Description
Succulent Lemon Chicken Piccata brings Mediterranean zest to dinner tables with tangy capers and bright citrus notes. Home cooks can easily craft this classic Italian-American dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 1 cup chicken broth
Coating and Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish and Additional Flavors:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by seasoning both sides with salt and pepper, then coat each breast in flour, ensuring an even, light layer for optimal crispiness.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the mixture is shimmering and fragrant, around 375°F.
- Carefully place the floured chicken breasts into the hot skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown exterior and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a clean plate, keeping warm.
- Deglaze the same skillet by pouring in chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and capers, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the pan’s bottom.
- Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce for approximately 5 minutes, concentrating the tangy and savory flavors.
- Whisk in the remaining butter until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened, creating a glossy, rich consistency.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece with the vibrant lemon sauce and warming through for an additional minute.
- Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, generously spoon the sauce over the top, and garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices.
- Serve immediately alongside pasta or a crisp salad to complement the bright, zesty flavors of the dish.
Notes
- Choose chicken breasts that are even in thickness to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels before flouring to help create a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture.
- Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for brighter, more vibrant citrus flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Experiment with gluten-free flour alternatives like almond or rice flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Keep chicken pieces thin by gently pounding them between plastic wrap before cooking to guarantee quick, even cooking and tender results.
- Allow butter to brown slightly in the pan for an enhanced nutty flavor that adds depth to the sauce.
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra complexity and richness if desired.
- Consider using ghee or clarified butter for a slightly different flavor profile and higher cooking temperature tolerance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg