Crockpot Chicken Piccata Recipe

Zesty Crockpot Chicken Piccata Recipe: Hands-Off Magic

Weeknight dinners become effortless with this crockpot chicken piccata that promises restaurant-quality flavor without complicated techniques.

Juicy chicken breasts slowly simmer in a zesty lemon-butter sauce that melts in your mouth.

Capers add delightful bursts of tangy goodness throughout the dish.

Classic Italian-inspired ingredients combine in a simple slow cooker method that saves precious time.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment when you serve this crowd-pleasing meal.

Succulent and bright, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s make dinnertime deliciously stress-free with this amazing one-pot wonder.

What’s So Lovely About CrockPot Chicken Piccata Recipe

  • Simplify Cooking: Transform a classic stovetop recipe into a hands-off slow cooker meal that requires minimal active preparation and monitoring.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe to suit different dietary preferences by swapping ingredients or adjusting seasonings without compromising the dish's delicious flavor profile.
  • Boost Meal Prep Potential: Create a versatile protein option that can be served immediately or stored for quick lunches and dinners throughout the week, making meal planning a breeze.
  • Impress Without Stress: Serve a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes sophisticated, yet involves straightforward cooking techniques anyone can master.

What You’ll Need For CrockPot Chicken Piccata Recipe

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein for this delicious piccata dish.
Coating and Thickening Agents:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
  • Flour: A light dusting that helps create a golden crust and thickens the sauce slightly.
Flavor Builders:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a rich base for searing and adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that create a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: A savory liquid that adds moisture and intensifies the dish's taste.
  • Lemon Juice, Lemon Slices: Brings a bright, tangy citrus note that is characteristic of piccata.
  • Capers: Small pickled buds that contribute a briny, sharp flavor to the sauce.
Garnish:
  • Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a pop of color and a light, herbal finish to the dish.

Simple Steps For CrockPot Chicken Piccata Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Sprinkle chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Dust each piece with flour, ensuring you shake off any excess. This coating will help create a beautiful golden exterior when seared.

Step 2: Sear and Brown

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken breasts into the hot pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a rich golden-brown color. Transfer the seared chicken directly into the crockpot.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

In the same skillet, sauté:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic

Cook for 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant, releasing their delicious aroma.

Step 4: Develop Piccata Sauce

Pour into the skillet:
  • Chicken broth
  • Lemon juice
  • Capers

Stir ingredients and bring to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Layer in Crockpot

Pour the aromatic sauce over the chicken in the crockpot. Strategically place fresh lemon slices on top to infuse additional citrusy brightness.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Chicken should become incredibly tender and easily shreddable.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Remove chicken from crockpot and arrange on a serving platter. Generously spoon sauce over the meat. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and add extra lemon slices for a vibrant presentation.

Serve alongside pasta, rice, or a crisp garden salad. Bon appétit!

Best Tips For CrockPot Chicken Piccata Recipe

  • Flour Coating Trick: Dust chicken lightly with flour to create a crispy, golden exterior that helps seal in moisture during slow cooking.
  • Searing Success: Brown chicken before slow cooking to develop deep, rich flavors and prevent bland, pale meat.
  • Sauce Layering Technique: Use the same skillet to sauté onions and create sauce, capturing all the delicious browned bits for maximum flavor intensity.
  • Lemon Zest Boost: Add fresh lemon slices directly into the slow cooker to infuse the chicken with bright, citrusy notes throughout cooking.
  • Capers Optional Enhancement: Sprinkle capers for a tangy, briny punch that complements the lemony sauce and adds gourmet complexity to the dish.

Tasty Twists On CrockPot Chicken Piccata Recipe

  • Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace traditional seasoning with a blend of oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a robust Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced jalapeños and a pinch of red pepper flakes to introduce a zesty, spicy dimension to the classic chicken piccata.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals while maintaining the crispy coating.
  • Dairy-Free Wellness Version: Eliminate butter and use olive oil exclusively, ensuring the recipe remains creamy and flavorful for those avoiding dairy products.

What To Pair With CrockPot Chicken Piccata Recipe

  • Elevate Lemon-Herb Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, zesty Sauvignon Blanc with bright citrus notes that complement the chicken's lemony profile and cut through its richness.
  • Amplify Mediterranean Plate Companion: Serve alongside roasted rosemary potatoes or garlic-infused orzo to soak up the tangy piccata sauce and create a harmonious flavor experience.
  • Create Texture-Enhancing Side Dish: Prepare a light arugula salad with shaved parmesan and toasted pine nuts to add peppery complexity and provide a fresh contrast to the tender chicken.
  • Boost Flavor-Matching Bread Option: Offer crusty sourdough or herbed focaccia to soak up the delicious sauce, adding a wonderful textural element and enhancing the overall dining experience.

How To Keep CrockPot Chicken Piccata Recipe Fresh

  • Store leftover chicken piccata in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with the remaining sauce to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
  • Carefully place cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Ensure you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
  • Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F.

CrockPot Chicken Piccata Recipe Q&A

  • Is flour necessary for this recipe?

Yes, flour helps create a golden crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce, adding texture and flavor to the dish.

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Chicken thighs work well, but adjust cooking time since they’re typically smaller and cook faster than chicken breasts.

  • What if I don't have fresh lemons?

You can substitute with bottled lemon juice, though fresh lemons provide a brighter, more vibrant citrus flavor that enhances the dish.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

To make it gluten-free, use cornstarch or gluten-free flour instead of regular flour when coating the chicken.

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Crockpot Chicken Piccata Recipe

Crockpot Chicken Piccata Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (low) or 2 hours 10 minutes (high)
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Zesty lemon chicken piccata simmers effortlessly in crockpots, bringing classic Italian flavors to home kitchens. Tender chicken breasts bathed in tangy sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with every comforting bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Coating:

  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) all-purpose flour

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon capers
  • 1 small onion, diced

Garnish:

  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken by generously seasoning both sides with salt and pepper, then dust lightly with flour, ensuring excess is shaken off to create a perfect golden crust.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a rich, golden-brown exterior. Transfer browned chicken to the slow cooker.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
  4. Deglaze the skillet by adding chicken broth and lemon juice, incorporating capers if desired. Stir the mixture and allow it to simmer gently, creating a vibrant, tangy sauce.
  5. Pour the aromatic onion and lemon sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, strategically placing lemon slices on top to infuse additional citrus flavor.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, ensuring the chicken becomes supremely tender and fully cooked through.
  7. Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and arrange on a serving platter. Generously ladle the flavorful sauce over the chicken, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional lemon slices for a bright, zesty finish.

Notes

  • Flour with care to avoid clumping, ensuring a light, crispy coating that enhances the chicken’s texture without weighing it down.
  • Sear chicken briefly to lock in juices and develop rich, caramelized flavors before slow cooking, preventing dry and bland meat.
  • Select fresh lemons for maximum zesty brightness, as bottled juice can taste flat and compromise the bright piccata profile.
  • Adjust cooking time based on chicken thickness; thinner breasts require less time to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, juicy results.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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