Lemon caper chicken is a low carb dish that’s bursting with flavor. Easy enough for any night of the week, but this dish looks a bit fancy and is just 2 carbs per serving!
Have you ever had capers before?
My family tried them for the first time recently and they were honestly pretty split on whether they liked them or not.
Personally, I think they’re delicious! Then again, I also like green olives and I think they’re somewhat similar in flavor. They also have a bit of a mustard vibe going on, in my opinion.
This lemon caper chicken recipe is the perfect recipe to test out if you’re unsure about capers. They pair so well with the brightness of the lemon and the cream sauce is so darn good, you’ll want to drink it!
Chicken with lemon and capers:
To make this chicken with lemon and capers, we’re going to start by seasoning some chicken breasts or thighs. I prefer white meat, so I always use breasts, but thighs work fine if you like dark meat.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper and then cook it in a hot skillet with a little avocado oil or butter.
When the chicken is cooked through, remove it to a plate and get started on the lemon caper sauce.
Lemon caper sauce:
The lemon caper sauce is low carb and oh so easy to whip up.
You’ll just reduce some chicken broth and lemon juice, which means that you’ll simmer the chicken broth, letting some of it evaporate so that the broth thickens a bit.
Next, you’ll add in some heavy cream and let that simmer for a bit.
Stir in the capers and the sauce is done! So easy!
Add your chicken back to the sauce to rewarm and serve.
We like to drizzle extra sauce over our chicken because it’s so full of flavor.
You can serve this as is or over a bed of zucchini noodles. Either way, I bet you’ll love this chicken with lemon and capers!
More low carb chicken recipes to try:
Spinach Stuffed Chicken: Everyone’s favorite!
Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Who else loves buffalo chicken?
Low Carb Chicken Parmesan: My husband’s favorite meal!
Lemon Garlic Chicken: Just as delicious as this version, but without the capers!
Jalapeno Popper Chicken: Wrapped in bacon!

Lemon Caper Chicken
The bright flavors of lemons pairs so well with capers! This simple chicken recipe is a perfect low carb dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 pound thin sliced chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons capers
Instructions
- Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat the avocado oil in a large, heavy bottomed skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook through, flipping halfway through cooking, about 8 minutes.
- Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Add the chicken broth and butter to the skillet and bring to a boil. Let the chicken broth reduce by half, about 5 minutes.
- Add the lemon juice and cream to the skillet and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
- Add the capers to the sauce and stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Cook 1 more minute to rewarm the chicken.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to soak up some of the extra sauce.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 326Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 1046mgCarbohydrates: 2gNet Carbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 36g
All information and tools presented and written within this site are intended for informational purposes only. This information is provided as a courtesy and there is no guarantee that the information is accurate.
Hali says
Yummy! Thanks for the recipe. We all enjoyed it!
Karly Campbell says
So happy to hear that!
Dancingaroundthekitchen says
Delicious, and the chicken was so juicy! I served it with some spaghetti squash and the sauce was great with it.
Karly Campbell says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Meri Schroeder says
We loved the flavor of this sauce – so good!!! I seasoned the chicken with s& p based on my own judgement and used coconut milk in place of the heavy cream; since I always have coconut milk, but never heavy cream. Anyway, the cooking directions were right on, which I appreciate. So many times the cooking times are way lower than what they should be. A great way to use up a large jar of capers I have from Costco.
Karly Campbell says
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Meri! Sounds delicious with the coconut milk. 🙂
George Mîddlebrook says
Too much salt. The addition of tarragon would give flavor and taste. Much better for seniors.
Ann says
I am not a fan of capers so I reduced the amount of capers by half and it was enough for flavor but not overpowering. Husband loved it, as well. Another great recipe – thank you!
JD says
I wonder how this would work with boneless pork chops? After all, they are the other white meat, right?
Karly Campbell says
I think it’d be delicious!
karen says
I love chicken, lemons and capers so I’m excited to make this. Can I simply substitute the cream with water or wine?
Karly Campbell says
Hi Karen! The sauce won’t be as thick or creamy if you substitute with wine, but you can try. 🙂
Mary says
this was really good!
Marian Stasney says
Substitute white wine for the cream, add garlic and this would be called chicken piccata. Also delicious with fish!
What is life without capers 😉 !