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Chicken Piccata with Capers and Lemon Recipe


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4.1 from 68 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Tender chicken cutlets simmered in a bright lemon-butter sauce with capers. This elegant Italian-inspired dish comes together quickly and delivers fresh, tangy flavor in every bite, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a special occasion.


Ingredients

Chicken

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved into cutlets
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp butter, divided

Sauce

  • ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 3 tbsp capers, drained
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley


Instructions

  1. Season Chicken: Season the chicken cutlets evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
  2. Dredge Chicken: Lightly coat each chicken cutlet in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a crisp coating without clumping.
  3. Heat Fat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter until hot and sizzling to prepare for frying the chicken.
  4. Cook Chicken: Add the chicken cutlets to the skillet and cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through, ensuring juicy meat inside.
  5. Remove Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a warm plate and set aside to keep warm while preparing the sauce.
  6. Prepare Sauce: To the same skillet, add fresh lemon juice, chicken broth, and drained capers. Simmer the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the pan bottom.
  7. Add Butter: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted to give the sauce a rich, silky texture.
  8. Combine and Serve: Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet, spoon the lemon-caper sauce over them to coat well, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately for the best taste.

Notes

  • Serve with your choice of pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Using fresh lemon juice greatly enhances the bright, tangy flavor profile of the dish.
  • For a thicker, richer sauce, simmer the sauce a few minutes longer before adding butter.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian