If you're on the hunt for a quick yet delicious dinner that will impress your family and friends, look no further than this Easy Lemon Chicken Piccata! With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, this Italian classic combines tender chicken breasts with a zesty lemon-caper sauce that dances on your taste buds. Imagine the aroma of sizzling chicken filling your kitchen as you whip up a dish that's not only simple to make but also bursting with flavor. Ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to become a favorite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons capers
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 2 tablespoons capers, salt, and pepper. Also, have fresh parsley on hand for garnish.
- Preheat your stove to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- On a clean surface, place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures even cooking.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
- In a shallow dish, spread the 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. This will create a nice crust when cooked.
- In a large skillet, heat the 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the floured chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. This adds flavor to the sauce.
- Add the 1/2 cup of chicken broth and the 2 tablespoons of capers to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat the chicken through and allow it to absorb some of the sauce.
- To serve, place the chicken on plates and drizzle with the lemon-caper sauce from the skillet. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Enjoy your Easy Lemon Chicken Piccata with a side of pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Tips
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: To ensure your chicken cooks uniformly, take a few moments to pound the breasts to about 1/2 inch thickness. This helps achieve that perfect golden crust while keeping the meat juicy.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice makes a significant difference in flavor. Opt for freshly squeezed lemons instead of bottled juice for the best results.
- Don’t Skip the Capers: These little briny gems add a burst of flavor that complements the lemon beautifully. If you're not familiar with capers, give them a try – they can transform your dish!
- Keep the Chicken Warm: After cooking, cover the chicken loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm while you prepare the sauce. This way, it stays juicy and ready to serve.
- Pair with the Right Sides: This dish goes wonderfully with a side of pasta, rice, or a fresh salad. Consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over your pasta for an extra touch of Italian flair!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 105mg
