Description
A bright and flavorful Lemon Herb Chicken Piccata made with tender pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a zesty lemon butter sauce with capers and fresh herbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, this classic Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), sliced horizontally into cutlets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thin cutlets. Pat dry with paper towels.
- In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken cutlets and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Stir in capers, parsley, and thyme. Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 2–3 minutes to coat in the sauce.
- Garnish with lemon slices and additional parsley. Serve warm over pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour or almond flour for dredging.
- Pound chicken evenly for uniform cooking.
- Add a splash of white wine before the broth for deeper flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American