Description
This classic Chicken Piccata recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a buttery lemon-caper sauce. With a perfect balance of tangy lemon juice, savory capers, and rich butter, this dish makes for an elegant and flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts (sliced in half to make 8 pieces)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- â…“ cup flour
Sauce
- 1 lemon (½ juiced, ½ sliced)
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons capers (or a mix of capers and olives)
Instructions
- Prepare the lemon: Slice the lemon in half. Squeeze the juice from half of the lemon and slice the other half into thin slices. Set the juice and slices aside for later use in the sauce.
- Mix seasoning: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This seasoning mix will be used to flavor the chicken.
- Season the chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create 8 thinner pieces. Season both sides of each piece evenly with the prepared salt, pepper, and garlic powder mixture.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces in batches (half at a time) and cook until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (about 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Repeat the process with the second batch.
- Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. To the same skillet, add the chicken broth, flour, lemon juice, lemon slices, and capers. Stir continuously and cook for 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the pan to incorporate all flavorful bits and allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until fully melted and the sauce turns glossy and smooth.
- Serve: Spoon the lemon-caper sauce generously over the cooked chicken breasts. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the bright, buttery flavors of this classic dish.
Notes
- To ensure tender chicken, do not overcook; check internal temperature for doneness.
- You can substitute part or all of the capers with green olives for a different flavor profile.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
