This will allow the chicken to cook quickly and evenly.
  • Don’t skip the herbs. The fresh thyme and rosemary really elevate the sauce and add a new dimension to this classic dish.
  • Artichoke hearts. Canned artichokes are great to use for convenience’s sake, but feel free to use fresh ones if you have time for the extra prep.
  • Be light with seasoning. Capers are very salty, so leave the seasoning until after you add them to avoid oversalting your sauce.
Serve this chicken piccata over your favorite pasta

Storage Suggestions

  • To store- Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely and then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To freeze- Place in a freezer-safe container and label with the date. Freeze for up to 6 months.
  • To reheat- Place the chicken breasts and the sauce back in a skillet and heat gently on medium heat until the chicken is warmed through.

Chicken Piccata FAQs…

What is chicken piccata made of?

Traditionally, chicken piccata consists of pounded chicken breast dredged in flour and pan-fried. They are combined with a sauce made from butter, lemon juice, caper, stock, and/or white wine.

What does piccata mean in Italian?

In Italian, piccata doesn’t have a direct translation. Some sources say it means ‘larded’ or ‘pounded flat,’ but these accounts seem at odds with each other. In culinary terms, piccata means to serve a thin protein with a lemon and butter-based sauce.

What country is chicken piccata from?

Contrary to popular belief, chicken piccata is not a purely Italian dish. Instead, it is an Italian-American creation.

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Amy Hand
About The Author
After finding the chef life a little too high-paced, Amy decided to take her cooking skills and use them to teach others through food writing. She uses her knowledge as a pastry chef and experience as a head chef to write articles that are engaging and helpful while being as entertaining as possible.

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