Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce

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by Sarah Connor

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In the world of culinary delights, few dishes can brighten your day quite like Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce. Picture this: tender chicken breasts bathed in a tangy lemon sauce that dances on your taste buds while capers add that magical touch of brininess. The aroma wafts through your kitchen like an invitation to a sun-soaked Italian terrace.

Chicken Piccata Lemon Sauce
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This dish is not just for special occasions; it’s the superstar of any weeknight dinner or Sunday family gathering. I still remember the first time I made it—my friends and family were so impressed they nearly nominated me for “MasterChef,” despite my only other culinary achievement being toast!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Chicken Piccata recipe is easy enough for beginners and impressive enough for dinner parties
  • The vibrant lemon flavor combined with tender chicken creates a mouthwatering dish
  • You can serve it over pasta or rice to soak up the delicious sauce
  • Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes!

When I first served Chicken Piccata at a cozy family dinner, my uncle practically wept with joy—it was a moment I’ll never forget.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor and texture.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Lightly coat the chicken in flour to ensure a nice golden crust during cooking.
  • Fresh Lemons: Use juicy lemons for maximum zest and juice; they are key to that bright flavor.
  • Capers: These little briny wonders add depth and complexity; choose non-pareil capers for their small size and fantastic flavor.
  • Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth helps control saltiness while providing rich flavor to the sauce.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic will elevate the dish; minced or sliced both work beautifully.
  • Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds color and freshness—don’t skip it!
  • Olive Oil and Butter: A combination of both yields a beautifully rich sauce; be generous!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them. Slice your lemons thinly, chop your parsley finely, and mince the garlic for easy access later.

Pound the Chicken Breasts: Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound each chicken breast to about half an inch thick for even cooking. This step ensures tenderness.

Dredge in Flour: Lightly coat each piece of chicken in flour, shaking off excess. This helps create that delightful crust when searing; trust me on this one!

Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering but not smoking, add the chicken breasts without crowding them; you want a lovely golden brown.

Add Garlic and Deglaze with Broth: After about 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F), remove the chicken from the skillet. Toss in minced garlic until fragrant before pouring in chicken broth to deglaze.

Create the Lemon Sauce: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the pan along with capers. Scrape up those flavorful bits from the bottom as you let it simmer slightly until fragrant; this is where magic happens!

Serve your Chicken Piccata drizzled with that zesty sauce over pasta or alongside steamed vegetables—or just eat it straight from the pan (I won’t judge). Enjoy every bite!

You Must Know

  • This Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce is a zesty delight that brightens up any dinner
  • The combination of tangy lemon and savory capers makes it unforgettable, while its quick preparation ensures you won’t be stuck in the kitchen all night
  • Perfect for impressing guests or a cozy family meal!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first until golden brown, then prepare your lemon sauce while it simmers. This method locks in flavor and keeps cooking time efficient.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for veal or add fresh herbs like parsley for an extra pop of flavor. Customize it according to your taste and pantry!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain texture and flavor.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor impact; bottled juice just can’t compare
  • Always taste your sauce before serving, adjusting seasoning as needed
  • Let the chicken rest after cooking for juicier bites every time!

It’s funny how a simple dish like Chicken Piccata can turn into a culinary showstopper when you get it right—my friends still rave about that one dinner party where it stole the spotlight!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce?

Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results.

What side dishes pair well with Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce?

Try serving it with pasta or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

How can I make Chicken Piccata gluten-free?

Simply substitute flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend when coating the chicken.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Chicken Piccata Lemon Sauce

Easy Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce


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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Indulge in this mouthwatering Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce, featuring tender chicken breasts paired with a zesty, citrus-infused sauce that elevates any meal.


Ingredients

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • All-purpose flour
  • Fresh lemons
  • Capers
  • Chicken broth
  • Garlic
  • Fresh parsley
  • Olive oil and butter

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients. Slice lemons, chop parsley, and mince garlic.
  2. Pound chicken breasts to ½ inch thick for even cooking.
  3. Dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
  4. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Sear chicken until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side).
  5. Remove chicken; sauté garlic until fragrant. Deglaze with chicken broth.
  6. Add lemon juice and capers to create the sauce; simmer briefly.
  7. Return chicken to the skillet to coat with the sauce before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Searing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (170g)
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

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