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Get The Product!Zesty Lemon Basil Chicken Piccata is like a burst of sunshine on your plate, with its tangy lemon sauce and aromatic basil enhancing each tender bite. Imagine biting into succulent chicken that practically sings with flavor, perfectly balanced by zesty citrus and fragrant herbs.
Picture this dish gracing your dinner table during a cozy gathering or a casual weeknight meal, where the aroma wafts through the air, leaving everyone in eager anticipation. It’s not just a meal it’s an experience that brings people together, creating memories flavored with laughter and joy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Zesty Lemon Basil Chicken Piccata is incredibly simple to make, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying dinner
- The delightful balance of tangy and savory makes it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering
- With its vibrant colors, this dish adds visual flair that impresses every guest
- Versatile enough for any occasion, this recipe can be served over pasta or alongside fresh vegetables for a complete meal
I once made this dish for a family gathering, and the way my cousin’s eyes lit up was priceless—who knew chicken could spark such joy?
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 based on how many people you’re feeding.
- Fresh Basil: Opt for vibrant green leaves to enhance freshness tear them just before adding for maximum flavor.
- Lemons: Choose juicy lemons zesting them first captures their bright essence before squeezing out the juice.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are best they add an aromatic punch—try smashing them slightly to release more flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while keeping the dish flavorful and rich.
- Capers: These little briny gems provide a delightful burst of flavor rinse them if you prefer less saltiness.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances richness it’s worth splurging just a bit here.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning adjust to taste as you build layers of flavor throughout cooking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. Chop your garlic finely, zest your lemons, and pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
Season the Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper generously. Feel free to channel your inner chef here no one likes bland chicken
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil until shimmering. Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Create the Sauce: Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—watch closely so it doesn’t burn
Add Citrus Goodness: Pour in lemon juice and chicken broth, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced.
Add Final Touches: Stir in capers and fresh basil before returning the chicken to the skillet to coat with sauce. Cook together for another minute so everything melds beautifully.
Now that you’ve made Zesty Lemon Basil Chicken Piccata, serve it up hot over pasta or alongside roasted veggies Enjoy every bite as family or friends marvel at your culinary skills
You Must Know
- Zesty Lemon Basil Chicken Piccata transforms a simple dinner into a flavorful feast
- This dish balances tangy lemon with fresh basil, creating a delightful aroma
- Perfectly cooked chicken paired with a luscious sauce ensures you’ll impress your guests or family
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in juices, then prepare the sauce while it cooks for a seamless meal.
Add Your Touch
Experiment with different herbs like parsley or thyme, or add capers for an extra punch of flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to retain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For optimal tenderness, pound chicken breasts to even thickness before cooking
- Always taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed
- Serve over pasta or rice for a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table
Sometimes, I whip up Zesty Lemon Basil Chicken Piccata for friends who rave about it—one even asked for my secret recipe during a dinner party
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw it completely before cooking for even results.
What can I serve with Zesty Lemon Basil Chicken Piccata?
Serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour for dredging chicken without compromising taste.
Zesty Lemon Basil Chicken Piccata
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Zesty Lemon Basil Chicken Piccata is a refreshing dish that bursts with flavor. Juicy chicken breasts are seared to perfection and bathed in a tangy lemon sauce enriched with fresh basil and briny capers. This easy-to-make recipe transforms any meal into a delightful culinary experience, perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. Serve it over pasta or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying dish that will leave your guests impressed.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 large lemons (zested and juiced)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp capers, rinsed
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients. Zest and juice the lemons; mince the garlic; pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil until shimmering. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from skillet; keep warm. Add garlic to the skillet, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in lemon juice and chicken broth while scraping browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Stir in capers and basil; return chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce. Cook 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: 1g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
