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Lemon Chicken Piccata

Lemon Chicken Piccata

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Brighten your table with zesty Lemon Chicken Piccata, featuring tender, skinless, boneless chicken breasts cooked to perfection and bathed in a tangy lemon-caper sauce. This Italian-inspired dish delivers vibrant, fresh flavors balanced with briny capers and a silky butter finish, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond/gluten-free flour for variation)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce & Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegan)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 12 lemons)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Flour the Chicken: Gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for quick, uniform cooking. Season the all-purpose flour with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge each chicken piece in the flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a delicate crust without heaviness.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and a touch of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and capers, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until slightly reduced.
  4. Finish with Butter and Lemon Zest: Whisk cold butter into the sauce to add silkiness and body. Stir in the lemon zest for added brightness. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Return the chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over each piece to coat thoroughly before serving.

Notes

  • Even Thickness: Pounding chicken ensures quick, even cooking and prevents dry edges.
  • Don’t Skip Butter: Adding butter at the end creates a glossy, rich sauce that clings beautifully.
  • Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest significantly enhance flavor brightness.
  • Control Sauce Reduction: Simmer just enough to concentrate flavors without drying out the sauce.
  • Warm Plate Service: Serve on warmed plates to keep the meal inviting and cozy.

Nutrition