Business is never so healthy as when, like a chicken, it must do a certain amount of scratching around for what it gets.

Charred Lemon Chicken Piccata

2 small lemons, cut into thin rounds
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
4 garlic cloves, halved
4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, pounded to 3/4-inch thickness
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 teaspoon grated shallot
1/2 teaspoon grated garlic
1 oregano sprig
1 thyme sprig
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 cup unsalted chicken stock
1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Combine lemon slices, sugar, and garlic in a medium bowl.

Sprinkle chicken with 3/8 teaspoon salt and pepper.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add 2 teaspoons oil; swirl to coat.

Add chicken to pan; cook 4 minutes on each side or until done.

Place chicken on a plate. Add remaining 1 teaspoon oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add lemon mixture to pan; cook 1 minute or until lemon slices are lightly browned, turning occasionally.

Return lemon mixture to bowl.

Wipe pan with paper towels.

Heat pan over medium heat.

Add 1 1/2 teaspoons butter to pan; swirl until butter melts.

Add shallot, 1/2 teaspoon grated garlic, oregano sprig, and thyme sprig; cook 1 minute.

Add wine to pan, scraping pan to loosen browned bits.
Bring to a boil; cook 3 minutes or until liquid almost evaporates.

Add remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt, stock, and flour to pan, stirring with a whisk.

Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 3 minutes or until liquid is reduced to about 2/3 cup.

Remove pan from heat; discard oregano and thyme sprigs.

Stir in remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons butter and capers, stirring until butter melts.

Return chicken and any juices to pan; turn to coat with sauce.

Top chicken with lemon mixture. Sprinkle with parsley.