Creamy Grilled Chicken Piccata

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances tangy lemon, savory capers, and creamy sauce with tender, juicy chicken, then Creamy Grilled Chicken Piccata is the recipe for you. This delightful meal elevates the classic Italian piccata by adding a luscious, creamy twist that clings beautifully to every bite of grilled chicken and pasta. It’s a straightforward, flavorful dish that works as a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. The combination of zesty lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and a touch of basil creates a vibrant profile that’s both comforting and fresh.

Why I Love This Recipe

Creamy Grilled Chicken Piccata is a personal favorite because it brings together the best of both worlds: the smoky, charred flavor from the grill and the rich, velvety sauce that makes every forkful irresistible. Unlike traditional piccata that relies solely on lemon and capers, this recipe introduces a creamy element that mellow out the acidity without sacrificing brightness. It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and pairs perfectly with pasta, making it a complete meal in one pan. Plus, grilling the chicken ensures it stays juicy and tender, a key to making this dish truly stand out. If you love dishes like Lemon Garlic Chicken Spaghetti, you’ll find this recipe a fantastic addition to your dinner rotation.

What Goes Into Creamy Grilled Chicken Piccata

• Juice of 1 lemon – Provides that signature bright, citrus tang.
• 3 Tbsp olive oil – For marinating and grilling the chicken.
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic – Adds a fragrant base flavor.
• 1 tsp salt – Enhances all the flavors.
• ½ tsp black pepper – Adds a subtle heat.
• ½ tsp dried basil or oregano – Infuses herby notes.
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The star protein, perfect for grilling.
• 2 cups dried penne pasta – A sturdy pasta that holds the sauce well.
• 2 Tbsp butter – Adds richness to the sauce.
• Juice of 2 lemons (6 Tbsp) – For the tangy sauce.
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic – To deepen the sauce flavor.
• ½ cup half and half or heavy cream – Creates the creamy texture.
• 2 tsp dried basil – Boosts the herbal aroma.
• 2 Tbsp capers – Adds that salty, briny pop essential to piccata.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – For a nutty, savory finish.

Recommended Tools

• Grill pan or outdoor grill: To get those perfect grill marks and smoky flavor on the chicken.
• Large pot: For cooking the penne pasta al dente.
• Skillet or sauté pan: To prepare the creamy lemon sauce.
• Sharp knife: For trimming and slicing chicken breasts evenly.
• Measuring spoons and cups: To ensure precise ingredient amounts.
• Tongs: Handy for flipping chicken on the grill.
• Whisk: To blend the creamy sauce smoothly.

Creamy Grilled Chicken Piccata Made Stepwise

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine 3 Tbsp olive oil, juice of 1 lemon, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and ½ tsp dried basil or oregano. Whisk these ingredients together until emulsified. Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, coating them thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups dried penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later if needed.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and grill for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The grill marks should be prominent, and the chicken juicy. Once done, transfer to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Piccata Sauce

In a large skillet, melt 2 Tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 1 Tbsp minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the juice of 2 lemons (6 Tbsp) and add 2 tsp dried basil and 2 Tbsp capers. Stir to combine. Slowly whisk in ½ cup half and half or heavy cream, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy lemon sauce, tossing to coat every piece. Place the sliced grilled chicken on top or mix it in gently. Let everything heat through for a couple of minutes on low heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

Substitutions by Diet

• Dairy-Free: Substitute the half and half or heavy cream with coconut cream or your favorite plant-based cream alternative. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free penne pasta to keep the dish accessible for gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb/Keto: Replace the penne with spiralized zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
• Low-Sodium: Reduce salt amounts and rinse capers before adding to the sauce to remove excess sodium.

Mistakes That Ruin Creamy Grilled Chicken Piccata

• Overcooking the chicken on the grill — this leads to dry, tough meat. Keep an eye on the internal temperature and remove from heat as soon as it reaches 165°F.
• Skipping the marinade — it’s essential for infusing flavor and tenderizing the chicken.
• Using too much lemon juice in the sauce — the balance between creaminess and acidity is delicate; too much lemon can overpower the dish.
• Not resting the chicken after grilling — slicing immediately causes juices to escape, resulting in dry meat.
• Overcooking pasta — mushy pasta ruins the texture. Always cook al dente for the best bite.

Storage & Reheat Guide

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the creamy grilled chicken piccata in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or more cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and pasta separately; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Creamy Grilled Chicken Piccata FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a grill, use a grill pan or a regular skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts until nicely browned on both sides and cooked through. You can also broil the chicken in the oven for a similar effect.

What can I substitute for capers if I don’t have any?

If you don’t have capers, chopped green olives or a small amount of chopped pickles can provide a similar briny, tangy pop. Just use them sparingly to avoid overpowering the sauce.

Is this dish spicy?

No, Creamy Grilled Chicken Piccata is not spicy. It has a bright, tangy, and creamy flavor profile. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, but it’s not traditional.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well too and tend to stay juicier. Just adjust cooking time accordingly, grilling thighs for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked.

Keep Cooking

• For another zesty pasta dish, try the Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken Pasta, which features a luscious herb-infused sauce.
• If you’re in the mood for baked comfort food, the Chicken Parmesan Alfredo Bake offers a cheesy, creamy delight that’s perfect for family dinners.
• Explore the bright flavors of lemon and garlic in the Lemon Garlic Chicken Spaghetti, a quick and easy pasta recipe.

Bring It Home

Creamy Grilled Chicken Piccata brings a refreshing, elegant touch to your dinner table with minimal effort. The marriage of grilled chicken’s smoky flavor with a tangy, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta creates a crowd-pleaser every time. It’s a versatile dish that suits both casual and special occasions, making it a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Next time you want a meal that’s as flavorful as it is comforting, this dish will be your go-to. Enjoy the vibrant, creamy goodness in every bite!

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