Are you craving a delectable chicken dish that's bursting with flavor yet easy to prepare? Our Chicken with Lemon-Caper Sauce recipe is the perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With tender chicken breasts, a tangy lemon-caper sauce, and simple ingredients, this recipe will impress your family and friends. Read on for a step-by-step guide to making this delicious meal, along with tips and variations to suit your taste.

What is Chicken with Lemon-Caper Sauce?
Chicken with Lemon-Caper Sauce is a classic dish that features tender chicken breasts sautéed to perfection and topped with a bright, tangy sauce made from lemon juice, capers, and butter. The combination of flavors creates a dish that is both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you're an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers impressive results.
Ingredients List for Chicken with Lemon-Caper Sauce
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 lemon wedges
Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture. Adjust the cooking time as thighs take longer to cook.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Wine: If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with chicken broth or additional lemon juice for a non-alcoholic version.
- Butter: For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based butter substitute.
- Capers: If you don't have capers, you can use green olives or a small amount of pickled jalapeños for a different flavor twist.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about ½ inch.
- Dredge in Flour: In a shallow dish, combine the flour and a pinch of salt. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze the Pan: Reduce the heat to medium and add the white wine to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for about 2 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice and capers, then add the cold butter, one piece at a time, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and emulsified.
- Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat through. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Skipping the Flour Dredge: Dredging the chicken in flour helps to create a nice crust and also thickens the sauce slightly.
- Not Deglazing Properly: Make sure to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan when deglazing with wine. These bits add incredible flavor to the sauce.
Serving and Presentation Tips
- Side Dishes: Serve the Chicken with Lemon-Caper Sauce alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill on top of the chicken for a burst of color and freshness.
- Plating: Use white plates to make the vibrant sauce stand out. Arrange the chicken breast in the center of the plate, spooning the sauce over the top and around the sides.
How to Serve Chicken with Lemon-Caper Sauce
Serve the chicken hot, straight from the skillet, with a generous amount of sauce. Pair it with your favorite side dishes and a slice of lemon for an extra touch of elegance. This dish is best enjoyed immediately but can also be reheated gently if needed.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken with Lemon-Caper Sauce
- Elegant Dinner: For a sophisticated presentation, serve the chicken with a side of asparagus spears and roasted baby potatoes. Drizzle some of the lemon-caper sauce over the vegetables for added flavor.
- Casual Lunch: Slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette. Top with cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced red onions for a refreshing salad.
- Family-Style: Arrange the chicken breasts on a large serving platter, spoon the sauce over the top, and garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs. Let everyone help themselves.
Chicken with Lemon-Caper Sauce Recipe Tips
- Prep Ahead: Pound the chicken and dredge in flour ahead of time to make the cooking process quicker.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken. If too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
- Extra Flavor: Add a clove of minced garlic to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken takes longer to cook through, so make sure to use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
Q: What can I use instead of capers?
A: If you don't have capers, try using chopped green olives or a small amount of pickled jalapeños for a similar briny flavor.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: This dish is best served fresh, but you can make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it gently before serving. The chicken can also be cooked ahead and reheated, but it may not be as tender.
Q: What wine pairs well with this dish?
A: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs well with the lemony flavors of the sauce.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
A: Yes, you can make it low-carb by skipping the flour dredge or using a low-carb flour substitute.
Conclusion
Our Chicken with Lemon-Caper Sauce recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and elegance, making it suitable for any occasion. With its vibrant flavors and straightforward preparation, it's sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Try it today and enjoy a delightful meal that will impress your taste buds and your guests. Happy cooking!
PrintChicken with Lemon-Caper Sauce Recipe
Discover the ultimate Chicken with Lemon-Caper Sauce recipe! Juicy chicken breasts are seared to perfection and paired with a tangy lemon-caper sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 lemon wedges
Instructions
- Mix flour and salt in a shallow dish. Dredge chicken in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken and keep warm.
- Add white wine to skillet, stirring to scrape up any browned bits. Stir in lemon juice and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and whisk in butter, one piece at a time, until sauce is smooth and emulsified.
- Stir in capers. Spoon sauce over chicken and garnish with lemon wedges.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Leave a Reply