Easy Crockpot Chicken Piccata with Boneless Chicken Breasts Recipe

Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian dish known for its zesty lemon and caper sauce, typically paired with pan-fried chicken. But what if you could enjoy this sophisticated flavor with the convenience of a crockpot? Enter Easy Crockpot Chicken Piccata with Boneless Chicken Breasts—a recipe that transforms this traditional dish into a hassle-free, tender, and flavorful meal.

Why Crockpot Cooking?

Cooking Chicken Piccata in a crockpot has several benefits:

1. Tender Chicken: Slow cooking ensures the chicken stays juicy and absorbs all the rich flavors of the sauce.
2. Hands-Free: No need to babysit the stove; the crockpot does all the work.
3. Meal Prep Friendly: You can prepare the ingredients in advance and let the crockpot handle the rest.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
2. In a small bowl, mix the flour, salt, and pepper.
3. Lightly coat each chicken breast with the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Sear each chicken breast for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
   • This step enhances the flavor and helps the chicken retain its shape during slow cooking.

Step 3: Assemble in the Crockpot

1. Place the seared chicken breasts in the crockpot in a single layer.
2. Add the minced garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers over the chicken.
3. Dot the chicken with butter for a rich, velvety sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. Cover the crockpot with the lid.
2. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
   • Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

1. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and set it aside.
2. Transfer the sauce to a small saucepan.
3. Simmer over medium heat and whisk in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water to thicken, if desired.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Place the chicken breasts on a serving platter or individual plates.
2. Spoon the sauce generously over the chicken.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a vibrant touch.
4. Serve with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips for the Best Chicken Piccata

1. Choose Fresh Ingredients

• Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor—bottled juice can taste artificial.

2. Searing for Extra Flavor

• While optional, searing the chicken before slow cooking enhances the dish’s depth.

3. Control the Salt

• Since capers and broth are naturally salty, taste the sauce before adding extra salt.

4. Don’t Overcook

• Slow cookers vary, so check the chicken’s temperature to avoid drying it out.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Crockpot Chicken Piccata with any of the following:

• Pasta: Angel hair or linguine tossed with olive oil and Parmesan.
• Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice to absorb the tangy sauce.
• Vegetables: Steamed asparagus, green beans, or a crisp side salad.

Variations

1. Gluten-Free

• Use gluten-free flour to coat the chicken.

2. Dairy-Free

• Substitute butter with olive oil or a dairy-free alternative.

3. Extra Veggies

• Add mushrooms, spinach, or artichokes to the crockpot for additional texture and flavor.

4. Wine-Infused Sauce

• Replace half of the chicken broth with dry white wine for a more complex sauce.

Why This Recipe Works

1. Easy Preparation: Simple steps and minimal ingredients make this recipe perfect for busy days.
2. Rich Flavor: The combination of lemon, butter, and capers creates a classic, irresistible sauce.
3. Versatile Serving Options: Pairs beautifully with various sides, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra richness to the dish.

2. What can I substitute for capers?
If you’re not a fan of capers, chopped green olives make a great alternative.

3. How can I make the sauce creamier?
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking.

4. Is it necessary to thicken the sauce?
No, the sauce is delicious as is, but thickening adds a more luxurious texture.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure your crockpot has enough space to cook the chicken evenly.

Yield: 4

Easy Crockpot Chicken Piccata with Boneless Chicken Breasts Recipe

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Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian dish known for its zesty lemon and caper sauce, typically paired with pan-fried chicken. But what if you could enjoy this sophisticated flavor with the convenience of a crockpot? Enter Easy Crockpot Chicken Piccata with Boneless Chicken Breasts—a recipe that transforms this traditional dish into a hassle-free, tender, and flavorful meal.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• ¼ cup capers, drained and rinsed
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free option)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken:
   Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
   
2. Optional Sear:
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step is optional but adds extra flavor.
   
3. Assemble in the Crockpot:
   Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers.
   
4. Cook:
   Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
   
5. Make the Sauce:
   Remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and set aside.
   In a small bowl, whisk the flour (or cornstarch) with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry.
   Stir the slurry into the crockpot juices. Add the butter and whisk until the sauce thickens slightly.
   
6. Serve:
   Return the chicken to the crockpot to coat it with the sauce.
   Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serving Suggestions: Serve the chicken piccata over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Lighter Version: Use less butter or substitute with a small amount of olive oil in the sauce.