Chicken With Lemon Caper Sauce Recipe

Looking to impress your family or guests with a delightful, tangy, and savory dish? This Chicken with Lemon Caper Sauce recipe is a perfect choice. It’s a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that pairs perfectly with various sides. Keep reading to discover how to create this delectable dish from start to finish.

What is Chicken with Lemon Caper Sauce?

Chicken with Lemon Caper Sauce is a savory dish featuring pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich and tangy lemon caper sauce. The sauce, made from fresh lemon juice, capers, butter, and white wine or chicken broth, brings a burst of bright flavors that complement the succulent chicken perfectly. This dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal to serve to guests.

Ingredients List for Chicken with Lemon Caper Sauce

1. Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2. Flour: ½ cup, for dredging
3. Salt and Pepper: To taste
4. Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
5. Butter: 3 tablespoons, divided
6. Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
7. Chicken Broth: 1 cup (low sodium preferred)
8. White Wine: ½ cup (or additional chicken broth)
9. Lemon Juice: ¼ cup (freshly squeezed)
10. Lemon Zest: 1 tablespoon
11. Capers: 2 tablespoons, drained
12. Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredients List for Chicken with Lemon Caper Sauce

1. Chicken Breasts: Ensure they are of similar size for even cooking.
2. Flour: For dredging and giving the chicken a light, crispy coating.
3. Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.
4. Olive Oil and Butter: For sautéing and creating a rich base for the sauce.
5. Garlic: Adds aromatic and savory notes to the sauce.
6. Chicken Broth and White Wine: Form the base of the sauce, adding depth and complexity.
7. Lemon Juice and Lemon Zest: Provide a bright, tangy flavor that complements the chicken.
8. Capers: Add a salty, briny flavor that balances the tanginess of the lemon.
9. Parsley: For a fresh, herbaceous garnish.

Substitutions and Variations

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a richer flavor.
• Wine Substitute: Use additional chicken broth instead of white wine for an alcohol-free version.
• Herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary for different flavor profiles.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging the chicken.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine (or additional chicken broth) and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
6. Add Lemon and Capers: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and capers. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
7. Finish the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and the sauce is smooth.
8. Combine and Serve: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let the chicken warm through for about 2 minutes.
9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

How to Cook Chicken with Lemon Caper Sauce: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken in flour, ensuring each piece is lightly coated, then shake off any excess flour.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, it’s ready for the chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 4: Sauté the Garlic Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 5: Deglaze the Pan Pour in the white wine (or additional chicken broth) and chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, incorporating them into the sauce for added flavor.

Step 6: Add Lemon and Capers Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and drained capers. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Finish the Sauce Reduce the heat to low and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted. This will create a smooth, velvety sauce.

Step 8: Combine and Serve Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the lemon caper sauce over them. Let the chicken warm through for about 2 minutes, ensuring it is well-coated with the sauce.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. This adds a touch of color and a fresh, herbaceous note.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
• Burning the Garlic: Sauté the garlic over medium heat and stir constantly to avoid burning, which can make the sauce bitter.
• Curdling the Sauce: When finishing the sauce with butter, reduce the heat to low to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
• Underseasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. A well-seasoned sauce enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Chicken with Lemon Caper Sauce Serve the chicken breasts whole or sliced, arranged on a plate with the lemon caper sauce drizzled generously over the top. Pair with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken with Lemon Caper Sauce

• Use a large, shallow serving dish to present the chicken breasts and sauce family-style.
• Garnish with additional lemon slices and capers for an elegant touch.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, such as asparagus or green beans, for a complete meal.

Chicken with Lemon Caper Sauce Recipe Tips

• Uniform Chicken Pieces: Choose chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh garlic for the best flavor.
• Deglazing: Scrape up all the browned bits from the skillet when deglazing to incorporate maximum flavor into the sauce.
• Butter Finish: Stir the butter into the sauce off the heat to prevent separation and ensure a smooth texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? A1: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Q2: How do I store leftovers? A2: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A3: The chicken can be cooked and the sauce prepared ahead of time. Reheat the chicken in the sauce just before serving to ensure it’s hot and flavorful.

Q4: What can I serve with this dish? A4: Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad. Steamed vegetables also pair well with this dish.

Q5: How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too salty? A5: Use low-sodium chicken broth and rinse the capers before adding them to the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Conclusion

Chicken with Lemon Caper Sauce is a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The tangy lemon and briny capers create a flavorful sauce that pairs beautifully with the tender chicken. Follow the steps carefully, experiment with substitutions and variations, and enjoy this delightful meal with your family and friends. Happy cooking!

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