This Easy Pork Piccata is a tasty dish featuring tender pork cooked in a zesty lemon butter sauce. It’s quick to make and full of flavor!
I love how the lemon gives the pork a bright kick. It’s perfect served over pasta or with a side of veggies. You’ll want to keep this one in your meal rotation! 🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops are great for this recipe. If you want to keep it lean, you can use turkey cutlets instead. They won’t have the same texture, but they work well with the sauce.
Capers: These little gems add a nice briny flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can leave them out or substitute them with green olives for a different twist.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth keeps the sauce rich. If you’re looking for a lighter option, vegetable broth will also work well.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred, so you can control the saltiness. You can swap in ghee or olive oil for a dairy-free version, but it will change the flavor a bit.
How Do I Make Sure My Pork Chops Are Juicy?
To keep the pork chops juicy, start by not overcooking them. Here’s how you can achieve tender, flavorful chops:
- Pat the chops dry before seasoning. Moisture can prevent a good sear.
- Dredging in flour helps create a crust that locks in juices. Shake off excess flour for a lighter coating.
- Cook in a hot skillet to develop a golden-brown crust. The ideal internal temperature is around 145°F (63°C).
- Let the chops rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping them tender.
Easy Pork Piccata with Lemon Butter Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1/2 inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and roughly 15-20 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick and easy meal that you can have ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them get a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to add flavor.
2. Dredge the Pork:
In a shallow dish, place the flour. Take each pork chop and dredge it in the flour, making sure to coat it on both sides. Shake off any excess flour to keep the coating light and crispy.
3. Cook the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. Carefully add the pork chops to the skillet, cooking until they are golden brown and cooked all the way through (about 3-4 minutes on each side). Once done, transfer them to a plate and cover them with foil to keep warm.
4. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and add the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and capers to the skillet. Stir well to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let this simmer for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly and becomes flavorful.
5. Finish the Sauce:
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Combine and Serve:
Return the pork chops to the skillet, spoon some of that lovely sauce over them, and warm everything together for about a minute. Then, garnish with the chopped parsley and lemon slices if you’d like, and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Enjoy your bright, flavorful Pork Piccata with buttery lemon sauce!
FAQ for Easy Pork Piccata with Lemon Butter Sauce
Can I Use Chicken Instead of Pork Chops?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts or thighs can be substituted in this recipe. Just ensure they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging the pork chops. Make sure the chicken broth is also gluten-free!
Can I Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently on the stove when you’re ready to serve, and stir in the butter to re-emulsify.
What Sides Should I Serve with Pork Piccata?
Pork Piccata pairs well with various sides! Consider serving it over pasta or rice to soak up the sauce, or with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes for a well-rounded meal.
