From Classic to Gluten-Free: Chicken Piccata Made with Zoodles

Chicken in lemon-caper sauce served over zucchini noodles, garnished with parsley and lemon slices.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Introduction

This Gluten-Free Chicken Piccata with Zoodles is a light and flavorful take on the classic Italian dish. Tender chicken is cooked in a tangy lemon-caper sauce and served over zucchini noodles (zoodles), offering a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to pasta. This dish is quick to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal without the guilt. 🍗🍋

Why Chicken Piccata with Zoodles Is Trending

In 2024, dishes that substitute traditional pasta with zucchini noodles are growing in popularity due to their low-carb benefits and gluten-free nature. This Chicken Piccata with Zoodles offers all the bold, zesty flavors of classic chicken piccata without the added carbs from pasta, making it a go-to option for those following low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diets.

Ingredients List for Chicken Piccata with Zoodles

Fresh ingredients for chicken piccata with zoodles, including chicken tenders, zucchini noodles, lemon, garlic, capers, olive oil, chicken broth, and parsley
  • 1 lb chicken tenders, sliced into bite-sized pieces 🐔
  • 2 large zucchinis, spiralized into noodles 🥒
  • 1 lemon, juiced 🍋
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
  • 2 tbsp capers 🍋
  • ½ cup chicken broth 🥣
  • 2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
  • Fresh parsley for garnish 🌿
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Prepare the Chicken
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken tenders and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
      • Tip: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before cooking to get a nice sear.
Lemon juice, capers, garlic, and chicken broth simmering in a skillet
  • Make the Lemon-Caper Sauce
    • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes.
      • Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, add some lemon zest to the sauce.
Zucchini noodles being sautéed in a skillet until tender.
  • Cook the Zoodles
    • In a separate skillet, lightly sauté the zucchini noodles for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
      • Tip: Don’t overcook the zucchini noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Chicken in lemon-caper sauce served over zucchini noodles, garnished with parsley and lemon slices.
  • ombine and Serve
    • Return the chicken to the lemon-caper sauce and toss to coat. Serve the chicken over the zucchini noodles and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
      • Tip: Serve immediately to keep the zucchini noodles fresh and crisp.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Calories: 290
  • Protein: 28g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 3g

Nutritional Explanation

This Gluten-Free Chicken Piccata with Zoodles provides a nutritious, low-carb option for pasta lovers. Chicken tenders offer lean protein to support muscle health, while the zucchini noodles deliver fiber and essential vitamins like vitamin C and potassium. The lemon-caper sauce adds bold flavor without added sugars or carbs, and the dish is naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly, perfect for anyone focused on clean, balanced eating.

Conclusion

The Gluten-Free Chicken Piccata with Zoodles is a fresh, tangy, and low-carb alternative to traditional chicken piccata. With tender chicken in a lemony, caper-filled sauce and crisp zucchini noodles, this dish is perfect for gluten-free or keto-friendly dinners. It’s quick to make, healthy, and bursting with bold flavors. Try it for your next weeknight dinner! 🌟