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Easy Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken Piccata Recipe with Capers

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A quick and simple chicken piccata recipe featuring a zesty lemon garlic sauce with capers, perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (60 grams), for light dredging
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to season
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup dry white wine (120 ml), or substitute chicken broth
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 medium lemons, about 60 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a zip bag. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound them to about ½-inch (1.25 cm) thickness.
  2. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Pour the flour onto a plate, then lightly dredge each piece, shaking off any excess flour.
  3. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter with 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. When the butter foams and the oil shimmers, it’s hot enough to sear the chicken.
  4. Add the chicken breasts carefully to the pan without overcrowding. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken to a warm plate and tent with foil to rest.
  5. Lower heat to medium, add the minced garlic to the same pan. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant—do not let it burn.
  6. Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  7. Stir in fresh lemon juice and capers. Simmer for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
  8. Turn off the heat and whisk in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter until the sauce is glossy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  9. Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley just before serving.

Notes

If sauce is too thin, simmer longer before adding final butter. If too thick, add a splash of wine or chicken broth. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. For gluten-free, substitute flour with almond or gluten-free flour. For dairy-free, replace butter with plant-based alternative or extra olive oil. Avoid burning garlic by stirring constantly and cooking on medium to medium-low heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken piccata, lemon garlic chicken, capers, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, Italian chicken, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/easy-zesty-lemon-garlic-chicken-piccata-recipe-with-capers-guide/