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Close-up of Zesty Chicken Piccata with lemon slices and capers on a white plate, served with fresh parsley garnish.

Zesty Chicken Piccata with Lemon Caper Sauce

A quick and flavorful Italian-American dish featuring tender, pan-seared chicken breasts coated in a vibrant lemon-caper butter sauce.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon slices (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Place the flour in a shallow dish. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Step 3: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter until hot and bubbly. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 4: In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the capers and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Remove the skillet from heat and whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 5: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top to coat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and garnish with lemon slices if desired.

Notes

Serve this Zesty Chicken Piccata over a bed of al dente pasta, fluffy rice, or alongside steamed asparagus to soak up every last drop of the incredible lemon-caper sauce!

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-frying, Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: High-protein, Low-carb adaptable

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Chicken piccata, lemon caper chicken, quick dinner, Italian chicken, weeknight meal

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