Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce

This Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce is a classic Italian dish that combines tender, lightly pan-fried chicken breasts with a tangy, buttery lemon sauce. It’s a quick and elegant meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests with a delicious, flavorful dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender Chicken – Perfectly pan-fried chicken breasts with a golden, crispy exterior.
• Tangy & Buttery Sauce – A zesty lemon sauce with a touch of capers for added flavor.
• Quick & Elegant – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights or special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch). This ensures even cooking and tender meat.

In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Stir to combine and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes, or until it slightly reduces and thickens. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the chicken. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring it’s heated through and well-coated with the lemon sauce.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer the chicken to serving plates and spoon the sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with steamed vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, for a light side dish.
• Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the delicious lemon sauce.
• A side of garlic bread is always a great addition to complete the meal.

Tips & Variations

• Make it Spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Use Chicken Thighs – If you prefer dark meat, swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
• Add White Wine – For an extra depth of flavor, substitute part of the chicken broth with white wine.
• Use Fresh Lemons – Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds the best flavor to the sauce. Avoid bottled lemon juice for the best results.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce is a bright, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. The tender chicken paired with the tangy lemon sauce and capers is a delightful combination that’s both refreshing and comforting. Quick to make yet sophisticated, it’s perfect for any occasion!

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