Description
This classic Chicken Piccata recipe features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts in a bright and tangy lemon-butter sauce with capers. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a quick and elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. The sauce, made directly in the skillet, is silky and flavorful, complementing the golden chicken beautifully. Serve with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
Sauce and Cooking
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp capers, rinsed
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the halved chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper. Then dredge each piece evenly in flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a light coating.
- Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Using the same skillet, add the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and rinsed capers. Scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan to incorporate flavor. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Finish the Dish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, allowing it to warm in the lemon-caper sauce for about 1 minute. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter until fully melted to create a smooth and silky sauce.
- Serve: Plate the chicken breasts and generously spoon the lemon-butter sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Halving the chicken breasts lengthwise helps them cook evenly and quickly.
- Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free if desired.
- Be sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Scraping the browned bits from the pan adds rich flavor to the sauce.
- Fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best bright and natural citrus flavor.
