Description
Chicken Piccata with Lemon and Capers features thinly sliced chicken breasts sautéed to golden perfection, served in a bright, tangy sauce of lemon juice, capers, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Enhanced with smoked turkey bacon for smoky depth and finished with plant-based butter (plant-based) and fresh parsley, this quick and easy dish is perfect for weeknights or elegant dinners. Serve over pasta, rice, or greens for a versatile and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 2 large chicken breasts, thinly sliced or pounded to an even thickness
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour), for coating (optional)
Sauté and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter (plant-based)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for quick and uniform cooking. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper. If desired, coat each piece in a thin layer of flour or gluten-free flour for a subtle crust.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep warm.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Garlic: In the same skillet, add chopped smoked turkey bacon and minced garlic. Sauté until the bacon crisps and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and capers. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow the sauce to reduce slightly and meld the flavors, about 3-4 minutes.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in plant-based butter (plant-based) and lemon zest until the sauce is rich and velvety. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the pieces to coat and reheat gently for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Plate the chicken breasts, spoon the tangy sauce over the top, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Pound uniformly to ensure even cooking and tender chicken.
- Let the chicken rest briefly after cooking for juiciness.
- Use fresh lemons for brighter, more vibrant flavor.
- Simmer sauce until slightly thickened so it clings to the chicken without being heavy.
- Add capers gradually to balance the salty, briny tang to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chicken piccata, lemon chicken, capers, smoked turkey bacon, quick dinner, gluten free, dairy free, plant-based butter, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, weeknight meal
