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Low Carb Chicken Piccata - Bright, Zesty, and Weeknight Easy

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 large), butterflied and pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
  • 1/2 cup finely ground almond flour (or almond meal, sifted for finer texture)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra savoriness)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or bone broth)
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons), plus 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Lemon slices, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  • Prep the chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally to butterfly, then pound gently to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Pat dry with paper towels. Even thickness helps the chicken cook quickly and stay tender.
  • Season and coat: In a shallow dish, mix almond flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Lightly dredge the chicken on both sides, shaking off excess. You want a thin coat, not a thick crust.
  • Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. When hot and shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
  • Sauté the aromatics: Lower the heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil if the pan looks dry. Stir in the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Don’t let it brown.
  • Build the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits with a wooden spoon. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and capers. Simmer 3–5 minutes to reduce slightly. The sauce should taste bright and savory, not harshly acidic.
  • Finish with butter: Turn the heat to low and whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. This emulsifies the sauce and makes it glossy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  • Combine and serve: Return the chicken (and any juices) to the pan, spooning sauce over the top. Warm for 1 minute. Sprinkle with parsley and add lemon slices if you like. Serve right away with your favorite low carb sides.