HomeDinnerCrock Pot Lemony Chicken Piccata Recipe

Crock Pot Lemony Chicken Piccata Recipe

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Crock Pot Lemony Chicken Piccata Recipe

Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian-American dish known for its delicate balance of flavors: tender chicken, tangy lemon, briny capers, and a rich, savory sauce. Traditionally, it’s made by pan-searing chicken breasts and then simmering them in a lemon-caper sauce. However, making it in a Crock Pot (slow cooker) offers a more convenient, hands-off approach while still retaining the deliciously light, zesty flavor profile.

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This Crock Pot Lemony Chicken Piccata recipe is ideal for those who want to enjoy a gourmet-style meal without standing over the stove for hours. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to come home to a flavorful dish that’s ready to serve with minimal effort.

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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.

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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.

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.

Troubleshooting: Common Issues and How to Fix Them

1. Chicken Is Dry or Tough

Slow cooking is meant to keep your chicken tender, but if the meat turns out dry or tough, it could be because it was cooked for too long, or at too high a temperature. Here’s how to avoid that:

  • Check the cooking time: For boneless chicken breasts, aim for 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. Overcooking can cause the chicken to dry out, so if you’re unsure, check the chicken a bit earlier.
  • Use chicken thighs: If you’re consistently having trouble with dry chicken breasts, switch to boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They’re more forgiving and will stay juicier, even with a longer cooking time.

2. Sauce Too Thin

If the sauce doesn’t thicken as much as you’d like, it could be due to:

  • Not enough reduction time: After the chicken is done, the sauce may need a few more minutes of simmering to reduce and thicken. If you’re in a rush, you can remove the chicken and let the sauce cook uncovered on the stove for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Cornstarch slurry: If you want a thicker sauce without simmering, you can make a quick cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir it into the sauce and let it cook for a few minutes until thickened.

3. Too Much Lemon Flavor

If the lemon is overpowering, you might want to balance it out:

  • Add a touch of sweetness: A small amount of honey or sugar can help tone down the tartness of the lemon. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste.
  • Dilute the sauce: If you’ve added too much lemon juice, a splash more chicken broth or wine can dilute the acidity without losing the essence of the dish.

4. Capers Too Salty

Capers can sometimes be too salty, which can throw off the balance of the dish:

  • Rinse them: To cut down on the saltiness, rinse the capers under cold water before adding them to the sauce. This will help remove some of the brine.
  • Use fewer capers: If you’re sensitive to the brininess, reduce the amount of capers by half or even more, depending on your preference.

Advanced Variations and Elevations

If you’re looking to elevate the dish further or try out different flavors, here are some ideas to transform this Crock Pot Lemony Chicken Piccata into a unique spin or a fusion dish.

1. Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Piccata

For a cheesy twist on the classic, you can add some grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce near the end of cooking. Stir it in gently to create a creamier texture. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top of the chicken when serving also adds a nice touch.

2. Mediterranean Chicken Piccata

Add some extra Mediterranean flair to the dish by incorporating:

  • Olives: Kalamata olives work well in this variation. Add them to the sauce along with the capers for an extra briny bite.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes add a rich, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the tangy lemon and capers.
  • Feta cheese: Crumbled feta cheese sprinkled on top of the chicken before serving gives it a salty, creamy finish.

3. Chicken Piccata with Asparagus

To make the dish even more wholesome, consider adding asparagus spears to the Crock Pot. They can be added during the last 30 minutes of cooking so that they remain crisp-tender and don’t get too mushy. The slight bitterness of asparagus complements the lemon and caper sauce.

4. Lemon Basil Chicken Piccata

Incorporate fresh basil leaves into the sauce for a fragrant herbal note. Fresh basil pairs exceptionally well with lemon, and it can add a lighter, fresher dimension to the dish. You can either stir the chopped basil into the sauce just before serving or garnish the finished dish with whole leaves for an aromatic finish.

5. Crispy Chicken Piccata

If you prefer a little extra crunch, bread the chicken before browning. To do this, dip the chicken breasts in flour, then egg, and coat them in seasoned breadcrumbs (either panko or regular). Brown the breaded chicken in oil as described in the original recipe, then proceed with the Crock Pot cooking. This variation gives you a crispy texture alongside the soft, slow-cooked chicken.

Pairing Wines with Crock Pot Lemony Chicken Piccata

The bright, tangy lemon flavor in this dish pairs wonderfully with wines that have a crisp, refreshing quality. Here are some great wine pairings to complement the dish:

1. Sauvignon Blanc

A classic choice for chicken piccata, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, acidic white wine that balances the tartness of the lemon and the brininess of the capers. Its citrus and green apple notes make it a perfect match for the dish.

2. Pinot Grigio

Another great white wine choice, Pinot Grigio is light and crisp, with a subtle minerality that complements the flavors of the chicken and sauce without overpowering them. It’s an excellent option for a more neutral pairing.

3. Chardonnay (unoaked)

If you prefer a fuller-bodied wine, opt for an unoaked Chardonnay. It will bring enough body to match the richness of the butter in the sauce while still keeping the acidity to balance the lemon.

4. Prosecco or Champagne

For a fun twist, you can pair your Chicken Piccata with a glass of sparkling wine. The effervescence of Prosecco or Champagne will help cleanse your palate between bites and add a touch of celebration to the meal.

Conclusion: Enjoying the Full Experience of Crock Pot Lemony Chicken Piccata

This Crock Pot Lemony Chicken Piccata recipe not only simplifies the cooking process but also ensures that you end up with a delicious, flavorful meal with minimal hands-on time. By using the slow cooker, the chicken becomes incredibly tender while absorbing the delicious lemon-caper sauce, resulting in a meal that’s both light and comforting at the same time.

From meal prep to cooking tips, variations, and troubleshooting, you now have all the tools to master this dish. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a special occasion, Crock Pot Lemony Chicken Piccata will be a hit.

Yield: 4

Crock Pot Lemony Chicken Piccata Recipe

Crock Pot Lemony Chicken Piccata Recipe

Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian-American dish known for its delicate balance of flavors: tender chicken, tangy lemon, briny capers, and a rich, savory sauce. Traditionally, it’s made by pan-searing chicken breasts and then simmering them in a lemon-caper sauce. However, making it in a Crock Pot (slow cooker) offers a more convenient, hands-off approach while still retaining the deliciously light, zesty flavor profile.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional but recommended)
  • 2 tbsp capers, drained
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or fresh, if you prefer)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken:
    Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge them in the flour, shaking off any excess.
  2. Sear the chicken:
    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side, just until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage—just browned.
  3. Transfer to the Crock Pot:
    Once seared, transfer the chicken to the Crock Pot.
  4. Make the sauce:
    In the same skillet, add a little more oil or butter, and sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
    Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, white wine (if using), capers, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Cook in the Crock Pot:
    Pour the sauce over the chicken in the Crock Pot. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook on high for 2-3 hours.
  6. Finish the sauce:
    When the chicken is done, remove it from the Crock Pot. Stir in butter into the sauce to make it creamy and smooth.
  7. Serve:
    Return the chicken to the sauce or serve it on the side with the sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and a few more capers if desired.

Notes

  • Chicken options: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier cut. They also hold up well during long cooking times.
  • Wine substitution: If you don’t want to use wine, you can substitute with more chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
  • Searing: The searing step isn’t mandatory, but it helps add extra flavor to the dish. If you’re short on time, you can skip it, though the chicken might be a little less golden and flavorful.
  • Butter: For a richer sauce, add the butter at the end. You could also use cream or half-and-half if you want an even creamier finish.
  • Serving ideas: This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables to soak up the lemony sauce. A simple salad on the side can also balance the richness of the dish.

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