This Easy Crock Pot Lemony Chicken Piccata is a zesty delight! Juicy chicken meets a tangy lemon sauce, making dinner a breeze with all the easy slow cooking.
I love how the crock pot does all the work, letting me enjoy the delicious lemony flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish, making it tender and easy to pull apart. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work great too and are usually more flavorful.
Olive Oil: It helps in browning the chicken and adds richness. You can swap it with another oil, like avocado or canola oil, but I find olive oil gives the best taste in this recipe.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish with a tangy flavor. If fresh lemons are not available, using bottled lemon juice can work, though fresh is always best! Don’t forget to add some lemon zest if you can.
Capers: They add a lovely briny flavor. If you are not a fan, you can omit them, or try green olives as a substitute for a different taste.
How Do I Achieve Juicy and Flavorful Chicken?
Cooking chicken in a crock pot is fantastic for keeping it moist! Here’s how to ensure it turns out great:
- Season your chicken well with salt and pepper first, as this helps enhance the natural flavor.
- Consider browning the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This step adds depth through caramelization, but if you’re short on time, it can be skipped.
- Always cook on LOW to keep the chicken tender, and aim for that sweet spot of 3-4 hours. Check to make sure it reaches the safe temperature of 165°F/75°C.
Easy Crock Pot Lemony Chicken Piccata
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons capers, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Cooked pasta or rice, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Getting everything ready takes about 15 minutes, and then you can let the crock pot do the magic! Cook it on LOW for 3-4 hours. In total, you’ll need around 4 hours and 15 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Then, dredge each piece in flour, making sure to shake off any extra flour. This gives the chicken a nice coating!
2. Sear the Chicken (Optional):
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown it for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it has a lovely golden color. This step makes it extra tasty, but if you’re in a hurry, you can skip it and go straight to the crock pot!
3. Get Cooking:
Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker. In a bowl, mix together the chicken broth, lemon juice, minced garlic, capers, oregano, parsley, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes. Pour this zesty sauce all over the chicken in the crock pot.
4. Slow Cook:
Cover the crock pot and let it cook on LOW for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be tender and cooked through (it should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F/75°C). The longer it cooks, the more flavorful it gets!
5. Finish and Serve:
Once the chicken is done, you can take it out and set it aside. If you’d like a thicker sauce, pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan, bring it to a boil, and let it cook until it’s reduced and thickened a bit. Serve the chicken topped with the luscious lemony caper sauce, garnished with lemon slices and fresh parsley!
6. Add a Side!
Enjoy your delicious Chicken Piccata over cooked pasta, rice, or with a side of steamed veggies for a complete meal. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ About Easy Crock Pot Lemony Chicken Piccata
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for this recipe. If you have frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight for food safety and even cooking. Avoid cooking frozen chicken directly in the crock pot, as it can lead to uneven cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Capers?
If you’re not a fan of capers or don’t have them on hand, you can use chopped green olives for a similar briny flavor. Alternatively, you can omit them altogether if you prefer a simpler taste!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish in advance, cook it, and then store the leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.
How Do I Thicken the Sauce If It’s Too Thin?
If you’d like a thicker sauce, transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan after cooking. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat and let it simmer until it reduces to your desired consistency. You can also mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce while it simmers for additional thickness.
