Hello everyone! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe I recently made and absolutely loved: Gluten-free chicken Piccata. Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian dish that many people love for its fresh and tangy flavor. It’s made by cooking chicken in a lemon sauce with capers. The combination of tangy lemon, savory chicken, and salty capers is what makes this dish so special.

But I know some of us need to avoid gluten, which can make finding delicious recipes a little difficult. So I decided to make a gluten-free version of this dish. That way, everyone can enjoy it, even people who have to avoid gluten. Don’t worry—this recipe is just as delicious and satisfying as the original.

What is Chicken Piccata?

Chicken Piccata is a traditional Italian dish. The word “piccata” means “to flatten and grind,” which describes how the chicken breasts are prepared for this recipe. The chicken is coated in flour, pan-fried until golden, and then served with a sauce made from lemon juice, capers, and sometimes a little white wine or broth. The sauce is what makes chicken piccata so delicious — it’s bright, tangy, and full of flavor.

Why Gluten-Free?

Now, you might be wondering why make this recipe gluten-free Well, gluten can cause digestive issues for many people, and they must avoid it to stay healthy. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, so it’s often found in foods like bread, pasta, and many types of flour. By making this gluten-free Lemon chicken, I can ensure that people who are sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease can enjoy this delicious dish without worrying about their health.

Why This Recipe Is Great?

The best part about this gluten-free Lemon chicken is that it tastes just like the traditional version. The gluten-free flour I used in this recipe gives the chicken a nice, crispy coating, and the sauce has the same delicious lemon flavor. It’s a dish that feels light and fresh but still filling. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, so it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

chicken piccata ingredients

Chicken breasts: You need 2 large chicken breasts, which you will cut in half to make 4 thinner pieces. This makes them cook faster and more evenly.

Gluten-free flour: ½ cup is enough to lightly coat each piece of chicken. This flour is special because it doesn’t contain gluten, which some people can’t eat.

Salt and pepper: These are basic spices that you sprinkle on chicken to bring out its natural flavor.

Butter and olive oil: You will use 2 tablespoons of each to cook the chicken and make the sauce nice and rich.

Chicken broth: ½ cup will help create a smooth, delicious sauce.

Lemon juice: ¼ cup gives that tangy lemon flavor that makes Lemon chicken so special.

Capers: Just 2 tablespoons gives a salty, tangy flavor.

Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped, gives a fresh, green touch at the end.

Equipment Needed

Skillet or frying pan: You’ll need a good skillet or frying pan to cook the chicken and make the sauce.

Tongs: These will help you flip the chicken pieces without burning your fingers.

Meat mallet: If your chicken breasts are thick, you can use a meat mallet to pound them thin, which helps them cook evenly.

Mixing bowls: You’ll need a few bowls to mix ingredients like flour and seasonings.

Measuring cups and spoons: These are important for getting the right amount of each ingredient.

How to make Gluten free chicken piccata

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pound the chicken: First, place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them gently until they are about ¼ inch thick. This helps the chicken cook evenly.

Season the chicken: Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken breasts.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Coating: In a shallow dish, add the gluten-free flour or breadcrumbs. Dredge (coat) each chicken breast in the flour, making sure both sides are evenly coated. This will give your chicken a nice, crispy texture when it cooks.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat the pan: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil helps the chicken crisp up, while the butter adds flavor.

Fry the chicken: Once the pan is hot, place the coated chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook on each side for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. You want the chicken to be cooked through but still juicy on the inside. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 4: Make the Tangy Lemon-Caper Sauce

Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. When it melts, add the chicken broth and lemon juice. Stir well, taking care to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan this adds extra flavor.

Add the capers: Add the capers and let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens a little.

Step 5: Mix and serve

Assemble the dish: Put the cooked chicken back in the skillet, letting it absorb some of that delicious lemon-caper sauce. Cook together for 2 minutes to blend the flavors.

Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving plate, drizzle some sauce over the top and garnish with chopped parsley for freshness.

Serving Suggestions

• To make your wheat-free chicken with lemon sauce pop, you can garnish it with a little more fresh parsley and a few slices of lemon. The bright yellow color of the lemon and the green parsley will really make your dish pop.
• Gluten-free pasta: Toss it with a little olive oil and garlic for a simple but delicious side dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, zucchini or asparagus would be great choices.
• Fresh Green Salad: A salad with mixed greens, cucumbers and a light vinaigrette will add a refreshing twist to your meal.

Tips and Tricks

Grind chicken evenly: Before cooking chicken, place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or in a plastic bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness. This cooks the chicken faster and ensures that it cooks evenly, so you don’t have some parts overcooked and some undercooked.

Use gluten-free flour: When coating the chicken in flour before cooking, be sure to use a gluten-free flour blend. This gives the chicken a nice, crispy coating without any gluten. You can also use almond flour or rice flour for a different texture.

Don’t overcook the chicken: Chicken breasts cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. If you cook it too long, the chicken can dry out.

FAQs

What to Serve with Gluten Free Chicken Piccata

Here are some suggestions for what to serve with gluten-free chicken piccata:

Gluten-free pasta – toss with olive oil and herbs.
Steamed vegetables – broccoli, asparagus or green beans.
Mashed potatoes – creamy and buttery for a comforting side.
Quinoa – light and nutritious, pairs well with the lemon sauce.
Cauliflower rice – low carb, wheat-free chicken option.
Zucchini noodles – light and healthy for a refreshing twist.

How many calories are in chicken piccata?

One serving of Italian chicken dish typically contains about 350 to 450 calories, depending on the recipe and portion size.

what are the best sides for chicken piccata?

Pasta: Serve with spaghetti, angel hair, or fettuccine to soak up the lemon sauce.
Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes pair well with the tangy flavor.
Rice: Lemon rice or a simple white rice complements the dish well.
Roasted vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or green beans add a healthy, vibrant side.
Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken.

can I make chicken piccata in the instant pot?

Yes, you can make Chicken Piccata in the Instant Pot, It’s quick and easy. Sear the chicken in the Instant Pot, then add the lemon juice, capers, and broth. Cook on high pressure for about 7-10 minutes. Finish with Quick Release, and you’ll have a delicious Chicken Piccata ready to serve.