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Easy Chicken Piccata

Easy Chicken Piccata
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Enjoy a quick and flavorful Easy Chicken Piccata recipe featuring tender chicken breasts in a bright, tangy lemon-caper sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this classic Italian-American dish is perfect for busy weeknights and impressive enough for guests. Minimal ingredients and simple steps deliver a zesty, savory meal that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or salad.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, pounded thin
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond/gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim the chicken breasts and pound them to an even thickness of about half an inch for uniform cooking and tenderness. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Dredge in Flour: Lightly coat each chicken breast with all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a delicate crust that helps in browning and thickening the sauce.
  3. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and keep warm on a plate.
  4. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and capers. Scrape the browned bits from the pan to incorporate extra flavor. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it reduces and thickens slightly.
  5. Finish with Butter and Parsley: Reduce heat to low and whisk in the butter until melted and the sauce is glossy. Return the chicken to the skillet to warm through, then sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t skip pounding the chicken: even thickness ensures juicy, quick cooking every time.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best brightness and aroma; bottled lemon juice lacks flavor.
  • Scrape up pan drippings when making the sauce for maximum flavor impact.
  • Capers add saltiness, so season salt lightly and adjust at the end as needed.
  • Serve the dish immediately for the best taste and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Piccata, Easy Chicken Dinner, Lemon Chicken, Italian-American, Quick Dinner, Weeknight Meal, Gluten Free Option

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/easy-chicken-piccata/