Quick Answer
Chicken piccata is a classic Italian dish that typically contains chicken cutlets, lemon juice, butter, parsley, capers, and white wine. The dish itself does not contain any gluten ingredients. However, flour or breadcrumbs are sometimes used to coat the chicken before cooking. So whether chicken piccata contains gluten depends on the specific recipe and cooking method. Many chicken piccata recipes use gluten-free alternatives like rice flour or almond flour for dredging. When prepared without flour or breadcrumbs, chicken piccata is naturally gluten-free.
What is Chicken Piccata?
Chicken piccata is a bright, flavorful Italian dish consisting of chicken cutlets cooked in a sauce of lemon juice, butter, parsley, and capers. “Piccata” means to be pounded flat. So for chicken piccata, thin chicken breast cutlets are lightly dredged or battered and sautéed. The piccata sauce is then prepared in the pan drippings after cooking the chicken.
While elegant in taste, chicken piccata is simple to prepare. The combination of salty capers, tart lemon, rich butter, and fresh herbs makes a quick yet restaurant-quality meal. It can be made with either chicken breasts or chicken cutlets pounded thin. And the dish can be served alone, over pasta or risotto, or with roasted vegetables.
Here are some key features that define traditional chicken piccata:
– Thinly sliced or pounded chicken breast – Typically dredged in flour, breadcrumbs, or batter before cooking
– Pan-fried chicken – Sautéed in olive oil or butter
– Lemon juice and butter sauce – With capers and parsley
– Bright, citrusy flavor – From fresh lemon juice
– Savory, briny flavor – From capers
– Fresh parsley – Provides color and herb flavor
So in short, chicken piccata combines pan-fried, breaded chicken cutlets with a quick pan sauce of lemon, butter, capers, and parsley. The classic preparation relies on just a few easy-to-find ingredients.
Does Chicken Piccata Traditionally Contain Gluten?
Chicken piccata is considered a naturally gluten-free dish. By itself, it does not contain any ingredients with gluten like wheat, barley, or rye.
The standard ingredients in chicken piccata are:
– Chicken breasts or cutlets
– Lemon juice
– Butter
– Vegetable oil or olive oil for cooking
– Parsley
– Capers
– White wine or chicken broth
Fresh herbs, citrus, dairy, and poultry do not contain gluten. And ingredients like oil, salt, pepper, and chicken stock are also free of gluten.
However, many chicken piccata recipes instruct dredging or breading the chicken in flour or breadcrumbs before cooking. This is where gluten may be introduced.
Purpose of Dredging
Dredging or breading the chicken serves a few purposes:
– Forms a thin crust on the chicken while cooking
– Helps brown the exterior of the chicken
– Adds texture contrast to the tender chicken
– Absorbs some of the lemony pan sauce, adding flavor
Traditionally, all-purpose flour is used to dredge the chicken. The flour helps achieve a thin, crispy coating as the chicken sautés. Some recipes may use breadcrumbs or panko instead for extra crunch.
So in summary, while chicken piccata itself does not contain gluten, many recipes instruct coating the chicken in a flour or breadcrumb mixture prior to cooking. This adds a crispy, golden crust. But it also introduces gluten from wheat flour or bread-based ingredients to the dish.
Does Flour Have to Be Used?
While flour and breadcrumbs are very common, they are not strictly necessary to make chicken piccata. There are a few potential substitutes that allow you to keep this dish gluten-free:
Rice Flour
Rice flour made from milled white or brown rice can be used instead of regular wheat flour. Rice flour contains no gluten and achieves a very similar light, crispy texture when pan-fried. Replace all-purpose flour with rice flour at a 1:1 ratio.
Almond Flour
Almond flour is made from finely ground almonds. With a slightly coarser texture than wheat flour, it provides a nice crunchy coating on chicken. Use a 1:1 substitute ratio.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is an effective glue and provides crisping power without gluten. Combine it with rice flour at a 1:1 ratio or use on its own. The texture may be a bit silkier than all-purpose flour.
Quinoa Flour
Quinoa flour contains no gluten and makes an excellent substitute for traditional breading flour. Use it as a 1:1 replacement. The flavor is neutral like wheat flour.
Chickpea Flour
Also called garbanzo bean flour, chickpea flour can dredge chicken with a light crunch. Combine it with rice flour for the best texture. Chickpea flour has a noticeable bean flavor, so keep that in mind.
Ground Nuts
Finely ground almonds, walnuts, pecans, or pistachios add great crunch and flavor to chicken. Use on their own or blended with rice flour. Grind raw nuts in a food processor for an extra crisp coating.
Coconut Flour
While very absorbent, coconut flour can work paired with egg and starch. Whisk 1/4 cup coconut flour with 1 egg and 2 Tbsp cornstarch to create a dredging batter.
No Breading
You can also prepare crispy pan-fried chicken piccata with no breading at all. Simply sauté thin chicken cutlets directly in the pan until browned and cooked through. A bit of starch like cornstarch or rice flour can help achieve a light crust.
So in summary, while flour and breadcrumbs provide that signature crispy texture, there are several easy gluten-free alternatives. Rice flour, almond flour, and chickpea flour make ideal substitutions.
Gluten-Free Chicken Piccata Recipes
When prepared without flour or breadcrumbs, chicken piccata is naturally gluten-free. Here are some recipe tips for keeping this classic allergen-free:
Use gluten-free substitutes
As covered above, rice flour, almond flour, chickpea flour, and corn starch can directly replace wheat flour for dredging chicken. Or skip dredging altogether.
Check capers
Some caper products may contain gluten as an additive. Use gluten-free brands or plain salt-cured capers.
Use gluten-free stock
If the recipe calls for chicken broth, use a homemade or certified gluten-free chicken stock.
Avoid pasta garnish
Traditional chicken piccata is often served atop or with pasta. Opt for gluten-free pasta or a different base like risotto or roasted potatoes.
Prevent cross-contact
Be very careful to avoid cross-contact when dredging chicken. Keep gluten-free flours fully separate from any wheat flour. Use separate plates and utensils.
Here is an example of a gluten-free chicken piccata recipe:
Gluten-Free Chicken Piccata Recipe
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), pounded to 1/4 inch thickness
– 1/2 cup rice flour or almond flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 5 tablespoons butter, divided
– 1/3 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup dry white wine
– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
– 2 tablespoons capers, drained
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to gently pound to about 1/4-inch thickness.
2. In a shallow bowl, combine the rice flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken cutlets in the flour mixture until fully coated on both sides.
3. Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the coated chicken breasts. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
4. To make the sauce, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter in the skillet. Stir in the chicken broth, white wine, and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Let the sauce simmer until reduced by half, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the capers and parsley.
6. Return the chicken cutlets and any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Turn to coat in the sauce and heat through, about 1 minute.
7. Serve the chicken piccata warm, spooning over plenty of lemony pan sauce. Enjoy over rice, with roasted vegetables, or alongside a side salad.
This recipe uses rice flour instead of wheat flour for a gluten-free breading. The classic pan sauce is prepared using chicken broth, white wine, lots of lemon juice, butter, capers, and parsley. Follow the tips above for an allergen-free chicken piccata meal the whole family will love.
Is Chicken Piccata Gluten-Free at Restaurants?
Ordering gluten-free chicken piccata at restaurants requires extra care. While the dish itself does not contain gluten, the preparation method may vary from kitchen to kitchen. Here are some tips for eating chicken piccata safely when dining out:
– Ask about the breading – Request the chicken to be cooked simply, without dredging in flour or breadcrumbs. This avoids any cross-contact.
– Request a gluten-free sauce – Ask that a wheat flour roux not be used to thicken the sauce. Opt for a broth-based sauce instead.
– Check on cross-contact – Inquire about steps taken to prevent cross-contact with gluten ingredients during prep and cooking. Many restaurants have designated gluten-free prep areas.
– Verify gluten-free ingredients – The chicken stock, capers, butter, and any other ingredients should all be verified as gluten-free.
– Choose safe side dishes – Get gluten-free starches like risotto, potatoes, or polenta instead of pasta.
– Look for gluten-free certification – Restaurants certified by GFCO have been audited for gluten-free training and safe protocols.
Ask plenty of questions when ordering to ensure your chicken piccata is safely prepared. And when in doubt, simpler is often better. Opt for pan-seared chicken breast with lemon, butter, and capers over the breaded, fried cutlet preparation.
Should You Be Concerned About Cross-Contact?
For those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, cross-contact is a serious concern. Even small amounts of gluten can trigger health issues.
Here are some points of potential cross-contact to be aware of with chicken piccata:
Breading dredge
If the same flour or breadcrumbs are used to coat multiple meals, including wheat-based dishes, traces of gluten could transfer. Use dedicated gluten-free flour.
Shared pans and utensils
Chicken piccata cooked in pans previously used to cook breaded foods could pick up traces of gluten. Use thoroughly cleaned cookware.
Shared work spaces
In restaurant kitchens, prep spaces are often shared. Chicken piccata prepared on a surface recently used to handle wheat flour pasta could be subject to cross-contact.
Shared fryer oil
If the oil used to pan-fry chicken piccata is also used for deep frying breaded foods, it may carry gluten protein residue. Dedicated fryer oil is safer.
Thickened sauces
Some chefs may use a roux with wheat flour to thicken the lemon-butter sauce. Opt for a broth-based sauce thickened simply through reduction.
So while the ingredients are gluten-free, cross-contact during prep and cooking can introduce trace amounts. Communicate your needs clearly at restaurants. And prevent cross-contact at home with good kitchen practices.
Is Chicken Piccata Safe for Celiac Disease?
For those with celiac disease, chicken piccata prepared without flour or breadcrumbs is generally considered safe. But there are still risks around cross-contact that require diligence.
According to University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center, a serving size of 50 grams contains less than 10mg of gluten can be safely tolerated by most celiac patients. So while chicken piccata does not inherently contain gluten, steps need to be taken to prevent any cross-contamination.
Here are some tips for those with celiac disease to eat chicken piccata safely:
– Prepare the dish at home using all certified gluten-free ingredients
– Avoid restaurants unless they have a dedicated gluten-free kitchen
– Request no breading or flour dredge on the chicken
– Use a clean pan and utensils that only touch gluten-free food
– Verify gluten-free broth, capers, butter, and any other ingredients
– Serve without pasta or bread which may introduce cross-contact
With proper precautions around prep and ingredients, chicken piccata is generally safe to enjoy for those with celiac disease. But always discuss your diet with your doctor and use caution eating out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does chicken piccata have gluten?
Chicken piccata does not inherently contain gluten. However, many recipes call for dredging chicken in wheat flour before cooking which does introduce gluten.
What can I use instead of flour for chicken piccata?
Rice flour, almond flour, chickpea flour, and corn starch all make good gluten-free substitutes. Or simply pan-fry chicken without any breading.
Is chicken piccata gluten-free at restaurants?
Ordering gluten-free chicken piccata at a restaurant requires extra care and clear communication. Request no breading on the chicken and that all ingredients be verified gluten-free.
Can people with celiac disease eat chicken piccata?
Those with celiac disease can tolerate chicken piccata prepared at home using certified gluten-free ingredients and with diligence to prevent cross-contact. Caution is advised when ordering at restaurants.
Does chicken broth have gluten?
Chicken broth is naturally gluten-free. But some brands may have additives that contain gluten or use wheat flour as a thickener. Always use certified gluten-free chicken broth.
The Bottom Line
Chicken piccata is a bright Italian dish that’s naturally gluten-free when made properly. While many recipes use wheat flour or breadcrumbs for dredging chicken, the dish can easily be prepared gluten-free by:
– Using substitutes like rice flour, almond flour, or chickpea flour for dredging
– Simply pan-frying chicken without any breading
– Verifying all ingredients are gluten-free, including chicken stock
– Taking steps to prevent cross-contact at home and when dining out
With some simple recipe adjustments and kitchen care, you can safely enjoy the fresh, flavorful taste of chicken piccata. This lemony pan sauce chicken is an elegant option for gluten-free eaters.
