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Quick Zesty Chicken Piccata

Quick Zesty Chicken Piccata - featured image
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A bright, tangy, and buttery chicken piccata recipe ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for quick weeknight dinners with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets (about 1 lb / 450 g)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour (or almond flour/gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets (about ½ inch thick). Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Place the flour in a shallow dish. Lightly coat each piece of chicken on both sides with flour, shaking off the excess.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add 2 chicken cutlets without overcrowding. Cook for 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a warm plate and repeat with remaining chicken, adding more oil and butter if needed.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in lemon juice and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in capers. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, reducing slightly.
  5. Whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter one tablespoon at a time until the sauce is silky and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Return the chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over each piece, and warm for 1-2 minutes to marry flavors. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, replace butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil. Watch garlic carefully to avoid burning. Add a splash of broth or water if sauce reduces too much. Rinse capers to reduce brininess if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken piccata, quick chicken recipe, zesty chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, lemon chicken, capers, buttery sauce

Find it online: https://tinastirs.com/quick-zesty-chicken-piccata-recipe-25-minute-easy-dinner-idea/