Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lemon Chicken Piccata is simple to prepare yet packed with bold flavors. The creamy lemon sauce complements the lightly seasoned chicken, and the capers add an exciting briny bite. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal, and its elegance makes it suitable for dinner parties as well. The recipe is light, refreshing, and full of Mediterranean flair, providing an excellent alternative to heavier meat dishes.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add lemon juice, chicken broth, and capers. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, then return the chicken to the pan. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through and coated in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 and takes about 20 minutes to prepare.
Variations
- Add Veggies: Include sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus for added flavor and texture.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
- Use Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless skinless thighs for a richer flavor and juicier texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use olive oil instead of butter and skip the butter in the sauce.
What can I substitute for capers?
If you don’t have capers, green olives or a small amount of pickled jalapeños can work as substitutes.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then quickly reheat and combine when ready to serve.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). You can check with a meat thermometer.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, a splash of white wine can be added to the sauce for extra depth of flavor. Simmer it with the broth and lemon juice.
How do I prevent the chicken from being dry?
Be careful not to overcook the chicken. Chicken breasts cook quickly, so it’s important to monitor them closely.
Can I make this recipe with fish instead of chicken?
Yes, this sauce pairs wonderfully with fish like tilapia or cod. Just adjust the cooking time as fish cooks faster than chicken.
Conclusion
Lemon Chicken Piccata is a fresh and delicious dish that offers a delightful combination of tangy lemon, briny capers, and tender chicken. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress with its bright, Mediterranean-inspired flavors. It’s quick, easy, and versatile, making it a must-try for anyone who enjoys simple yet sophisticated meals.
Lemon Chicken Piccata
Lemon Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian dish that combines juicy, tender chicken breasts with a zesty, bright lemon and caper sauce. This recipe is the perfect balance of savory and tangy, delivering fresh Mediterranean flavors that are both light and flavorful. Ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner, this dish is quick to prepare and can easily be customized with additional veggies or spices. Impress your family or guests with this easy yet elegant chicken piccata!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Dinner
- Method: Pan-Fried, Simmered
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge them in flour, shaking off the excess.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add lemon juice, chicken broth, and capers. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, then return the chicken to the pan. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through and coated in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Add Veggies: Include sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus for extra flavor and texture.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
- Use Chicken Thighs: For a richer, juicier flavor, substitute chicken breasts with boneless skinless thighs.
