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skillet chicken piccata recipe

Fresh Skillet Chicken Piccata

Olivier TurnerOlivia Turner
A quick and easy skillet Chicken Piccata with a zesty lemon caper sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet 12-inch
  • 1 meat mallet for pounding chicken
  • 1 Tongs

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 large chicken breasts halved and pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chicken stock
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup capers drained
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if necessary. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add chicken stock and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
  • Stir in capers and butter, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Serving

  • Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and spoon the lemon caper sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Storage

  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock if necessary to keep the sauce from drying out.

Notes

Pro Tips: Ensure chicken is evenly pounded for consistent cooking. Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
How to Serve: Pair with pasta or steamed vegetables.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare and pound the chicken in advance, storing it in the fridge until ready to cook.
Keyword easy chicken piccata recipe, lemon chicken piccata, skillet chicken piccata