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Herb Ranch Chicken with Lemon and Capers

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This easy herb ranch chicken recipe features juicy ranch-seasoned chicken breasts, a bright lemon caper pan sauce, and fresh herbs for a quick, flavorful dinner ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it’s naturally gluten-free and adaptable for various diets.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, dill, chives), chopped
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes
  • Optional: Baby spinach or arugula
  • Optional: Cherry tomatoes, halved

Instructions

  1. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of parchment or plastic wrap. Pound gently with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about 1/2 inch thick. Pat dry and season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ranch seasoning, chopped fresh herbs, and lemon zest. Add the chicken and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toss to coat, rubbing the mixture into the meat. Let sit while you prep the sauce ingredients, or rest for 10 minutes if time allows.
  3. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F). Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Add lemon juice and capers, then simmer 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Swirl in 1 tablespoon butter off the heat for a glossy finish. Stir in any remaining fresh herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Return chicken to the skillet, turning to coat in the sauce. Spoon extra sauce and capers over the top. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

Notes

For best results, pound chicken to even thickness and don’t overcrowd the pan. Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor. Rinse capers to avoid excess saltiness. The sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently. For dairy-free, use a ranch blend without buttermilk and skip the butter. Leftovers are delicious and the sauce deepens in flavor overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: herb ranch chicken, lemon caper chicken, easy chicken dinner, gluten-free chicken, weeknight chicken recipe, ranch seasoning, skillet chicken, quick chicken recipe

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/herb-ranch-chicken-recipe-easy-lemon-capers-dinner-in-30-minutes/