Description
Turn any simple chicken breast, baked fish, or bowl of pasta into a restaurant-worthy dinner with this silky Simple Lemon Caper Sauce. Rich butter, a splash of cream, bright fresh lemon, and briny capers come together in minutes for an easy recipe that instantly upgrades your favorite weeknight meals. This quick sauce is perfect for busy nights when you still want big flavor, and it’s a versatile idea to keep in your back pocket for effortless dinner ideas, cozy food ideas, and elegant yet simple entertaining.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon all purpose flour
1 cup low sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest finely grated
3 tablespoons capers drained
3 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
Instructions
1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil, swirling to coat the bottom of the pan.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and just softened but not browned.
3. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the garlic and fat. Whisk to form a smooth paste and cook for about 30 seconds to remove the raw flour taste, keeping it pale.
4. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer; the sauce will begin to thicken slightly.
5. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and capers. Let the sauce simmer for 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors can develop and the capers soften a bit.
6. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is smooth and velvety.
7. Add the chopped parsley, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce is thicker than you’d like, whisk in a tablespoon or two of additional broth or water.
8. Remove from the heat and spoon the warm lemon caper sauce over cooked chicken, fish, shrimp, pork chops, roasted vegetables, or pasta. Serve immediately.
Notes
For the silkiest texture, keep the heat moderate when adding the cream and avoid boiling the sauce after the cream goes in—high heat can cause it to separate instead of staying smooth and velvety.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 430
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 30
Keywords: lemon caper sauce, pan sauce, easy sauce recipe, quick dinner, chicken sauce, seafood sauce