Print

Lemon Chicken Piccata

Lemon Chicken Piccata
Print Recipe

Lemon Chicken Piccata is a quick and elegant Italian-inspired dinner featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a bright, buttery lemon and caper sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish offers a perfect balance of tangy citrus, savory garlic, and briny capers, making it a vibrant and comforting meal for any weeknight.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced or pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond/gluten-free flour for gluten-free version)

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally or pound them to about 1/2 inch thickness for even cooking. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a thin, even coating.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, then add the rinsed capers and lemon zest. Bring to a simmer while scraping up any browned bits from the pan to add rich flavor. Allow the sauce to reduce slightly, thickening it.
  4. Finish the Dish: Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer gently for a few minutes to soak up the sauce. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons cold butter off the heat to create a silky, smooth sauce. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Use thin chicken slices to ensure quick cooking and tender results without drying out.
  • Add cold butter off the heat to emulsify the sauce and enhance its velvety texture.
  • Scrape the brown bits from the pan after cooking chicken to deepen the sauce’s flavor.
  • Adjust lemon juice amount to balance acidity according to taste preferences.
  • Rinse capers if you want to reduce saltiness but never omit them as they are key to authentic piccata flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Lemon Chicken Piccata, Italian, Quick Dinner, Chicken Breast, Capers, Lemon Sauce, Gluten Free Option

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/lemon-chicken-piccata/