Description
This Lemon-Caper Chicken Piccata Skillet delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort, featuring tender chicken bathed in a vibrant lemon-caper sauce, perfect for a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp capers, drained
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- 0.5 cup artichoke hearts (canned/jarred, drained, quartered), optional
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Pound chicken cutlets to an even 0.5-inch thickness between two pieces of parchment paper. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper, then dredge lightly in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 2 minutes). Add chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165F / 74C). Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside, keeping it warm.
- Build the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet, letting it melt until fragrant (about 1 minute). Deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic, then pour in the remaining chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it reduce slightly for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken.
- Add Capers & Finish: Stir in the drained capers. Return the seared chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the simmering sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken, allowing it to heat through and absorb the vibrant flavors.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite sides for an easy dinner idea.
Notes
Turkey cutlets or plant-based chicken can be used as alternatives. Ghee or dairy-free butter can be swapped for dairy-free diets. If the pan gets dry during searing, add more olive oil. For extra brightness, add lemon zest, or a pat of butter for a richer sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx 200 g)
- Calories: 380 calories
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Lemon-Caper Chicken Piccata, Skillet, One-Pan, Easy Dinner, Weeknight Meal, Chicken, Italian, Lemon, Capers, Quick Cook