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Chicken in Lemon-Caper Pan Sauce

Chicken in Lemon-Caper Pan Sauce features tender, lightly floured cutlets kissed with a tangy blend of lemon and white wine, rounded by silky butter and bursts of briny capers. It’s a bright, balanced dish that feels special yet weeknight-friendly, perfect for pairing with simple greens or pasta. Serve it for a quick dinner that still tastes elegant.

  • Prep10 mins
  • Cook20 mins
  • Serves2
  • DifficultyEasy
Chicken in Lemon-Caper Pan Sauce
  1. 1

    Combine the flour and salt in a medium dish or a resealable plastic bag. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, then shake off any excess.

  2. 2

    Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in the hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should register at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Transfer the chicken to a plate, then cover and keep warm.

  3. 3

    Pour the white wine into the skillet and bring it to a boil, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the lemon juice and boil until reduced by half, 2 to 3 minutes.

  4. 4

    Sprinkle the cubed butter into the boiling sauce. Swirl and shake the pan vigorously until the butter is fully incorporated and the sauce thickens. (Do not let the butter sit still, or the sauce will separate and turn oily.) Remove from the heat and stir in the capers.

  5. 5

    Spoon the lemon-caper sauce over the chicken; serve with lemon wedges.