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Easy One-Pan Chicken Piccata Recipe with Lemon Caper Butter Sauce

one-pan chicken piccata - featured image
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A quick and easy one-pan chicken piccata with a bright lemon caper butter sauce that delivers crispy golden chicken and a silky, tangy sauce perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound to about 1/2 inch thickness for even cooking.
  2. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Spread the flour on a plate and lightly coat each breast, shaking off excess.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  4. Place chicken breasts in the skillet without crowding. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
  5. Lower heat to medium, add 3 tablespoons butter to the pan. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice. Scrape up browned bits from the pan bottom with a wooden spoon.
  7. Stir in 2 tablespoons drained capers. Simmer the sauce 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced and glossy.
  8. Nestle the chicken breasts back into the sauce, spooning sauce over them. Let warm for a minute so the flavors meld.
  9. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve immediately.

Notes

If the sauce seems too thin, whisk in a small pat of cold butter off heat to thicken and add shine. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure a crispy crust. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter. Adjust lemon and caper quantities to taste. Use a hot pan and let chicken sear undisturbed for best crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken piccata, one-pan chicken, lemon caper sauce, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, Italian chicken, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/easy-one-pan-chicken-piccata-recipe-with-lemon-caper-butter-sauce/