Gluten free chicken scarpariello is so quick and easy, you’ll be out of the kitchen in no time. It’s delicate, lemony flavor is sure to please your family and they won’t believe it’s gluten free.

Today, I’m thrilled to introduce a recipe that’s particularly dear to me – Gluten-Free Chicken Scarpariello, New York Style.

This dish has a rich history that spans over half a century and is deeply rooted in my family’s culinary traditions.

You see, many renditions of chicken scarpariello call for chicken thighs and a slow oven braise that takes up a whole hour of your precious time.

But not this one!

Our recipe is all about ease and speed, featuring succulent cut-up chicken breast cooked to perfection.

And the inspiration for this dish? Well, it traces back to my father-in-law’s fancy Italian restaurant in New York, more than five decades ago.

In fact, my in-laws were in their restaurant, and watching the television when Neil Armstrong took his historic first step on the moon. Now, that’s a memory worth savoring!

Even a favorite Italian restaurant in our quaint village just north of Manhattan served their chicken scarpariello with thighs, bathed in a similar tantalizing lemony sauce.

The flavors in our recipe are authentic, with that irresistible tangy lemon glaze caressing sautéed meat.

But fast-forward to today, and you’ll find that the internet is brimming with chicken scarpariello recipes, most of them featuring a tomato-based sauce and some spicy hot peppers.

Well, we’ve got our own version, and I dare say, it’s the best one yet.

In this gluten-free twist, we swap out the regular flour for gluten-free all-purpose flour.

The best part? This scrumptious dish goes from the stove to your table in under twenty minutes. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Along with thin-sliced chicken, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients.

Ingredients for gluten free chicken scarpariello

Chicken breasts: Slice skinless and boneless chicken breasts in half or get them already thin-sliced from your butcher. With a meat mallet, pound them for tender juicy meat. Then cut into thirds.
Gluten free flour for dredging
Extra-virgin olive oil for frying
Butter and garlic: Browning fresh garlic in butter until it turns a rich golden hue infuses the sauce with a delightful, buttery garlic base.
White wine: A splash of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors of this dish nicely.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and the combination of garlic, white wine, and chicken juices create the signature tangy sauce.
Water and salt: Simmer with water and taste for salt. This enhances flavor concentration as the sauce thickens beautifully.

Instructions

*Free printable recipe card is available at the end of the post.

If you have whole skinless, boneless chicken breasts, slice them in half.

Then, tenderize the thin-sliced chicken breasts with a meat pounder.

And cut your chicken into two-inch pieces.

Next dredge the chicken in gluten free flour. The flour helps the chicken to brown and forms a nice texture on each piece. It also thickens the sauce you’ll be making in the final step.

Shake off the excess flour and set aside.

Heat your oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. When the oil starts to sizzle (but not smoking), add your chicken and cook for two minutes on each side. These small chicken pieces cook fast.

Then drain the oil and brown the garlic in butter in the same pan. Add some wine, lemon juice and water. Bring this sauce to a boil, scraping up the brown bits from the pan for extra flavor.

Finally, return all the chicken to the pan and simmer until all the flavors are combined and the sauce is thickened. Add salt to taste.

And that’s it. Easy peasy.

Serving suggestions

Serve with a side dish of roasted potatoes, rice or gluten free pasta, along with sautéed broccoli, and some crusty gluten free bread to sop up the sauce.

For dessert, consider pairing this savory dish with lavender stracciatella ice cream topped with homemade chocolate syrup.

Pro tips and recipe notes

What does scarpariello in Italian mean? The name “Chicken Scarpariello” translates to “shoemaker’s chicken” in English, yet its origin remains shrouded in mystery, with limited documented history. It is widely acknowledged as a creation of Italian-American cuisine, and owing to its uncertain historical roots, it’s not surprising that recipes for chicken scarpariello exhibit considerable variation.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? While this recipe uses chicken breasts, you can certainly use thighs if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they’re cooked through.

Can I make this recipe without wine? Yes, you can omit the wine and substitute it with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.

Can I add spicy peppers for extra heat? Absolutely! Feel free to add sliced hot peppers or red pepper flakes if you enjoy some heat in your dish.

Is this recipe suitable for a large gathering? Yes, you can easily scale up the recipe to feed a crowd by adjusting the servings slider in the recipe card accordingly.

How should I store leftovers? Leftovers will keep for 3 days in the fridge. Place in an airtight container promptly, preferably within 2 hours of cooking.

Can I freeze this meal? If you don’t plan to consume the leftovers within a few days, you can freeze them. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label the containers with the date and consume them within 2 to 3 months for the best quality.

This quick and easy version of gluten-free chicken scarpariello is a testament to the rich tapestry of culinary traditions that make up Italian-American cuisine.

So, go ahead, try your hand at this delightful dish, and make it your own. Share it with loved ones, create new memories, and continue the tradition of enjoying the comforting flavors. Buon appetito!

And if you have any questions, please reach out to me in the comments or shoot me an email, and I’ll respond ASAP!

Love chicken? Try these recipes

Keto Chicken Piccata: This buttery and lemony keto chicken piccata is a super low-carb twist on an easy delicious family favorite.

One-Pan Chicken Alfredo: This creamy chicken Alfredo is a nutritious, protein-packed, and delicious one-pan meal. So clean up is easy too.

Grainless Crispy Chicken Nuggets: Grainless crispy chicken nuggets are coated in a spicy batter before frying. Absolutely delicious and go from stovetop to your table in 30 minutes flat.

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