Imagine transforming ordinary chicken into a gourmet Italian masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds! This Quick Easy Chicken Piccata is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that combines restaurant-style elegance with home-cooking simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll create a zesty, tangy dish that looks like it took hours to prepare but comes together in mere minutes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This will help them cook evenly.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a shallow dish, add the flour and season it lightly with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. This will give the chicken a nice, crispy coating.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the flour-coated chicken breasts to the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate. Cover it with aluminum foil to keep it warm while you prepare the sauce.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon, as this adds flavor to your sauce.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, letting it reduce slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cook for an additional minute to heat the chicken through and allow it to absorb some of the sauce.
- To serve, place the chicken breasts on plates and generously spoon the caper-lemon sauce over them. This dish pairs well with pasta or a side of vegetables.
- Enjoy your Quick Easy Chicken Piccata!
Tips
- Pound chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and a tender texture
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding chicken to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust
- Don't overcrowd the pan - cook chicken in batches if necessary for optimal browning
- Let the chicken rest for a minute after cooking to retain its juices
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F
- For extra richness, add a small pat of butter to the sauce just before serving
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 110mg
