Oh boy, do I have a treat for you! I’m really excited to share my CrockPot Chicken Piccata recipe today. I still remember the first time I tried this dish—it was one of those busy weekday evenings when I needed something quick and flavorful. I threw some chicken breasts in my trusty CrockPot with just a handful of ingredients, and when we sat down to eat, everyone couldn’t stop raving about it! It felt like I had pulled off some culinary magic with zero effort.
What I love about this recipe is not just how easy it is but also the bright, zesty flavors that make your taste buds do a little happy dance. The best part? You can pop it in the CrockPot and carry on with your day, returning to a beautifully fragrant home and a delicious dinner waiting for you. So, let’s dive into the wonderful world of CrockPot Chicken Piccata!
What’s in CrockPot Chicken Piccata?
Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish! I prefer using boneless and skinless chicken breasts for their tenderness and ease of cooking. If you have thighs on hand, those work too for a richer flavor.
Capers: These little briny wonders add that signature piccata flavor. If you’re not familiar, capers are the flower buds of the Capparis plant, and they pack a punch! For a milder taste, you can use fewer.
Garlic: I love adding fresh garlic for a strong aromatic flavor. It elevates the dish and makes your kitchen smell heavenly. Feel free to adjust based on how much you love garlic!
Chicken Broth: This keeps the chicken moist and infuses it with flavor. I always opt for low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
Lemon Juice: You can’t have piccata without that zesty lemon flavor! Fresh lemon juice is the way to go, but bottled can work in a pinch.
Butter: A little bit of butter adds richness to the sauce. You can use it sparingly, or substitute with olive oil for a lighter version.
Parsley: This is for garnishing and bringing a pop of color! Fresh parsley is a must, but dried can work if that’s what you have on hand.
Is CrockPot Chicken Piccata Good for You?
Absolutely! This dish has several health benefits.
Chicken: Packed with lean protein, chicken helps in muscle building and satiety.
Capers: These can be beneficial for digestion and possess antioxidants.
Lemon Juice: Rich in vitamin C, it boosts your immune system and adds a refreshing zest to the dish.
However, keep in mind that the butter does add extra calories, so you might want to adjust it based on your dietary preferences. Generally, I find this recipe hits the spot when I want something comforting without veering too far off a healthy path.
Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (serves 4)
– 2 tablespoons capers, drained
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
– Juice of 1 large lemon (or about 1/4 cup)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make CrockPot Chicken Piccata?
1. Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your CrockPot. Don’t worry about them looking a little lonely in there; they’ll be swimming in flavor soon!
2. Add the minced garlic and drained capers over the chicken.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Give it a nice gentle stir to combine all the goodness.
4. Dot the top with butter—this is your flavor booster!
5. Cover and cook on low for about 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
6. When it’s ready, you can shred the chicken directly in the pot or leave it whole for a classier look. To serve, spoon the delicious broth over the chicken and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Delicious Tips & Serving Suggestions!
– If you want to amp up the flavor even more, consider adding some sliced mushrooms or a handful of spinach before cooking. Both are excellent add-ins!
– This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or even a side of steamed veggies. Sometimes, I just serve it with a crusty piece of bread to soak up all that sauce. Yum!
– If you’re feeling adventurous, a splash of white wine in the broth brings a delightful depth to the flavors.
So there you have it! I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and bask in the compliments that come your way. Cooking can be such a joyful experience, and I hope this dish brings you as much pleasure as it has brought to my family and me. Please let me know how it turns out!
