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Simple Lemon Caper Sauce

A bright, tangy, silky lemon caper sauce perfect for chicken, seafood, vegetables, and pasta, ready in minutes with restaurant-quality flavor.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 11 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 85
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sauce
  • 3 tbsp butter divided
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 0.25 cup lemon juice fresh
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp capers drained
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley optional, chopped

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Whisk
  • Microplane or zester

Method
 

  1. Heat skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon butter with olive oil.
  2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  3. Pour in broth and simmer 1–2 minutes.
  4. Add lemon juice, zest, and capers; stir well.
  5. Simmer another 1–2 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Add remaining butter and swirl until sauce emulsifies.
  7. Season with salt and pepper, add parsley if using.
  8. Serve immediately over chicken, seafood, pasta, or vegetables.

Notes

For thicker sauce, whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch into the broth before adding lemon juice.