If you’re searching for a cozy, hands-off dinner that packs incredible flavor, look no further than Crockpot Chicken Piccata. This beloved Italian-American classic gets an effortless slow-cooker twist that delivers fork-tender chicken bathed in a silky lemon-caper sauce. Each bite is bright, buttery, and brimming with just the right balance of tang and richness, making this dish a true weeknight hero or a crowd-pleasing entree perfect for sharing with guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I adore about this recipe is how it transforms simple, pantry-friendly ingredients into a truly elegant meal. Each element genuinely matters, with every addition bringing something special to the flavor, texture, or visual appeal of Crockpot Chicken Piccata.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a lean, juicy base that soaks up all that luscious lemony sauce.
- Salt: A sprinkle of salt seasons the chicken perfectly and brings out all the savory notes.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds subtle warmth and complexity to each bite.
- All-Purpose Flour: A light dredge helps brown the chicken and gives body to the sauce as it cooks.
- Olive Oil: A Mediterranean staple for a flavorful sear and extra richness.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter brings the signature silky finish and gorgeous gloss to the sauce; divided use is key!
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with irresistible aromatic depth.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Provides a savory base and keeps the dish from becoming too salty—choose low-sodium for perfect balance.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: The star player for that bright, tangy pop that makes piccata legendary.
- Capers: Tiny, briny capers burst with flavor and give the dish its iconic character.
- Lemon Zest: A little zest perfumes the sauce and takes the citrus note to another level.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: A flourish of fresh parsley at the end adds color and a hint of freshness.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Piccata
Step 1: Season and Dredge the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, ensuring every piece gets an even coating. Next, lightly dredge each breast in flour, shaking off any excess. Don’t skip this part—it not only helps the chicken brown beautifully in the skillet but also thickens that stunning sauce as the dish simmers in your slow cooker.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the flour-coated chicken breasts and sear each side for 2–3 minutes, just until they take on a golden hue. You’re not cooking them through; just building the base layers of flavor and color for your Crockpot Chicken Piccata.
Step 3: Slow Cooker Set-Up
Lightly grease your slow cooker and lay the seared chicken breasts in the bottom. This simple step ensures nothing sticks and helps the juices settle beautifully around each piece of chicken.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Don’t clean out your skillet yet! Toss in the minced garlic and sauté briefly—just 30 seconds will coax out delightful aromas. Then pour in your chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any golden bits stuck to the pan. Add the capers and lemon zest, stirring gently; this forms the punchy, savory backbone of your sauce.
Step 5: Assemble and Cook
Pour the simmering sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Dot the tops of the chicken breasts with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter; as they melt, they enrich the sauce even more. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and irresistibly tender. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving for a burst of color and garden-fresh flavor.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Piccata
Garnishes
The finishing touches can make your Crockpot Chicken Piccata look as wonderful as it tastes. A generous sprinkle of chopped parsley adds freshness, while a few extra capers or thin lemon slices instantly elevate plating and impress guests.
Side Dishes
Drape each tender chicken breast over a twirl of buttery pasta, a cloud of creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy white rice to soak up every drop of that tangy-lemon sauce. For a lighter touch, cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles make fantastic low-carb companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party-worthy twist, plate the chicken piccata over a bed of arugula or spring greens, drizzle with sauce, and scatter toasted pine nuts over the top. Or, slice leftover Crockpot Chicken Piccata and heap it onto toasted ciabatta with a bit of sauce and greens for an irresistible gourmet sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftover Crockpot Chicken Piccata to cool before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the flavors deepen as they mingle, making tomorrow’s lunch a delight!
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, place cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay them flat for easy storage, and enjoy within 2 months for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your Crockpot Chicken Piccata gently on the stovetop in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating also works in a pinch—just cover and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I substitute chicken thighs in this Crockpot Chicken Piccata recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs tend to stay tender and can even handle a bit more slow-cooking without drying out.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely. Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, and proceed with the recipe as written. The rest of the ingredients in Crockpot Chicken Piccata are naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare Crockpot Chicken Piccata ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the chicken and sauce the night before, refrigerate the insert, and then pop it in the slow cooker the next day. It’s a perfect solution for stress-free entertaining or meal prep.
What if I don’t have capers?
While capers give classic piccata its unique zing, small chopped green olives can be used as a stand-in if needed. The result will still be bright and delicious with a different, but pleasant, salty note.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The safest way is to use a quick-read thermometer; the chicken is ready when it reaches 165°F at the thickest part. By the time the Crockpot Chicken Piccata has cooked for the recommended hours, it should be tender and fully cooked through.
Final Thoughts
Every kitchen needs a few go-to dishes that deliver big flavor with minimal effort, and Crockpot Chicken Piccata is exactly that recipe. Trust me, once you try this citrusy, buttery classic, it’ll earn a regular spot at your family table. Grab your slow cooker and give it a whirl—you won’t believe how easy and rewarding it is!
Print
Crockpot Chicken Piccata Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crockpot Chicken Piccata recipe is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish, made easy with the convenience of a slow cooker. Tender chicken breasts are simmered in a flavorful lemon-caper sauce until perfectly cooked and infused with tangy flavors. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that pairs well with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour.
- Sear the Chicken: Sear chicken in a skillet until lightly golden.
- Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic, deglaze with chicken broth and lemon juice, then add capers and lemon zest.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: Place chicken in slow cooker, pour sauce over it, and cook until tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
- For a low-carb option, pair with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.
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