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Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce

Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce

Emily
Tender chicken cutlets in a bright lemon butter caper sauce. This highly rated chicken recipe brings restaurant quality to your dinner table in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 395 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp knife
  • Shallow dish for flour
  • Wooden spoon
  • Meat thermometer

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts butterflied and pounded to 1/4 inch thickness
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio
  • 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice about 2 large lemons
  • 3 tablespoons brined capers drained and rinsed
  • 1 lemon thinly sliced for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the chicken by slicing each breast horizontally to create two thin cutlets. Place between plastic wrap and pound gently until 1/4 inch thick.
  • Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Once the butter stops foaming, add chicken cutlets in a single layer.
  • Cook chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F. Transfer to a warm platter.
  • Pour out excess fat from the skillet. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Pour in white wine and scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  • Simmer wine for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Add chicken broth and lemon juice, bring to a simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until reduced by one third.
  • Reduce heat to low. Stir in capers and lemon slices. Simmer for 1 minute to warm through.
  • Remove from heat. Whisk in remaining 2 tablespoons cold butter, one piece at a time, until melted and glossy.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice. Stir in lemon zest and half the parsley.
  • Return chicken to skillet briefly to warm through and coat with sauce, or plate and spoon sauce over top. Garnish with remaining parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Pound chicken to even 1/4 inch thickness for uniform cooking
  • Use fresh lemon juice, not bottled, for best flavor
  • Do not skip the flour dredge, it creates the signature crust
  • Add cold butter off heat for glossy restaurant quality sauce
  • Serve immediately while sauce is warm and silky
Keyword Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce