Gluten Free Chicken Piccata with Capers: Tangy, Tender & Totally Wheat Free

Gluten Free Chicken Piccata with Capers is one of those dishes that comforts me every single time. It brings me back to my Tuscan roots, where fall meant long Sunday lunches, slow cooking, and the zing of lemon and herbs warming the house. Growing up, I made the classic version with wheat flour, golden, buttery, and bold. But when I found out I was gluten-intolerant, this favorite became something I thought I’d have to leave behind.

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That wasn’t acceptable. I rolled up my sleeves, played with ingredients, and finally created a version of Gluten Free Chicken Piccata with Capers that checks every box. It’s zesty, tender, and so satisfying. It also happens to be fast enough for weeknights and elegant enough for guests. Whether you’re new to gluten-free cooking or just love bold Italian flavors, this one’s for you.

In this post, you’ll get the full breakdown: ingredients, instructions, pro tips, variations, and storage suggestions. It’s all here to make your gluten free journey as delicious as ever.

Gluten Free Chicken Piccata with Capers on white plate

Gluten Free Chicken Piccata with Capers

Matteo
This bright and tangy Gluten Free Chicken Piccata with Capers features tender chicken cutlets simmered in a buttery lemon sauce with capers, just like the traditional favorite, but made completely gluten-free.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 385 kcal

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Shallow Dish

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts boneless, skinless, sliced in half lengthwise
  • 0.5 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter or dairy-free butter
  • 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 0.25 cup lemon juice fresh, about 1–2 lemons
  • 0.25 cup dry white wine or more broth if avoiding alcohol
  • 0.25 cup capers drained and rinsed
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thin cutlets. Pat dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Place gluten-free flour in a shallow dish and dredge chicken cutlets, shaking off excess.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter, lemon juice, chicken broth, and wine. Stir and scrape up browned bits from the pan.
  • Let sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes, then stir in capers. Return chicken to the skillet and simmer 2–3 more minutes to heat through.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot, spooning lemon-caper sauce over each portion.

Notes

To make this dairy-free, substitute the butter with your favorite plant-based option. Pairs beautifully with gluten-free pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies. For a non-alcoholic version, replace wine with broth and a splash of white wine vinegar.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 27gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 410mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 260IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 1.6mg
Keyword chicken, gluten-free, Piccata
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Ingredients for Gluten Free Chicken Piccata with Capers

This dish is all about simple ingredients coming together to create bold, tangy flavor. Make sure to have everything prepped ahead of time, Gluten Free Chicken Piccata with Capers cooks fast!

You’ll need:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise
  • ½ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (like Cup4Cup or Bob’s Red Mill)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup dry white wine (or more broth if avoiding alcohol)
  • ¼ cup capers, rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Serve this up with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or your favorite gluten-free pasta. The lemon-caper sauce brings everything to life.

Looking for easy sides? You’ll love pairing this with my Lemon Herb Gluten-Free Chicken Skillet or the Greek Chicken Bowls with Brown Rice, both are flavorful and weeknight-approved.

Ingredients for Gluten Free Chicken Piccata with Capers

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Gluten Free Chicken Piccata with Capers is surprisingly easy. Here’s how to do it right, every time.

1. Prepare the chicken
Slice the chicken breasts in half to create thin cutlets. Pat dry and season with salt and pepper.

2. Dredge in gluten-free flour
Add the gluten-free flour to a shallow bowl. Coat each chicken cutlet lightly, shaking off the excess.

3. Sear the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

4. Deglaze the pan
Reduce heat to low. Add butter, lemon juice, wine, and chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any flavorful bits.

5. Add capers and return chicken
Stir in the capers. Return the chicken to the pan and simmer 2–3 minutes, spooning sauce over the top.

6. Finish and serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve warm with your choice of sides.

For a flavorful twist, try it with Quick Gluten-Free Chicken Stir Fry on the side, or enjoy over Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken pasta for extra comfort.

Tips for the Perfect Gluten Free Chicken Piccata

  • Go thin with the cutlets: This helps cook them evenly and quickly.
  • Don’t over-flour: A light coat of gluten-free flour gives a crisp texture without gumming up the sauce.
  • Use real lemon juice: It brightens the whole dish, don’t substitute with bottled.
  • Deglaze like a pro: The browned bits from the chicken add incredible flavor to the sauce.

Once you’ve made this version of Gluten Free Chicken Piccata with Capers, you’ll see why it’s a reader favorite. It’s quick, restaurant-quality, and naturally gluten-free.

Variations to Try

Whether you’re avoiding dairy or cooking vegetarian, there are lots of ways to enjoy this dish:

  • Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter for your favorite plant-based alternative.
  • Vegan Variation: Replace chicken with cauliflower steaks or pressed tofu, and follow the same method.
  • Add greens: Throw in spinach or sautéed zucchini for a veggie boost.
  • Make it a pasta bake: Toss leftovers with gluten-free pasta and top with almond flour “streusel.” Bake until bubbly.

Love cozy weeknight meals? Add this to your rotation with Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas or my Classic Gluten-Free Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes. They’re all comfort food classics, gluten free style.

Gluten Free Chicken Piccata served with mashed potatoes

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Gluten Free Chicken Piccata with Capers is fantastic for leftovers and meal prep.

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze chicken and sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Warm on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth to refresh the sauce.

For more easy gluten-free dinner ideas, don’t miss this list of Easy Gluten-Free Dinner Recipes, they’re perfect for planning out your week.

Conclusion

If you’re craving something bright, cozy, and flavorful, Gluten Free Chicken Piccata with Capers is the recipe to make. It brings together bold citrus, a savory pan sauce, and tender chicken, everything you loved about the classic, without the gluten.

Whether you’re preparing for family dinner or just want something easy and delicious, this gluten free version won’t disappoint. It’s proof that eating well and gluten free can go hand in hand.

What makes this chicken piccata gluten free?

It uses gluten-free flour for dredging and avoids any wheat-based thickeners. It’s simple and safe for gluten-intolerant eaters.

Can I substitute chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully and add extra juiciness to the dish.

What are the best sides?

Mashed potatoes, gluten-free pasta, roasted carrots, or even a salad. Or try pairing it with Gluten-Free Chicken Taquitos for something unexpected but fun.

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