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Homemade Lemon Butter Chicken Piccata (Weeknight) recipe photo

Lemon Butter Chicken Piccata (Weeknight)

This Lemon Butter Chicken Piccata is bright, tangy, and ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for a quick, elegant weeknight dinner!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons capers rinsed
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Shallow dish
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Citrus juicer (optional)
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Place chicken breasts between parchment paper or plastic wrap. Pound to about 1/2 inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge each breast in flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add two chicken breasts and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside. Repeat with remaining chicken and olive oil.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Once melted, pour in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping up browned bits. Stir in rinsed capers and simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced.
  4. Turn off heat. Whisk in remaining 2 tablespoons butter until sauce is glossy and thickened. Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use boneless, skinless turkey cutlets as a leaner chicken substitute.
  • Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for gluten-free options.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove.
  • Fresh lemon juice is key for bright flavor; avoid bottled lemon juice for best results.
  • Don’t overcook chicken to keep it juicy and tender.