Description
This Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata is a light, zesty, and utterly delicious dish featuring tender, golden-browned chicken simmered in a lemony, garlicky caper sauce. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s elegant enough for entertaining. Serve it with pasta, orzo, or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal!
Ingredients
-
For the Chicken:
-
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied and pounded to ½-inch thick)
-
½ cup flour (whole wheat or almond flour for a healthier option)
-
Salt & pepper (to taste)
For the Sauce:
-
6 tbsp butter (or substitute with extra virgin olive oil)
-
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus more as needed)
-
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
-
½ cup chicken stock
-
1 ½ tbsp capers (rinsed and chopped)
-
2 garlic cloves (smashed or minced)
For Serving:
-
Lemon slices (for garnish)
-
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
-
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally into two thinner pieces. Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a mallet to pound them to ½-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
-
Dredge the Chicken: Place the flour in a shallow dish and coat each chicken cutlet lightly, shaking off any excess.
-
Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add two chicken cutlets at a time and sear for 2 ½ minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from the skillet and repeat with the remaining chicken, adding more butter or oil as needed.
-
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the lemon juice, chicken stock, capers, and garlic. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
-
Combine & Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 2-5 minutes, or until fully cooked.
-
Serve & Enjoy: Plate the chicken and drizzle the lemon-caper sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve hot with your favorite side.
Notes
-
Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or another gluten-free flour alternative.
-
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with extra virgin olive oil.
- Equipment:
Large skillet
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Plastic wrap
Meat mallet (or rolling pin)
Shallow bowl (for dredging flour)
Tongs or spatula -
Extra Flavor Boost: Add a splash of dry white wine to the sauce for even deeper flavor.
-
Perfect Pairings: Serve with whole wheat orzo, garlic mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
-
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Mediterranean Chicken Piccata, Lemon Chicken, Chicken Piccata, Easy Chicken Recipe, Healthy Chicken Dinner