When you're looking to add a burst of fresh flavor to your meal, lemon and caper sauce is a great choice. This sauce is simple yet packs a punch with its blend of tangy lemons and salty capers. It's perfect for drizzling over chicken or fish, bringing a Mediterranean taste right to your table. You only need a few basic ingredients like white wine, chicken broth, and butter to create this delightful sauce.

To make this sauce, you will start by simmering white wine in a skillet so that it reduces slightly. Combining lemon juice and capers with chicken broth adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Once thickened, the mixture is enriched with butter, creating a smooth and irresistible sauce.
Lemon and caper sauce is not just flavorful, but also versatile. You can use it to delight your taste buds by enhancing the simplicity of grilled vegetables or making pasta dishes feel special. Try garnishing it with fresh parsley and lemon slices for an extra touch of freshness and color.
Table of Contents
Basic Ingredients and Substitutions
Lemon and caper sauce combines simple ingredients to create a burst of flavor. You can make the classic sauce with essential components or personalize it with substitutions to suit your taste.
Essential Components
You will need lemon juice from fresh lemons, giving the sauce a bright flavor. Capers add a tangy, briny punch. This recipe typically uses unsalted butter to provide a creamy texture. Begin with white wine to introduce a hint of acidity and complexity. A cup of low-sodium chicken broth brings a savory note.
Add kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Optional ingredients like lemon zest and fresh parsley make nice garnishes, adding more flavor and color. You can also use lemon slices for decoration.
Making It Your Own
Feel free to adjust the sauce to your preferences. If you're out of capers, try green olives as a substitute. You may switch butter with olive oil for a lighter taste or use salted butter and then omit the additional salt.
For a creamier sauce, consider adding Greek yogurt instead of butter—this will also reduce fat content. Adjust flavors with extra lemon zest if you want a stronger lemon flavor, or more parsley for a fresh touch. Using different broths or garlic can also change the taste profile.
Preparation Techniques
In making lemon and caper sauce, getting the right texture and flavor is key. You'll work on creating a smooth and balanced sauce by focusing on emulsifying the sauce and fine-tuning its thickness and tanginess.
Emulsifying the Sauce
Emulsification is important in creating a smooth lemon and caper sauce. Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat and pouring the white wine in. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce.
Next, add in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Mix everything well and bring it back to a simmer. The mixing of oil and water components, like butter and broth, helps create a unified texture.
As you reduce the heat to low, gently whisk in the unsalted butter piece by piece until fully melted. This gradual process helps the butter mix evenly, ensuring a creamy consistency. Consistent stirring is necessary to maintain smoothness in your sauce.
Adjusting Thickness and Flavor
Achieving the perfect thickness and flavor balance is vital. Once your liquids are heated, simmer for about 5 minutes. This reduction step thickens the sauce. Keep a close eye on the sauce to prevent it from becoming too thick.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavors. For extra tanginess, more lemon juice may be added, but add gradually to avoid overpowering. If a creamier sauce is desired, a dash of heavy cream can be included for richness.
Consider garnishing with fresh parsley or lemon slices for an appealing touch. The end result is a versatile sauce perfect for drizzling over seafood or poultry.
RECIPE: Lemon and Caper Sauce
Ingredients
¼ cup dry white wine
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
¼ cup capers, drained and rinsed
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In a skillet, add the white wine and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce and Thicken: Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken slightly.
- Finish the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the butter until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices before serving.
This sauce is great for adding a tangy kick to chicken or fish dishes. Enjoy your flavorful creation!
Nutritional Information

Lemon and caper sauce is light in calories and packed with bright flavors. It provides some essential vitamins and minerals from lemon juice and capers.
Macro and Micronutrients
This sauce is low in calories and contains very little fat. The butter adds some richness but doesn't make it heavy. Protein is not a significant part of this sauce.
The lemon juice offers a good boost of vitamin C, important for your immune system. Capers contribute a bit of iron and calcium, though in small amounts.
Here's a closer look at some nutrients:
- Carbs: Minimal due to the ingredients used.
- Potassium: Present modestly from lemon juice.
- Dietary Fiber: Low, as the sauce is mostly liquid.
Diet Considerations
This sauce aligns well with many diets. It's naturally gluten-free if you stick to the recipe. Its low calorie content makes it suitable for weight management plans.
If you need to watch your sodium intake, consider reducing the capers or using less chicken broth.
Those on a vegetarian diet can enjoy this sauce by swapping chicken broth with vegetable broth. Though traditionally flavorful, you can adjust spices to match your preferences while sticking to your dietary needs.
Uses for Lemon and Caper Sauce
Lemon and caper sauce is a tasty addition to seafood dishes like grilled salmon or grilled fish. It adds a bright, tangy flavor that works well with the natural taste of seafood.
This sauce is a classic match for chicken dishes. You can pour it over baked chicken or chicken piccata. It pairs nicely with the savory flavors and keeps the chicken moist.
Shrimp lovers can enjoy this sauce drizzled over sautéed shrimp. The lemony taste with capers complements the sweet and juicy shrimp, making it even more delicious.
Toss this flavorful sauce with your favorite pasta for a simple but satisfying meal. The tangy sauce goes well with basic pasta dishes and adds a refreshing twist.
Try using lemon and caper sauce as a dip with roasted potatoes or veggies. It offers a fresh taste that makes these sides more exciting.
Sprinkle it over a mixed salad for a light, zesty dressing. The sauce's acidity can perk up the greens without overpowering them.
For a unique sandwich spread, mix it with a bit of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. It enhances the flavor without adding too much richness.
Incorporate chopped chives or a bit of minced garlic cloves in the sauce to boost the aroma. These additions can tailor the sauce to your flavor preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lemon and caper sauce is flavorful and versatile. It can be adjusted for dietary needs and paired with various dishes like pasta and fish.
What are the essential ingredients for a traditional lemon and caper sauce?
The key ingredients are lemon juice, capers, white wine, chicken broth, and unsalted butter. Fresh parsley and lemon slices can be added for garnish.
What type of white wine should I use?
Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for the best flavor.
Can I substitute the white wine?
You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer not to use wine.
Do I need to rinse the capers?
Yes, rinsing capers helps remove excess salt and brings out their flavor.
What type of chicken broth should I use?
A low-sodium chicken broth is best to control the saltiness of the sauce.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth is a good alternative for a vegetarian version.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
You can, but make sure to adjust the additional salt in the recipe to avoid it being too salty.
How do I prevent the butter from separating?
To prevent the butter from separating, add the butter to the sauce slowly over low heat. Stir constantly until melted and smooth.
How can I adjust a lemon and caper sauce for a creamy consistency?
To make a creamy lemon and caper sauce, stir in a bit of cream or dairy-free cream substitute while keeping the sauce over low heat.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too salty?
Use low-sodium ingredients and start with small amounts of added salt, adjusting to taste.
How do I make the sauce more flavorful?
Add herbs like thyme or tarragon for extra flavor. Lemon zest is also a good addition.
What dishes pair well with lemon and caper sauce?
Chicken, fish, and vegetables are excellent choices. It adds bright and zesty flavors.
What type of pasta pairs best with lemon and caper sauce?
Angel hair or spaghetti are great options because their thin shapes absorb the sauce well.
Which fish dishes are best complemented by a lemon and caper sauce?
White fish like cod or tilapia pairs well, as does salmon.
Can you make simple modifications to accommodate dietary restrictions when making a lemon and caper sauce?
Using dairy-free butter or gluten-free broth can meet dietary needs while keeping the sauce delicious.
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