Zesty Lemon Chicken Piccata Recipe

Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian dish that delivers a burst of bright and tangy flavors with every bite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is simple to prepare yet elegant enough to impress your guests. The combination of tender chicken, zesty lemon, and salty capers creates a delightful balance that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Flatten the Chicken Breasts: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken until it reaches an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.
2. Coat the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour before cooking.

Cook the Chicken:

3. Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and the oil is hot.
4. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm by covering it loosely with foil.

Make the Lemon Sauce:

5. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
6. Add the Capers: Stir in the drained capers and allow the sauce to simmer for about 2 minutes, or until it slightly reduces and thickens.

Serve:

7. Combine and Garnish: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the lemon caper sauce over the top. Allow the chicken to heat through for about 1-2 minutes.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chicken with freshly chopped parsley and garnish with lemon slices. Serve immediately, drizzling extra sauce over the chicken for added flavor.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Calories: 280 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4

Enjoy your Zesty Lemon Chicken Piccata with a side of pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. This dish is sure to be a hit, offering a delicious combination of textures and flavors with minimal effort.