Imagine diving into a fork-tender chicken breast, draped in a luxurious lemon cream sauce that's bursting with tangy capers and rich, velvety texture - all prepared in just 35 minutes! This Pressure Cooker Chicken Piccata transforms an elegant Italian classic into a weeknight dinner miracle that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds. No long hours of cooking, no complicated techniques - just pure, delectable culinary magic waiting to happen right in your kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup capers
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Activate pressure cooker and select sauté mode. Heat olive oil until shimmering and lightly smoking
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into hot oil, searing each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, creating a nice caramelized exterior
- Remove chicken breasts and set aside on a clean plate
- Deglaze pressure cooker pot with chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from bottom of pan
- Return chicken breasts to pressure cooker, nestling them into liquid
- Close pressure cooker lid, set valve to sealing position, and cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes depending on chicken breast thickness
- Once cooking completes, perform quick release of pressure
- Remove chicken and set aside, covering with foil to keep warm
- Switch back to sauté mode and add heavy cream, lemon juice, and capers to remaining liquid
- Simmer sauce for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring continuously
- Pour cream sauce over chicken breasts
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with preferred side dishes
Tips
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure perfect browning and prevent steaming
- Use a heavy-bottomed pressure cooker for even heat distribution and optimal searing
- Don't skip the deglazing step - those browned bits are packed with incredible flavor
- Choose fresh, plump capers for the most authentic taste
- Monitor chicken thickness and adjust cooking time accordingly - thicker breasts might need 10 minutes, thinner cuts closer to 8
- Perform a quick pressure release to prevent overcooking the chicken
- Continuously stir the sauce to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature
- Pair with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables to complete your meal
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
