Description
Lemon Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian-inspired dish featuring tender pan-seared chicken breasts in a bright lemon butter sauce with capers. This elegant yet easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors that brighten up the meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Coat Chicken: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Lightly coat each chicken breast with this flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and add the drained capers. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly reduce.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce generously over the top, and heat together for 1 to 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Notes
- Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best bright and tangy flavor.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
