Name: Chicken Piccata with Capers and Lemon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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 dry chicken broth; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons); 1/4 cup brined capers, drained; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for finishing the sauce); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Chicken Piccata with Capers and Lemon is a zesty, light, and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken breasts, bright lemon, and briny capers, all bathed in a savory, buttery sauce. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, making it a great choice for a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner with friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Piccata with Capers and Lemon is a perfect balance of bright, tangy flavors and rich, savory goodness. The tender, lightly breaded chicken breasts are complemented by the fresh citrusy notes of lemon and the salty, briny kick from the capers. The dish is quick to make, requiring only a few ingredients, yet it feels elegant enough for a dinner party. It’s a flavorful, low-carb, and gluten-free option that pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or vegetables.

Chicken Piccata with Capers and Lemon

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
Salt and pepper (for seasoning)
½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup chicken broth
1 lemon (juiced and zested)
2 tablespoons capers (drained)
1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prep the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
Dredge the Chicken: Lightly dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess flour.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt. Add the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and capers. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
Combine: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some sauce over them. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite side dish.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 2 servings and takes about 25-30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a lighter meal.

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour to dredge the chicken for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Pasta: Serve the chicken piccata over pasta, like angel hair or spaghetti, for a more filling meal.
Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for a slightly different flavor profile.
Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken piccata in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until heated through. You can also microwave it, but the texture may not be as crisp.

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Piccata without capers?

Yes, while capers add a unique briny flavor, you can omit them or substitute with olives for a similar taste.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently on the stove before serving.

What’s a good side dish for Chicken Piccata?

Chicken Piccata pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is also a great complement.

How can I make this dish spicier?

You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce to give it a little heat and balance the tangy lemon and briny capers.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They will be juicier and more flavorful compared to chicken breasts.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not naturally gluten-free due to the flour used for dredging the chicken. However, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.

How do I prevent the chicken from being dry?

To ensure the chicken stays juicy, cook it over medium heat and avoid overcooking. Thin chicken cutlets cook quickly and can dry out if cooked for too long.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While Chicken Piccata is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and sauce together and serve.

Can I use lemon zest in place of lemon juice?

While lemon zest adds a wonderful citrus aroma, it can’t fully replace the acidity of lemon juice. For the best flavor, it’s recommended to use both lemon juice and zest.

Conclusion

Chicken Piccata with Capers and Lemon is a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its bright citrus notes, savory sauce, and tender chicken, it’s sure to impress your guests or make for an easy weeknight meal. Simple to prepare yet full of bold flavors, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Give it a try and enjoy the perfect balance of tangy and savory in every bite!

Jane