26 Apr 2025
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1 lb chicken breasts
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 dash salt
1 dash black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
3 tbsp bread crumbs
1 egg
1 short spray cooking spray oil
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 fl oz white wine
1 lemon
1 tbsp capers
Skinny Lemon Chicken Piccata with Capers is a light and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a tangy lemon-caper sauce. This healthier version of a classic Italian recipe offers a delicious, guilt-free meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. If needed, pound the cutlets to ensure they are even in thickness for uniform cooking.
- Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with a dash of salt, a dash of black pepper, and 1/4 tsp of garlic powder.
2. Bread the Chicken:
- In a shallow bowl, beat the egg.
- Place the bread crumbs in another shallow bowl.
- Dip each chicken cutlet into the beaten egg and then coat evenly with bread crumbs. Set aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter.
- Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the chicken cutlets to the skillet in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches).
- Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Keep warm.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 2 fl oz of white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the juice of 1 lemon, 1 tbsp of lemon zest, and 1 tbsp of capers.
- Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Combine and Serve:
- Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them.
- Simmer for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through.
- Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Plating:
- Serve the chicken piccata hot, garnished with additional lemon slices or zest if desired.
Tips:
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
- For a crispier texture, use Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular bread crumbs.
- Make sure to deglaze the pan with the white wine to capture all the flavorful bits.
- Adjust the salt and lemon juice according to your taste preferences.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the dish at its best texture and flavor.
Enjoy this Skinny Lemon Chicken Piccata with Capers as a delightful low-calorie meal that doesn't compromise on taste. Paired with a side of vegetables or a light salad, it's sure to become a household favorite. Bon Appétit!