This CrockPot Chicken Piccata is a tasty and easy dish that combines juicy chicken with a zesty lemon sauce. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal without the fuss!
I love how the slow cooker does all the work while I relax. Just toss in the chicken and let it simmer! Serve it over pasta or with a side of rice—so satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for a tender result. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs can be a great substitute, adding extra flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour is used for a light dusting. If you need a gluten-free option, almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend works well too.
Olive Oil: I use olive oil for its great flavor. Alternatively, you can use avocado oil, which has a higher smoke point and is also healthy.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is a must for that zesty flavor. If you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice works, but fresh is always better.
Capers: They add a nice briny punch. If you’re not a fan, you can skip them or replace them with a bit of green or black olives for a twist.
How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Cooked and Tender?
Getting chicken to be tender in a slow cooker involves a few key steps. The browning stage is very important as it locks in flavor before cooking slowly. Here’s how to do it:
- Season and dust the chicken lightly with flour before searing; this helps create a nice crust.
- Use medium-high heat to brown the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
- After browning, you can directly transfer the chicken to the slow cooker, which helps maintain its juiciness during the long cook time.
Letting the chicken soak in the lemon and broth mix for several hours will make it flavorful and tender, so be patient!
How to Make CrockPot Chicken Piccata
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon capers (optional)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of preparation time. The cooking time in the slow cooker is 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. So, total time including prep and cooking is between 4 hours and 15 minutes to 5 hours and 15 minutes, depending on your choice of cooking time. It’s a simple and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Then, lightly dust each piece with flour, making sure to shake off any excess flour. This helps create a nice crust when you sear the chicken.
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn a lovely golden brown. If your skillet isn’t big enough, you can sear the chicken in batches. After browning, carefully transfer the chicken to a slow cooker.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
Using the same skillet, add in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This step builds flavor for your dish!
4. Make the Sauce:
Pour the chicken broth and lemon juice into the skillet, and if you’re using capers, add them now. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This delicious sauce will be poured over the chicken later.
5. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Pour the tasty onion and lemon mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Don’t forget to place some lemon slices on top of the chicken for extra flavor!
6. Cook Until Tender:
Cover the slow cooker and cook your chicken on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender when it’s done, making it easy to shred or slice.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and arrange it on a serving platter. Spoon the flavorful sauce over the top. To finish, sprinkle the dish with chopped parsley and add some more lemon slices for garnish.
Enjoy your delicious CrockPot Chicken Piccata! This dish pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or a fresh garden salad. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw chicken in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker thaw. Never cook chicken from frozen in the slow cooker as it may not reach a safe temperature.
What Can I Substitute for the Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or even water. Keep in mind that using water may make the dish less flavorful, so adding a dash of extra seasoning or a bouillon cube can help enhance the flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just make sure to sear the chicken and sauté the onions and garlic before transferring everything to the slow cooker. This will enhance the flavors and ensure a delicious meal!
