Zesty Lemon-Caper Chicken Piccata

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts bathed in a tangy lemon-caper sauce with a hint of garlic, served over a bed of al dente zucchini noodles for a low-carb feast. This italian-inspired keto (gluten-free, low-carb) ready in about 35 minutes pairs (zest and juice) Lemon, Capers, drained, Garlic, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.7 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium heat, then add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp capers, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/2 cup chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes until slightly reduced, then stir in 1 tsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp chopped parsley.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for 2 more minutes to heat through, then remove from heat.
  5. Step 5: Spiralize 2 medium zucchini (about 1 lb) into noodles. Heat a separate skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil, add the zucchini noodles, and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender but still crisp, stirring occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Serve the chicken with the lemon-caper sauce spooned over it and the zucchini noodles on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Zesty Lemon-Caper Chicken Piccata take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Zesty Lemon-Caper Chicken Piccata?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (zest and juice) lemon from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zesty Lemon-Caper Chicken Piccata?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Zesty Lemon-Caper Chicken Piccata for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Zesty Lemon-Caper Chicken Piccata gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free, low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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