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Delicious Chicken Piccata with Lemon Caper Sauce served elegantly on a plate.

Chicken Piccata with Lemon Caper Sauce

A quick and easy Chicken Piccata recipe that combines tender chicken with a bright, buttery lemon caper sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Cooking Ingredients
  • 1 lb Chicken breasts or cutlets Thin is best for quick cooking.
  • 1/4 cup All-purpose flour Just a light coat to help the chicken brown.
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil Used for searing the chicken.
  • 2 tbsp Butter For added flavor and to prevent burning.
Flavor Ingredients
  • 2 cloves Garlic Optional, for added flavor.
  • 1 cup Chicken broth For saucing the dish.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh lemon juice Best from a real lemon.
  • 2 tbsp Capers The salty component that defines piccata.
  • 2 tbsp Fresh parsley For garnishing.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise or pound them to flatten.
  2. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper, then lightly coat with flour.
Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Sear the chicken until golden, then flip and continue cooking until just cooked through.
  3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for a few seconds.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the pan to lift browned bits.
  6. Stir in capers and swirl in butter until the sauce is glossy.
  7. Return the chicken to the pan and let it warm up in the sauce for a minute or two.

Notes

Be sure to taste the sauce before adding extra salt as capers are salty. Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a complete meal.