Lemon Chicken Piccata is a bright and tangy Italian-American dish that combines tender, lightly breaded chicken cutlets with a luscious lemon-butter sauce, accented by capers for a delightful burst of flavor. This dish is easy to prepare yet elegant enough for a special occasion. The acidity of the lemon perfectly balances the richness of the butter, while the capers add a salty, briny contrast that enhances the overall flavor profile. Serve this chicken piccata over pasta, rice, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
- ¼ cup brined capers, rinsed and drained
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create two thinner cutlets. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken cutlets lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add the chicken cutlets. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Let the sauce cook for 4-5 minutes, reducing slightly. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to add richness and gloss to the sauce.
- Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the cutlets. Simmer for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to warm through.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving plate, drizzle with the lemon-butter sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
Enjoy your Lemon Chicken Piccata with pasta, rice, or a side of vegetables for a delicious and zesty meal!
