Crock Pot Lemony Chicken Piccata Recipe

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Lightly dredge each breast in flour, shaking off any excess. This step helps create a slight crust on the chicken, which adds texture to the dish.

2. Brown the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. You don’t need to cook them through at this stage—just give them a light sear for flavor. After browning, transfer the chicken breasts to the Crock Pot.

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3. Make the Piccata Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if necessary. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the chicken broth, white wine, lemon juice, lemon zest (if using), and capers to the pan. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Slow Cook the Chicken

Pour the prepared piccata sauce over the chicken breasts in the Crock Pot. Cover the pot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, depending on your time. The chicken should be cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F), and the sauce should have thickened slightly. The long, slow cooking process will ensure that the chicken remains moist and tender, absorbing the lemony caper sauce.

5. Finish the Sauce

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the Crock Pot and set it aside. Stir the unsalted butter into the sauce, allowing it to melt and create a silky finish. If you want a creamier sauce, whisk in the heavy cream at this stage. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

6. Serve

Place the chicken breasts back into the Crock Pot to rewarm in the sauce for a few minutes, or serve them directly on plates with the sauce poured over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley and fresh lemon slices for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Serve your Crock Pot Lemony Chicken Piccata over a bed of cooked pasta or alongside rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Crock Pot Lemony Chicken Piccata

1. Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor

Although boneless skinless chicken breasts are typically used, you can also opt for bone-in chicken breasts or thighs for more depth of flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as bone-in pieces usually take longer to cook.

2. Adjust the Lemon Flavor

If you love the tangy flavor of lemon, feel free to add extra lemon zest or juice to the sauce, but be cautious not to overdo it, as the lemon can overpower the other ingredients.

3. Don’t Skip the Browning Step

Even though this is a Crock Pot recipe, briefly browning the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker makes a huge difference in flavor. The Maillard reaction, which occurs when food is browned, enhances the overall taste and richness of the dish.

4. Add Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs, such as thyme, basil, or rosemary, can be added to the sauce along with the garlic for additional flavor complexity. However, fresh parsley is the traditional choice for garnish and adds a lovely pop of color.

5. Vegetable Additions

While chicken piccata is typically a simple dish, you can easily add vegetables to your slow cooker for more texture and flavor. Try adding sliced mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes towards the last 30 minutes of cooking to incorporate extra vegetables into the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Piccata is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides. Here are some great options:

1. Pasta

The most classic choice is to serve the chicken piccata over pasta. Spaghetti, angel hair, or fettuccine work especially well, but you can use whatever pasta you prefer. The light, tangy sauce is perfect for coating pasta noodles.

2. Rice or Quinoa

If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, serve the chicken with a side of rice or quinoa. Both will soak up the flavorful sauce, making each bite delicious.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, green beans, or broccoli, complement the dish with a slight crunch and a contrast in textures.

4. Garlic Bread

To complete the Italian-inspired meal, serve some freshly toasted garlic bread on the side. The bread is perfect for sopping up any extra sauce.

Variations of Crock Pot Chicken Piccata

1. Creamy Chicken Piccata

To make the dish richer and more indulgent, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the sauce in the final stages of cooking. This will give you a creamy, velvety sauce that still retains the tangy lemon and caper flavors.

2. Spicy Chicken Piccata

If you prefer a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to your taste. The heat from the pepper flakes adds a nice contrast to the tart lemon and briny capers.

3. Lemon and Herb Chicken Piccata

For a more herb-forward version, add fresh thyme, rosemary, or tarragon to the sauce. You can also include fresh lemon slices in the slow cooker, which will impart a more intense lemon flavor.

This Crock Pot Lemony Chicken Piccata is an easy yet flavorful dish that brings all the classic ingredients of chicken piccata to your slow cooker. With just a few simple steps, you can prepare a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The bright lemony sauce, savory capers, and tender chicken are a winning combination that everyone will love.

By taking advantage of the slow cooker’s ability to tenderize meat and develop deep flavors over time, this recipe ensures that your Chicken Piccata is as delicious as it is easy to make. Add your favorite sides, and you’ve got a well-rounded, satisfying meal with minimal effort.