How to Make Zesty Dairy-Free Chicken Piccata
This Dairy-Free Chicken Piccata is a tangy, savory dish that brings the classic Italian flavors to your table without any dairy products. Tender chicken cutlets are lightly breaded, pan-fried to golden perfection, and smothered in a bright lemon-caper sauce. It's a quick and elegant meal that's sure to impress.
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Recipe Details
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Servings
4
Difficulty
Intermediate
Simple Summary
This Dairy-Free Chicken Piccata is a delicious, lemony Italian-inspired dish that's perfect for those avoiding dairy. It's a light and flavorful meal that doesn't compromise on taste despite being lactose-free.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp capers, drained
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp dairy-free butter substitute (like Earth Balance)
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
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Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/4-inch thickness.
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In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, and pepper.
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Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the chicken cutlets and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add white wine (or additional chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
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Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
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Stir in the dairy-free butter substitute until melted and sauce is slightly thickened.
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Return the chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over the top. Heat for 1-2 minutes.
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Sprinkle with chopped parsley and garnish with lemon slices before serving.
Chef's Notes
- For extra-thin cutlets, you can butterfly the chicken breasts before pounding.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend for dredging.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent the chicken from drying out.
Nutritional Info
Per serving (approximate):
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 12g (mostly healthy fats from olive oil)
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- High in vitamin C from lemon juice
- Good source of B vitamins from chicken
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over a bed of pasta, zucchini noodles, or steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Pair with a side of roasted asparagus or a mixed green salad for a complete meal.
- For a special touch, serve with a chilled glass of the same white wine used in the recipe.
- Garnish the plate with additional lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.