Table of Contents: Crockpot Chicken Piccata

Crockpot Chicken Piccata

Remember those evenings when you wanted a restaurant-quality meal but just didn’t have the time or energy? This Crockpot Chicken Piccata is your answer. It’s a simplified, yet utterly delicious, take on the classic Italian dish, delivering all the bright, lemony, and savory flavors you love, with minimal effort.

Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen – a comforting blend of garlic, lemon, and capers – all thanks to your trusty slow cooker. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, relaxed weekend family dinners, or even a special occasion when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Introduction: Crockpot Chicken Piccata – A Weeknight Wonder

The beauty of Crockpot Chicken Piccata lies in its simplicity. It captures the essence of traditional chicken piccata – the tangy lemon, the salty capers, the richness of butter – and transforms it into an incredibly easy, set-it-and-forget-it meal.

We’ve streamlined the process without sacrificing flavor, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. This chicken piccata slow cooker recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves Italian food but wants to avoid the fuss of pan-frying and constant stirring. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting and elegant meal, especially during the holidays or when you’re short on time.

The slow cooker does all the hard work, resulting in incredibly tender chicken and a flavorful sauce that’s perfect over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. This is truly easy Italian chicken at its finest!

The inspiration for this recipe came from a desire to recreate the joy of a classic restaurant dish in a way that fits seamlessly into a modern, busy lifestyle. We wanted to prove that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to enjoy a truly satisfying and flavorful meal.

The slow cooker’s gentle heat allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a depth of taste that’s hard to achieve with traditional cooking methods. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze! This Crockpot Chicken Piccata is more than just a recipe; it’s a shortcut to deliciousness and a celebration of simple, flavorful ingredients. It’s a dish that will quickly become a family favorite.

Alternate Names & Variations

You might also know this dish by other names, or be searching for similar recipes. Some common variations include Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken, Lemon Butter Chicken, or even a simplified version of Chicken Saltimbocca.

If you’re looking for a similar flavor profile, our recipe for Creamy Tuscan Chicken is also a fantastic option. And for those who love a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to your chicken piccata slow cooker for a subtle kick.

Ingredients: Crockpot Chicken Piccata

* 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 4-6 breasts
* 2 tsp kosher salt
* 1 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
* ½ cup cassava or all-purpose flour (for dredging)
* 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus more as needed

* 2 tbsp butter or ghee (sub vegan butter for a dairy-free option)
* 4 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
* 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, low sodium preferred
* 4 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)
* 2 tbsp capers, drained
* 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better (even in a slow cooker!). Season generously with kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper.

2. Dredge the Chicken: In a shallow dish, combine the cassava or all-purpose flour. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
3. Sear (Optional but Recommended): Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, just until lightly browned. This step adds extra flavor and texture, but can be skipped if you’re short on time. Chef’s Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if necessary.
4. Layer in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared (or un-seared) chicken breasts to the bottom of your slow cooker.

5. Add Aromatics & Broth: Add the smashed garlic cloves to the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice.
6. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
7. Make the Sauce: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside. Stir in the butter (or ghee/vegan butter) and drained capers into the sauce in the slow cooker. Stir until the butter is melted and the sauce is slightly thickened. Chef’s Tip: If the sauce is too thin, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until thickened.

8. Shred (Optional): If desired, shred the chicken breasts with two forks.
9. Serve: Return the chicken (shredded or whole) to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce. Serve hot over your favorite pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

This Crockpot Chicken Piccata is a breeze to make! Prep time is approximately 10 minutes, cook time is 2-6 hours (depending on slow cooker setting), and total time is around 2-7 hours. This recipe serves 4 people. Estimated calories per serving are around 400-500, depending on side dishes and portion size.

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

What makes this Crockpot Chicken Piccata truly special is the combination of convenience and flavor. The slow cooker’s low and slow cooking method tenderizes the chicken beautifully, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The lemon and caper sauce is bright, tangy, and incredibly flavorful, perfectly complementing the richness of the chicken.

This recipe is a testament to the fact that you don’t need complicated techniques or hours of cooking to create easy comfort food for family dinners. For an even richer sauce, consider adding a splash of white wine to the slow cooker along with the chicken broth and lemon juice. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of lemon juice and capers to your liking – this recipe is easily customizable!

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Leftover Crockpot Chicken Piccata can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw completely in the refrigerator and then reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.

When reheating, you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to the sauce to prevent it from drying out. Freezing this easy Italian chicken dish is a great way to meal prep for busy weeks!

People Also Ask: Crockpot Chicken Piccata

How do you make chicken piccata in a Crockpot?

Making chicken piccata in a Crockpot is incredibly simple! First, season and lightly dredge your chicken breasts. Searing them beforehand adds extra flavor, but it’s optional. Then, place the chicken in the slow cooker, add garlic, chicken broth, and lemon juice.

Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Finally, stir in butter and capers to create the signature piccata sauce. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dish with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights.

What are the essential ingredients for chicken piccata?

The essential ingredients for chicken piccata are chicken breasts, lemon juice, capers, butter, and garlic. Flour is used for dredging the chicken, and chicken broth helps create the flavorful sauce. Fresh parsley is added for garnish.

While there are variations, these core components deliver the signature tangy, buttery, and savory flavor profile that defines this beloved Italian dish. Using fresh lemon juice is key for the best flavor in your Crockpot Chicken Piccata.

Does the slow cooker make the chicken tender?

Absolutely! The slow cooker is fantastic for making chicken tender. The low and slow cooking process breaks down the connective tissues in the chicken, resulting in incredibly moist and tender meat. This is one of the biggest advantages of making chicken piccata slow cooker style – you’re guaranteed juicy, fall-apart chicken every time. It’s a much gentler cooking method than pan-frying, which can often lead to dry chicken.

What side dishes go with Crockpot chicken piccata?

Crockpot chicken piccata pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Classic choices include pasta (linguine or spaghetti are excellent), fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy risotto, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette also complements the dish perfectly. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Conclusion: Crockpot Chicken Piccata

We hope you’ll give this Crockpot Chicken Piccata recipe a try! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both delicious and incredibly easy to make. Don’t forget to share your results with us – we love seeing your creations! Let us know in the comments how you customized the recipe and what side dishes you served with it. Happy cooking!