This dish is an ideal make-ahead meal and perfect for the freezer. Prepare a batch over the week, pop it in the freezer, and when you are in need of a quick and satisfying dinner, simply thaw, dump in your slow cooker, and enjoy! Its convenient, without compromising on flavor, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Experimenting with culinary dishes can be super intimidating! But it doesn’t have to be with this Chicken Piccata. We’ve got a treat for you today: Gluten-Free Chicken Piccata that’s not only incredibly tasty but also freezer-friendly. Think succulent chicken, bright lemony sauce, and the perfect hint of capers. It’s an explosion that’s safe for gluten-free diets and bound to impress anyone at your dinner table.
The best part? This dish is an ideal make-ahead meal and perfect for the freezer. Prepare a batch over the weekend, and pop it in the freezer. When you’re in need of a quick and satisfying dinner, simply thaw, dump in your slow cooker and enjoy. It’s convenient without compromising on flavor, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Join us in this blog post as we whip up this delightful Gluten-Free Chicken Piccata together. With tips and tricks on how to make this delicious freezer meal, cooking has never been this fun and easy! Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started, your taste buds are waiting!
Why You’ll Love this Gluten Free Chicken Piccata Freezer Meal
Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require complicated steps, perfect for busy weeknights.
Gluten-Free: Ideal for families with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy the meal without worry.
Restaurant Quality at Home: Enjoy a gourmet meal without the restaurant price tag or wait time.
Elegant Yet Simple: Impress guests with a dish that looks fancy but is easy to make.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepping ahead means less stress during the dinner rush.
Flavorful and Delicious: The lemon and caper sauce adds a burst of flavor that elevates the chicken.
Gluten Free Chicken Piccata Freezer Meal Recipe
This dish is an ideal make-ahead meal and perfect for the freezer. Prepare a batch over the week, pop it in the freezer, and when you are in need of a quick and satisfying dinner, simply thaw, dump in your slow cooker, and enjoy! Its convenient, without compromising on flavor, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Arrowroot Powder Instead of Tapioca Flour: Arrowroot powder is another excellent gluten-free thickening agent that can be used for dredging the chicken, creating a similar crispy texture. Substitute 1:1 for the tapioca flour when coating the chicken thighs.
White Wine Instead of Lemon Juice: White wine can add a rich, slightly acidic depth to the sauce that complements the flavors of chicken piccata. Use an equal amount (juice of 1 large lemon equals approximately 1/4 cup of white wine) in place of lemon juice in the sauce.
Fresh Parsley Instead of Capers: If you want to avoid the briny flavor of capers, fresh parsley can provide a fresh, herby note that enhances the overall flavor profile. Use a handful of chopped fresh parsley as a garnish and mix some into the sauce towards the end of cooking.
Additions:
Garlic Powder in the Flour Mixture: Adds a deeper flavor to the chicken coating. Mix 1 ½ tsp of garlic powder into the tapioca flour before dredging the chicken.
Adding Mashed Potatoes as a Side: Complements the tangy flavors of Chicken Piccata and adds a creamy, comforting side.
Extra Capers in the Sauce:Enhances the tangy, briny flavor of the dish. Increase the amount of capers to 1/4 cup (rinsed) in the sauce.
By incorporating these substitutions and additions, you can enhance the flavor, ensure the dish remains gluten-free, and maintain its quality as a freezer meal.
How to Reheat and Store Gluten Free Chicken Piccata?
Best Way To Store Freezer-Friendly Chicken Piccata Recipe Leftover?
Maintaining the freshness and safety of your Piccata leftovers requires proper storage. To begin, let your Chicken leftovers cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, place them into airtight containers or resealable plastic bags, making sure to minimize air inside to prevent freezer burn or spoilage. If you plan to store them for an extended period, the freezer is the best option. Frozen leftovers can retain their quality for several months.
How long will Gluten-Free Chicken Piccata last in the fridge?
If you’re wondering how long you can savor those delicious Chicken piccata leftovers, here’s the deal: you’ve got around three to five days in the fridge. But no need to stress! And if life gets crazy and the dinnertime rush happens multiple nights in a row, and you can’t finish them in time, don’t worry! You can always freeze them for later, and they’ll still taste great.
Can I freeze Quick and Easy Chicken Piccata Dinner?
Yes, this recipe was created as a freezer friendly recipe. We recommend making this recipe as a Raw Freezer Meal, simply by adding ingredients into a gallon freezer bag. Do not add the for serving ingredients, as these will be added to recipe day of cooking.
Once all ingredients are in a freezer bag, remove as much excess air, then seal and freeze for up to three months. If you have already cooked your Chicken Piccata and need to freeze some leftovers before they spoil, do so by allowing the recipe to come to room temperature. Then, place in freezer safe containers or freezer bags, then seal and freeze for up to three months.
How To Reheat Healthy Chicken Piccata Freezer Dinners?
We recommend using the stovetop to reheat your Chicken Piccata, for best results in maintaining freshness of flavor and texture. To reheat on the stovetop, give your skillet a splash of broth or water, place over medium heat, and then add the desired amount of leftovers onto the skillet. Heat and stir occasionally until evenly heated through.
You may also reheat using the microwave and oven. To use the microwave, place the desired amount of leftovers on a safe plate, and place in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. Stir between each interval, until heated throughout the dish.
Best Chicken Piccata Recipe for Freezing FAQs
What is Chicken Piccata sauce made of?
Chicken Piccata sauce is a very flavorful sauce that has some tanginess, and is made from a few key ingredients. The primary components include fresh lemon juice, capers, olive oil, and a broth.
The lemon juice provides a bright and zesty base, the capers bring in a distinctive brine taste, and the olive oil is used to saute the chicken and blend the lemon juice and capers. Garlic powder is often added and salt and black pepper are used to season the sauce to perfection.
What is traditionally served with Chicken Piccata?
Chicken Piccata is traditionally served with sides that complement its tangy and savory flavors. Common side dishes include different pastas, such as gluten-free spaghetti or a nice linguine. Which absorbs the delicious lemon caper sauce.
Rice is often used as a side dish, particularly wild or brown rice, which provides a nice hearty base. Vegetables are often used as a side dish, steamed asparagus, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts are some fan favorites. For a comforting side, mashed potatoes are an excellent choice, offering a creamy texture that pairs nicely with the sauce of the Chicken Piccata.
What is the best cooking wine to use with a Chicken Piccata?
The best cooking wine for a Chicken Piccata is a dry white wine. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works exceptionally well, adding a crispness and slightly acidic note that complements the ingredients in the sauce.
Chardonnay can also be a great cooking wine option, especially if it’s unoaked, as it provides a richer flavor without overpowering the dish. When choosing a cooking wine, it is essential to use one that you would enjoy drinking, as the flavors will concentrate during the cooking process, enhancing the taste of the Chicken Piccata.
What does Chicken Piccata mean in Italian?
In Italian, “piccata” refers to a method of preparing meat that involves thinly slicing the meat, dredging it in flour, and cooking it in a pan with oil or butter. “Picatta” translates to “larded” or “ pounded fat,” reflecting the traditional technique of flattening the meat to ensure even cooking throughout the dish. This Italian style of cooking is known for its simple and vibrant flavors that it produces.
What’s the difference between scallopini and piccata?
Scallopini and Piccata are both Italian cooking techniques that involve thinly slicing the meat, but they differ in the preparation and the sauces used in the dish. Piccata, specifically refers to meat that is thinly sliced and dredged in flour, but is always served with a tangy sauce made from lemon, capers, and a broth or wine base. Piccata focuses on a bright, acidic flavor profile.
Scallopini on the other hand, refers to a method where meat is pounded thin, dredged in flour, and sauteed in a pan. The sauce varies widely and can include ingredients like mushrooms, tomatoes, or Marsala wine.
Piccata often has a more acidic flavor profile, while scallopini can vary more in taste and ingredients.
What is the origin story of Chicken Piccata?
Chicken Piccata has its roots in Italy, traditionally made with veal rather than chicken. The dish originated from the Milanese method of cooking thinly sliced meat to retain tenderness and flavor. Italian migrants brought the recipe to the United States, where chicken became a more accessible and popular substitute for veal. Over time, Chicken Piccata evolved into a beloved Italian-American dish.
What substitutions can I make for a Chicken Piccata?
For a gluten-free Chicken Piccata, several substitutions can be made without compromising flavor. Instead of all-purpose flour, use arrowroot powder or cornstarch for dredging the chicken.
If you’re avoiding alcohol, substitute the white wine with a gluten-free chicken broth or a mix of broth and apple cider vinegar for a similar acidic profile. If lemon juice is unavailable lime juice may also be a good alternative, though this will slightly alter the traditional taste. Finely chopped green olives can be used instead of capers.
What can substitute for capers in a Chicken Piccata?
If capers are unavailable or not preferred, there are several substitutes that can mimic their brainy, tangy flavor in your Chicken Piccata. Green olives provide a similar salty taste and texture.
Another good alternative is pickled green peppercorns, another mild tangy and peppery flavor. For a different twist, you can use finely chopped pickles or cornichons. These substitutes will maintain the dishes characteristic zesty flavor, ensuring your chicken piccata remains delicious and satisfying.
As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!
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