Crockpot Chicken Piccata

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 1/4 cup capers, drained - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon slices (for garnish) For this Crockpot Chicken Piccata, you need simple yet flavorful ingredients. First, the chicken breasts serve as the base of the dish. I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender bites. They will soak up the flavor from the sauce. Next, we have broth and acidic components. The chicken broth adds moisture. The fresh lemon juice gives a bright, zesty kick. This balance of flavors makes every bite enjoyable. Flavor enhancers play a key role too. Minced garlic, capers, oregano, and thyme bring depth to the dish. Each ingredient adds its own unique taste. Together, they create a rich sauce that complements the chicken perfectly. Finally, optional garnishes like fresh parsley and lemon slices brighten your plate. They add a pop of color and freshness. You can use these for a beautiful presentation. By gathering these ingredients, you're ready to create a tasty one-pot meal. This Crockpot Chicken Piccata promises layers of flavor that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} Seasoning the Chicken Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Use a good amount on both sides. This step adds depth to the dish. Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of the crockpot. Preparing the Sauce Mixture In a bowl, mix the chicken broth, lemon juice, minced garlic, and drained capers. Add oregano and thyme for flavor. Drizzle in the olive oil and stir until well combined. This sauce gives the chicken its tasty kick. Combining Ingredients in the Crockpot Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is well coated. This ensures every bite is full of flavor. Setting the Crockpot Temperature Cover the crockpot and set it to low. If you are short on time, you can choose high. Both settings work. Cooking Time Guidelines Cook on low for 6-7 hours. If you are using high, cook for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked when done. Plating Suggestions Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot. Place it on a plate. Drizzle some of the sauce over the chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a nice look. Best Accompaniments This dish pairs well with pasta or rice. Serving it over a bed of pasta makes a great meal. The sauce will soak into the pasta for added flavor. Achieving Tender Chicken To get tender chicken, use boneless and skinless chicken breasts. Season them well with salt and pepper before cooking. Place them in the crockpot first. This helps keep the chicken juicy. Cooking on low for 6-7 hours is best for tenderness. If you're short on time, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours. Ensuring Rich Flavor The key to rich flavor lies in the sauce. Mix chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and garlic. Add drained capers, oregano, and thyme for a pop of taste. Olive oil adds depth too. Pour this mixture over the chicken before cooking. This lets the flavors soak in while it cooks. Enhancing Presentation Make your dish look great by serving it over pasta or rice. Drizzle some of the caper sauce on top. Add fresh parsley and lemon slices for color. This simple touch makes the dish more inviting. Suggested Side Dishes Pair your chicken piccata with a fresh salad or steamed veggies. These sides balance the rich flavors of the dish. You can also serve crusty bread to soak up the sauce. This adds a nice touch to your meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and high-quality capers will elevate the flavor of your chicken piccata significantly. Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices and tenderness. Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like basil or parsley to add your own twist to the dish. Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce while simmering. {{image_2}} Substituting Proteins You can swap chicken for other meats. Pork or turkey work well. If you choose fish, I suggest salmon. It cooks quickly but has a rich taste. For a plant-based option, use firm tofu. Just ensure you press it to remove extra water. Alternative Herbs and Spices Use fresh herbs for a bright flavor. Basil or parsley can replace oregano and thyme. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. You can also use lemon zest to boost the lemon flavor in the dish. Experiment with what you like! Stovetop Variation If you prefer, you can cook chicken piccata on the stove. Start by searing the chicken in a skillet with olive oil. Once browned, add the sauce mixture. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This method gives a lovely caramelized flavor. Instant Pot Adaptation Using an Instant Pot is quick and easy. Sear the chicken first, then add your sauce. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for about 8 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for best results. This method keeps the chicken juicy and tender. - Best Practices for Refrigeration: Once you have leftovers, let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge. Enjoy them within three days for the best taste. - Recommended Freezing Techniques: To freeze, pack the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. Use within three months for best flavor. - How to Reheat Safely: For safe reheating, use the microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, heat on medium power. Stir halfway through to heat evenly. On the stovetop, warm over low heat until hot. - Maintaining Flavor and Tenderness: To keep the chicken tender, add a splash of broth while reheating. This helps retain moisture. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. If you use frozen chicken, add about 1-2 hours to the cooking time. Check that the chicken reaches 165°F for safety. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free chicken broth. Most brands offer a gluten-free option. Also, ensure the capers you choose are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a tasty meal without any gluten. If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it easily. Simply turn the crockpot to high after cooking. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, uncovered. This helps the sauce reduce and become thicker. If needed, you can also mix a little cornstarch with cold water and stir it in. This will help it thicken even more. In this article, I shared all you need for a great chicken dish. You learned the essential ingredients, from chicken breasts to flavorful garnishes. I provided clear steps for preparation and cooking in a crockpot. Plus, I included helpful tips for perfect chicken and serving suggestions. Try the variations for a fun twist and follow the storage tips for leftovers. You can create a delicious meal that suits your taste and needs. Now, get cooking and enjoy your delicious chicken!$

A delicious and easy chicken piccata made in a crockpot, featuring tender chicken breasts in a lemony caper sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 6

Total Time 7

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
0.5 cup chicken broth
0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
0.25 cup capers, drained
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
for garnish lemon slices

Instructions

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides and place them in the bottom of the crockpot.
In a separate bowl, mix together the chicken broth, lemon juice, minced garlic, capers, oregano, thyme, and olive oil until well combined.
Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, ensuring they are well coated.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and set aside.
If desired, turn the crockpot to high and let the sauce simmer uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken.
Serve the chicken topped with the sauce from the crockpot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

Notes

Serve the chicken piccata over a bed of pasta or rice, and drizzle some of the caper sauce over the top for an elegant look.

Keyword chicken, crockpot, easy, lemon, piccata