The perfect plate of Zesty Lemon Basil Chicken Piccata is a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate. Imagine tender chicken, kissed by the sun with zesty lemon and aromatic basil, all coming together in a delightful sauce that could make even the most stoic foodie swoon. It’s like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, refreshing, and undeniably delicious.

I remember the first time I made this dish my friends were convinced I had secretly attended culinary school. The aroma wafting through the kitchen was so enticing that even my dog, who usually showed zero interest in human food, stared at me with wide eyes as if I were preparing a gourmet feast just for him. This dish is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a simple weeknight dinner. Trust me when I say you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand.

There was that one time my family gathered for Sunday dinner, and this chicken piccata was the star of the show everyone couldn’t stop raving about it.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves they add an incredible depth of flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best it adds brightness you won’t get from bottled juice.
• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth helps control the saltiness while enhancing flavor.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Use fragrant basil for an aromatic touch that elevates the dish.
• Capers: These tiny briny gems pack a punch of flavor in every bite.
• Olive Oil and Butter: A combination creates a rich base for sautéing your chicken.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning don’t skip these

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Workspace: Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools having everything ready will make cooking smooth and enjoyable.

Pound the Chicken: Place your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them gently with a meat mallet until they’re about half an inch thick. This ensures even cooking and tenderness.

Season the Chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper generously on both sides of each chicken breast. The seasoning enhances flavor from the inside out.

Heat Your Pan: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of butter along with two tablespoons of olive oil until bubbly but not burning. This mixture creates a golden crust on your chicken.

Sauté the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot pan and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. You want them to be juicy but not swimming in their own juices—aim for that perfect sear

Add Flavorful Sauce Ingredients: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in lemon juice and chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits—this is where all those flavors come together

Finish with Capers and Basil: Stir in capers and chopped basil into your sauce mixture before returning the chicken to soak in all those delicious flavors for an additional minute or two.

Your Zesty Lemon Basil Chicken Piccata is now ready to dazzle Serve it hot with your favorite sides—perhaps some angel hair pasta or crusty bread to soak up that heavenly sauce

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to lock in moisture, then prepare the sauce while they cook. This ensures everything is perfectly timed and delicious.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or add capers for extra zing. Personalizing this dish can lead to delightful surprises

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to maintain tenderness without drying out.

Sharing this recipe always brings back fond memories of my sister’s birthday dinner, where everyone couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for Zesty Lemon Basil Chicken Piccata?

Yes, but thaw it completely before cooking for even results.

What can I serve with Zesty Lemon Basil Chicken Piccata?

Pair it with pasta, rice, or a fresh garden salad for balance.

How do I know when my chicken is cooked properly?

Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

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Zesty Lemon Basil Chicken Piccata

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• Author: Ann Foster
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Zesty Lemon Basil Chicken Piccata is a deliciously bright and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with the tang of fresh lemon, the aromatic touch of basil, and the savory punch of capers. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting weeknight meal, this dish is quick to prepare and pairs beautifully with pasta or fresh vegetables. Your taste buds will revel in this delightful medley of flavors!

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare your workspace by gathering all ingredients.
2. Pound the chicken breasts to about half an inch thick and season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil until bubbly.
4. Sauté the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet; add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
6. Pour in lemon juice and chicken broth, scraping the bottom for flavor.
7. Stir in capers and basil before returning the chicken to the skillet for an additional minute.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (170g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 42g
• Cholesterol: 130mg