This CrockPot Chicken Piccata is a wonderful mix of tender chicken, zesty lemon, and tasty capers. The slow cooking makes the flavors perfect and oh-so-delicious!
Honestly, I love how easy it is! Just toss everything in the CrockPot and let it do the work. Serve it over pasta or rice for a cozy meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish because they absorb flavors well. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work nicely too and will be juicier.
Capers: These add a unique tangy flavor. If you don’t have capers, try using green olives, which can offer a similar briny taste, though not exactly the same.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is best for brightness. If you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can suffice, but fresh is always preferable for the zesty flavor.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds depth to the sauce. Vegetable broth can also work if you’re aiming for a lighter option, or if cooking for vegetarians (just be sure to skip the chicken).
Onion: Yellow onion is perfect for its sweetness and flavor when sautéed. Substitute with shallots for a milder taste or scallions for a fresh twist.
How Can You Ensure Your Chicken is Tender and Flavorful?
To keep your chicken tender in this recipe, follow the browning step carefully. Browning adds flavor and helps lock in moisture. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure to season well and dredge in flour to create a slight crust.
- Heat your skillet to medium-high before adding the olive oil; this helps achieve a good sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to let each piece brown evenly without steaming.
After browning, placing the chicken in the CrockPot allows it to cook slowly, soaking in all those delicious flavors from the broth and seasonings. Remember, low and slow wins for tenderness!
How to Make CrockPot Chicken Piccata
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Lemon slices, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious CrockPot Chicken Piccata takes about 15 minutes of prep time. You will need to cook it for 4-5 hours on low in the CrockPot, making it perfect for hands-free cooking while you enjoy your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Then, dredge each piece in the all-purpose flour, making sure to shake off any excess flour. This will help create a nice crust when you brown the chicken.
2. Brown the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the floured chicken breasts to the skillet. Brown them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. If your skillet isn’t big enough, feel free to brown the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.
3. Transfer to the CrockPot:
Once the chicken is browned, carefully transfer it to the CrockPot. This is where all the magic will happen!
4. Make the Sauce:
Using the same skillet, add the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, drained capers, diced onion, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Stir everything together, bringing it to a simmer. Make sure to scrape any tasty brown bits off the bottom of the skillet as they add great flavor.
5. Combine in the CrockPot:
Pour the sauce mixture over the browned chicken in the CrockPot. This is where all those wonderful flavors blend together as it cooks!
6. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the CrockPot and cook on low for 4-5 hours. The chicken is ready when it is cooked through and tender. You can check it around the 4-hour mark to see how it’s doing.
7. Serve it Up:
After the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the CrockPot and place it on a serving platter. Pour the delicious sauce over the chicken and then garnish with chopped parsley and fresh lemon slices.
8. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve your flavorful Chicken Piccata with your choice of pasta, rice, or a fresh salad. Enjoy the delightful taste of this easy and comforting dish!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking. To thaw, place the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method by sealing them in a plastic bag and submerging in cold water for a few hours. Just be sure they are fully thawed before dredging in flour and cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or even water mixed with a bouillon cube as a substitute. For a richer taste, consider using white wine or even a mix of water and apple cider vinegar, adjusting the taste as desired.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. You can add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the chicken moist while reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Absolutely! To add some heat, consider sprinkling in crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper when you’re adding the garlic and onion. Adjust according to your spice preference, but start small—you can always add more!
