This Easy Crock Pot Lemony Chicken Piccata is a bright and zesty dish that’s super simple to make! Just toss chicken, lemons, and capers into the crock pot and let it cook!
You won’t believe how tender and tasty the chicken gets after slow cooking! I love serving it with pasta or rice to soak up that delicious lemony sauce. Yum! 🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish because they cook quickly and absorb the lemony flavors well. If you’re looking for alternatives, you could use chicken thighs for a juicier option, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is key to achieving that bright flavor. If you’re out of lemons, bottled lemon juice works, but fresh will always be tastier. You can also experiment with lime juice for a different twist.
Capers: Capers add a nice briny flavor. If you don’t have them, green olives can be a good substitute, but they will change the taste slightly. Skip them entirely if you’d prefer a milder flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for the most flavor. If fresh garlic isn’t available, you can use garlic powder, but you might want to add a teaspoon or so, as it’s less potent.
How Do You Make the Chicken Tender and Flavorful?
To ensure your chicken turns out tender, slow cooking is the way to go. Here are a few tips:
- Brown the chicken in olive oil first. It adds depth to the flavor and creates a nice color.
- Cook on low heat for at least 3 hours; this allows the chicken to absorb all the lemony goodness and makes it incredibly tender.
- If you want a thicker sauce, whisk a bit of flour with the crock pot juices near the end of cooking. This brings everything together beautifully.
Finishing with butter really adds a rich texture, making the sauce luscious. Trust me, you’ll love it!
Easy Crock Pot Lemony Chicken Piccata
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons capers, drained
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 3-4 hours of cooking in the crock pot on low. It’s a perfect set-it-and-forget-it dish, letting you enjoy your day while it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper. This simple step adds flavor to your chicken!
2. Brown the Chicken (Optional):
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they have a lovely golden color. Browning is optional, but it enhances the flavor!
3. Prepare the Crock Pot:
Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the crock pot. You’ll create a delicious sauce as it cooks!
4. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. This tasty lemon-broth mix will be poured over the chicken next!
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the lemon-broth mixture over the chicken in the crock pot. Make sure all the chicken is nicely covered in the yummy sauce!
6. Add Lemon and Capers:
Place the thin lemon slices and capers evenly on top of the chicken. They’ll add great flavor as they cook!
7. Cooking Time:
Cover the crock pot and let it cook on low for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through when done.
8. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, remove the chicken once it’s cooked and stir in the 2 tablespoons of flour into the crock pot juices. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes until thickened, then return the chicken to the sauce.
9. Finish with Butter:
Stir in the butter to the sauce for a touch of richness—so yummy!
10. Garnish:
Before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness!
11. Serve:
Enjoy your hot and flavorful Lemony Chicken Piccata over pasta, rice, or veggies. It’s a delightful meal that’s sure to impress!
Enjoy your delicious, tangy Crock Pot Lemony Chicken Piccata!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Lemony Chicken Piccata
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you should increase the cooking time. Cook on low for about 5-6 hours instead of 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening the sauce. Ensure that your chicken broth is also gluten-free.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare everything in the crock pot the night before, then refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply set it to cook. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a homemade meal with minimal morning prep!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring to ensure it heats evenly.