Chicken with Lemon-Caper Sauce Recipe

Chicken with Lemon-Caper Sauce Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Chicken Piccata Recipe

Servings: 2

Ingredients

  • cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 2 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • cup dry white wine
  • cup lemon juice
  • cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 2 lemon wedges

Directions

Step 1: In a medium dish or resealable plastic bag, combine the flour and salt. Coat each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer should read 165F (74C) when inserted into the center of the chicken. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it to keep warm.

Step 3: Pour the white wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan as it boils. Add the lemon juice and continue to boil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by half.

Step 4: Add the cold, cubed butter to the pan. Swirl the pan or shake it vigorously to incorporate the butter into the sauce. Be sure the butter doesnt sit still in the pan, or the sauce will separate and become oily. Once the butter is fully incorporated and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat.

Step 5: Stir the capers into the sauce. Pour the lemon-caper sauce over the chicken and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 662
  • Fat: 39g (50% of daily value)
  • Saturated Fat: 17g (86% of daily value)
  • Cholesterol: 160mg (53% of daily value)
  • Sodium: 372mg (16% of daily value)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 29g (11% of daily value)
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g (7% of daily value)
  • Total Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 43g (87% of daily value)
  • Vitamin C: 27mg (30% of daily value)
  • Calcium: 47mg (4% of daily value)
  • Iron: 3mg (17% of daily value)
  • Potassium: 558mg (12% of daily value)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutritional information is not available for all ingredients, so this estimate is based on available data.

Chicken with Lemon-Caper Sauce Recipe

This delicious Chicken with Lemon-Caper Sauce features a rich, tangy sauce made from lemon juice, white wine, and capers, perfect for pairing with golden-brown chicken breasts. But its appeal goes beyond just the recipeit's steeped in culinary history, regional variations, and some interesting facts that elevate it from a simple dish to a beloved classic.

History and Origin

The combination of chicken, lemon, and capers is a classic pairing that has been popular in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. Capers, small flower buds typically found in Mediterranean climates, have been used for thousands of years to add sharp, briny notes to dishes. The use of lemon to brighten up sauces and dishes is also a hallmark of Mediterranean cooking, especially in Italian and Greek kitchens. This particular recipe, which marries these ingredients in a buttery sauce, draws inspiration from these regional traditions, yet it has been adapted for modern tastes with the inclusion of white wine and quick cooking methods.

Regional Variations

While the basic combination of chicken, lemon, and capers is widely beloved in Mediterranean countries, each region adds its own twist. For example, in Italy, similar dishes might be found under the names "Pollo al Limone" (chicken with lemon) or "Pollo alla Piccata" (chicken with a caper-lemon sauce), often paired with pasta. In Greece, the dish might include a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs like oregano or thyme to complement the lemony tang. The versatility of this dish makes it adaptable to various tastes, from the simple to the more complex, based on regional preferences.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

While many chicken dishes feature lemon and capers, this particular recipe stands out due to its quick cooking method and rich butter sauce. Unlike many similar recipes, the chicken here is first browned and then finished in a flavorful reduction of white wine, lemon juice, and capers, resulting in a luxurious, velvety sauce. The use of cold butter, gently incorporated into the sauce, ensures a smooth texture that coats the chicken perfectly. This is different from other caper-lemon dishes, which might use a simpler, lighter sauce or omit the butter entirely.

Where It's Usually Served

This dish is typically served in casual yet elegant dining settings. Its perfect for family dinners or dinner parties where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. In restaurants, it might be paired with pasta, such as angel hair or spaghetti, or served alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp salad. Its often featured on menus that emphasize fresh, Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Due to its bright, zesty flavor, its especially popular in the spring and summer months when fresh lemons are in season.

Interesting Facts

  • Capers are actually the unopened flower buds of the caper bush and are most commonly found in Mediterranean climates, especially in Italy and Greece.
  • While the classic caper-lemon sauce is often used for chicken, this same sauce can be used for fish like cod or tilapia, making it a versatile base for seafood dishes as well.
  • The tradition of using wine in cooking dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, where wine was often added to sauces for both flavor and preservation.
  • Butter in sauces is a French technique known as "monter au beurre," which involves whisking cold butter into a sauce to make it richer and smoother.

FAQ about Chicken with Lemon-Caper Sauce Recipe

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or use a microwave for convenience. For best results, reheat the sauce separately and add a bit of water or broth if it has thickened too much.

Yes, you can freeze this dish. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, defrost overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of broth or water if necessary.

Yes, there are several substitutions you can make: For the white wine, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth. If you don't like capers, you can replace them with green olives or simply omit them. You can also use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts, but make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly.

If the sauce is too tangy for your taste, you can add a small amount of honey or sugar to balance out the acidity from the lemon. Start with a teaspoon and taste as you go to avoid making the sauce too sweet.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with pasta (like angel hair or spaghetti), rice, or mashed potatoes. A simple green vegetable, such as steamed broccoli or green beans, complements the lemony sauce perfectly.

While the chicken is best cooked fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the sauce when you're ready to serve, and cook the chicken just before serving.

Yes, you can use a non-stick pan for cooking the chicken. It will help ensure the chicken doesn't stick, but you may need to use slightly less oil. Just be careful when cooking the sauce to avoid it sticking or burning.

The best way to check if the chicken is fully cooked is to use an instant-read thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it is no longer pink inside.

Comments

rebeccalovestocook

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

This recipe was wonderful. I made a couple of changes to the recipe of course :) but it was delicious! I added pepper and granulated garlic to the flour and salt mixture. I also doubled the sauce because I was making 4 chicken breasts. I didn't measure the amount of lemon juice I used, I just put in the juice of one extra large lemon. The lemon flavor was great, and the chicken was cooked perfectly in the amount of time recommended. Thanks for sharing this great recipe!

Karole

07/13/2021 03:18:44 AM

This is a go-to meal for us. It's quick, easy and awesome. I often try different recipes for the same thing. I read some reviews and decided to go with a few of the shared ideas. I always serve it with angel hair pasta because it's the perfect pairing. I heated the plated, excellent idea. I let the butter sit out long enough to be closer to room temperature, but not fully softened. Rather than shake the pan too keep the butter moving I used whisk, works great. I added a hint of garlic powder, good idea. I saw the subject of having to buy a bottle of wine for a quarter cup. First, I suggest drinking the difference with dinner or second, use cooking wine (cooking wine has salt in it, that's the only difference). I used cooking wine, so I only used the recipe pinch of salt. The lemon contributes to a slightly salted flavor and I have to be mindful of sodium/salt for his healthcare. As suggested repeatedly, I tripled the lemon sauce, it's awesome on the pasta. You could skip the chicken and make the sauce for pasta with a side of garlic toast. So good! I have to prepare 3 meals a day so after about 6 recipe ingredients I'll pass. This is a wonderful hot weather meal and this recipe is so quick and easy. Since it's mostly medium high heat you could easily adapt it to an IP cooking method if you wanted to but skip the pressure cooker part, just use saute feature. Yes, we enjoyed this recipe very much.

Susie Gute Wall

09/26/2024 12:29:35 PM

I LOVED this! I doubled it. I would give it 4.5 stars. I first pounded my chicken pieces so they were evenly flat between butcher paper (not plastic) I then heated up garlic and beef tallow in the pan for my oil. It's better for you than oil. I added eggplant pieces and fresh mushrooms, cooked them a bit and then removed them. I coated the chicken with a mixture of salt, pepper, flour and almond flour. It worked OK. Cooked the chicken, removed it and then put in warm oven. I think it kept cooking so next time I will almost undercook the chicken a bit. I then cooked the sauce with a clean crafted white sauv blanc with no added sugar that I sell and love. Then added the the oil and lemon juice. I didn't add all the capers. I then added some coconut sugar (I TBS for 4 chicken breasts) to add some sweetness and that made a world of difference. Yum. Tangy and a tad sweet and buttery was incredible. I then added all the ingredients together in the pan before serving.

Jenna Moye

04/15/2021 10:26:29 PM

Loved this! Only thing I changed was I coated the chicken with Dijon mustard, salt and peppered, then topped with breadcrumbs prior to putting in oil. Delicious!

Kim Marie

02/27/2025 12:56:01 AM

I made the recipe almost exactly as stated, and it was delicious. I used a plastic sandwich box to shake the chicken to avoid wasting a bag. I reduced the flour to 1/4 cup and still ended up throwing away unused flour, so I will reduce more next time. This will be made again for sure!

Chef Wheeler

03/09/2023 07:19:44 PM

This is one of my favorite go to recipes. Most of the time I swap out the chicken for a white fish like cod, mahi mahi, tilapia, or flounder. I always make about double the sauce as I also cook angel hair pasta and put the fish on top with the lemon caper sauce. My family and I LOVE this dish and eat it along with green bean almandine.

aidansmommy

02/02/2009 05:06:17 PM

My hubby loved this recipe. I tripled the recipe but used 1/2 of the white wine it called for and replaced the rest with KB chicken broth. I also used capers packed in salt (i just like them better, I hate them in brine)and rinsed only half of them because I felt like it needed salt. I added garlic powder to the flour like someone else suggested. I steamed some fresh broccoli and tossed it with Gemelli pasta and added the extra lemon-caper sauce to it and topped it off with parmesan cheese. My husband is already asking when I am making it again. Oh, I also added some Wondra to thicken it a bit more.

Amanda Lerro

06/06/2017 11:47:28 PM

This recipe was great. Next time I will double the sauce recipe though. Also, I added the capers in the sauce after melting the butter. This recipe doesn't say when to add them. I paired the chicken with mashed potatoes and peas. It was delicious. I will definitely make this recipe again!

deb

10/08/2018 12:11:37 AM

Great recipe. I made it with 5 skinless and boneless chicken thighs. Put them back into the pan to finish cooking in the sauce. Also added some lemon zest.

DizzyCress8086

01/28/2023 11:18:45 PM

I love lemon and pepper together so I added freshly ground black pepper to olive oil prior to heating, and also put a light sprinkle of garlic powder on the chicken after I added it to the pan. Served with buttered angel hair pasta and also had parmesan available. My husband must have enjoyed, as he has thanked me four times already for this dinner (he never does that.) Will def make this again! Thanks for a fairly simple and very delicious recipe.

KC

11/30/2023 12:56:57 PM

The sauce was delicious. I doubled it and used 1.5 large lemons. Next time I might add some chicken broth to help stretch the sauce and make it a little less rich.

WorthyKnife1115

02/06/2025 11:10:17 PM

This was quick and easy to make. I doubled the sauce, but I will triple it next time. I used tenders and the lemon juice was from my Meyer lemon tree. It’s a keeper!

Rose Santiago

01/22/2025 11:43:03 PM

Fantastic! I just tweeked it a bit by preparing the filet breast using Italian seasoning and italian bread crumbs after flour coating and it was heavenly.

Susan Evans

01/03/2025 09:49:47 PM

Absolutely loved it, will make again.

Grace Lutvak

12/15/2024 02:47:42 PM

There were going to be 4 of us for dinner, so I took 3 large chicken breasts and cut them into large cubes. It cooks so much faster. I also had to double or triple the sauce ingredients, and maybe I added a bit too much of one thing or another, but I found the sauce was extremely tart, and not very flavourful. I added bouillon paste and lots of honey, along with salt. I kept tasting and it was then satisfactory. Now there is a lot of sauce to pour over the mashed potatoes.

Food Burner

12/02/2024 12:17:19 AM

Made as written except we used chopped queen Spanish olives because we had no capers. My husband requested I double the sauce because it's so good. We think it would be good on chicken thighs and mild fish as well as chicken breast.

Kenneth Lee

07/25/2024 10:52:59 PM

Even better than takeout.

Mary Davis

06/18/2024 11:47:26 AM

My new guilty pleasure for sure.

Valerie Frederick

06/13/2024 10:36:46 PM

Used chicken broth instead of white wine. Added a can of mushroom bits and pieces with the capers. Next tine I may add some slivered garlic.

GoldGin2845

04/23/2024 11:27:24 PM

A-. Very easy & tasty. I used cubed chicken thighs. Next time I'll hold back on some lemon juice & capers, but that's personal preference, no fault on the recipe. 10 min prep is not the case if you are squeezing fresh lemons. Will definitely make again as my amazing wife loved it!