Tantalize your taste buds: slow cooker chicken piccata that will melt in your mouth

The classic Italian dish, chicken piccata, gets a convenient twist with this slow-cooker recipe. Savor the tangy, lemony flavor of this delectable dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

What is Chicken Piccata?

Chicken piccata is a traditional Italian dish featuring tender chicken breasts dredged in flour and sautéed in butter. The chicken is then simmered in a flavorful sauce made with lemon juice, white wine, and capers.

Benefits of Slow-Cooking Chicken Piccata

• Effortless Preparation: Simply throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work.
• Tender and Juicy Chicken: The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and juicy.
• Rich and Flavorful Sauce: The sauce develops a deep, complex flavor as it simmers for hours.
• Versatile Side Dish: Chicken piccata can be paired with a wide range of side dishes, such as pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup capers
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture.
2. Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the browned chicken in a slow cooker.
4. Add Liquid: Pour the white wine (if using) and chicken broth over the chicken.
5. Add Lemon Juice and Herbs: Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, and capers.
6. Cover and Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
7. Thicken the Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 1/4 cup of the liquid from the slow cooker. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.
8. Stir in Sauce: Stir the thickened sauce into the slow cooker.
9. Serve: Serve the slow-cooked chicken piccata over pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Piccata

• Use Good Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your chicken piccata will depend on the quality of the ingredients you use. Opt for fresh lemon juice, capers, and parsley.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the chicken, do not overcrowd the pan. This will prevent the chicken from browning properly.
• Cook the Sauce Until Thickened: The sauce should be thickened before adding it to the slow cooker. This will ensure a rich and flavorful consistency.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more lemon juice, salt, or pepper.

Variations on the Recipe

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms in the olive oil before browning the chicken.
• Use Lemon Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce for extra citrus flavor.
• Try Different Capers: Use green capers for a more traditional flavor or nonpareil capers for a milder taste.
• Serve with a Side of Vegetables: Roast or steam some vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or carrots, to serve alongside the chicken piccata.

Tips for Leftovers

• Store Leftovers: Store leftover chicken piccata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat Leftovers: Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.
• Use Leftovers in Salads or Sandwiches: Leftover chicken piccata can be used in salads, sandwiches, or wraps.

Final Thoughts

Slow-cooked chicken piccata is an incredibly flavorful and convenient dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a classic Italian meal that will impress your family and friends. So, next time you’re craving chicken piccata, give this slow-cooker recipe a try.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Be sure to thaw them completely before browning.

Q: How can I make the sauce creamy?

A: Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the sauce after it has thickened.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

A: Yes, you can add sliced mushrooms, onions, or zucchini to the slow cooker along with the chicken.