Description
Chicken Piccata with Lemon and Capers is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts sautéed to golden perfection, enhanced by bright lemon juice, tangy capers, and savory smoked turkey bacon. This easy recipe delivers a light yet satisfying meal with a zesty citrus sauce that pairs well with various sides, perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or an elegant gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, thinly pounded
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free)
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Gently pound each chicken breast to about half an inch thick to ensure quick, even cooking. Lightly season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, shaking off excess for a thin, crisp coating.
- Cook the smoked turkey bacon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the smoked turkey bacon and cook until crisp and golden. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside, leaving the flavorful oil in the skillet.
- Brown the chicken: Place the floured chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and keep warm.
- Make the sauce: With the heat still on medium, add chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and capers to the pan. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor.
- Thicken and finish: Sprinkle a small amount of natural gelling agent into the sauce and whisk gently until it slightly thickens. Return the cooked smoked turkey bacon and chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let everything meld together for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the finished dish to add vibrant color and a fresh herbal note before serving.
Notes
- Thin chicken breasts pound evenly for juicy and tender bites.
- Coating chicken lightly in flour creates a golden crust and helps thicken the sauce.
- Always use fresh lemon juice for the brightest citrus flavor.
- Simmer sauce gently to avoid over-reducing and concentrating saltiness.
- Cook smoked turkey bacon first to infuse the oil with smoky richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: chicken piccata, lemon chicken, capers, quick chicken recipes, healthy chicken, Italian-American dishes, smoked turkey bacon, gluten free chicken
