Lemon Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian-American dish that brings together tender chicken breasts in a vibrant, tangy lemon-butter sauce with the distinctive brininess of capers. This recipe is a go-to for a quick, flavorful meal, perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish can be made in just 50 minutes, making it a great option for busy nights.
- Bright and Tangy: The fresh lemon juice and capers bring a refreshing burst of flavor to the dish.
- Versatile: It pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even a fresh salad, making it a flexible option for any meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup capers, drained
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge them lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove the chicken again and whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until the sauce is smooth.
- Serve: Place the chicken on serving plates, spoon the sauce over the top, and garnish with chopped parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Creamy Version: For a richer sauce, add ½ cup of heavy cream after whisking in the butter.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for extra aromatic flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the dish in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but the cooking time will increase. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. Is there a substitute for capers?
If you don’t like capers, you can omit them, though the dish will lack some of its signature tang.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken separately in advance. Reheat before serving.
4. What sides pair well with Lemon Chicken Piccata?
This dish goes well with pasta, rice, steamed vegetables, or a light salad.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is not recommended because the sauce may separate when thawed.
6. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best for its bright flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
8. Is this recipe spicy?
No, this recipe is not spicy. The flavor is tangy and savory due to the lemon and capers.
9. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Feel free to add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts to the sauce for added texture and flavor.
10. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce, simmer it longer to reduce or whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Conclusion
Lemon Chicken Piccata is a delightful dish that’s easy to prepare yet full of bold flavors. The combination of lemon, butter, and capers creates a delicious sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken. Whether you're preparing it for a casual meal or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.
Lemon Chicken Piccata
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Lemon Chicken Piccata is a vibrant Italian-American dish made with tender chicken breasts in a zesty lemon-butter sauce, complemented by the briny punch of capers. This easy recipe, packed with fresh flavors, is perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Ready in just 50 minutes, it's a go-to meal that pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or salad.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup capers, drained
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge them lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove the chicken again and whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until the sauce is smooth.
- Serve: Place the chicken on serving plates, spoon the sauce over the top, and garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
- Creamy Version: Add ½ cup of heavy cream after whisking in the butter for a richer sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for extra aromatic flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
