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Tender Chicken Piccata with Lemony Garlic Butter Sauce

Tender Chicken Piccata with Lemony Garlic Butter Sauce
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Tender Chicken Piccata with Lemony Garlic Butter Sauce is a quick and elegant dish featuring juicy chicken breasts pan-fried to golden perfection and smothered in a vibrant sauce made from fresh garlic, lemon juice, capers, and creamy butter. This recipe balances tart lemon and briny capers with a rich garlic butter base, creating a comforting yet refined meal ideal for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 large chicken breasts, thinly sliced or pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond/gluten-free flour for gluten-free variation)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or substitute some with dry white wine, optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts to an even thickness or gently pound them until about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.
  2. Coat and Sear: Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge each piece in flour. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a warm plate while you prepare the sauce.
  3. Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and add the finely minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant to avoid bitterness. Pour in chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and add capers. Bring to a simmer and let the sauce reduce slightly for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Finish and Toss: Return the chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over each piece. Allow the chicken to warm through and soak up some of the sauce, which should thicken into a rich, velvety coating. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest before serving.

Notes

  • Even thickness matters: Pounding the chicken ensures quick, uniform cooking and juicy results.
  • Don’t overcook the garlic: Cook just until fragrant to keep the sauce smooth and flavorful without bitterness.
  • Use fresh lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice lacks the bright acidity and flavor that fresh juice provides.
  • Deglaze the pan thoroughly: Scrape up browned bits for a deeply savory sauce base full of flavor.
  • Let the sauce reduce: A slightly thicker sauce clings better to the chicken and enhances every bite.
  • Gluten-free option: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blends for dredging.
  • Substitutions: Firm white fish like cod or halibut can replace chicken for a lighter version.
  • Optional additions: Add white wine, fresh thyme or rosemary, or red pepper flakes to customize flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Piccata, Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce, Easy Dinner, Italian, Gluten-Free, Quick Chicken Recipe

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/tender-chicken-piccata-with-lemony-garlic-butter-sauce/