There’s something timeless and comforting about a dish like Chicken Piccata. Maybe it’s the way the bright lemony sauce wraps around tender bites of chicken, or how the briny pop of capers brings just the right amount of contrast to the creamy texture. But for me, Chicken Piccata always reminds me of quiet Sunday evenings growing up, when the kitchen would smell like citrus and herbs, and we’d all gather at the table for a meal that felt a little extra special—even if we were still in our pajamas from a lazy day at home.

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What makes this version even better? It’s made right in the crockpot. That means less fuss, more flavor, and all-day simmering that turns simple ingredients into something magical. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this slow-cooker twist on the classic Italian-inspired dish delivers all the cozy vibes with minimal effort.

The traditional Chicken Piccata is pan-seared and served with a lemon-butter sauce—but letting it simmer low and slow in a crockpot gives the chicken a chance to soak in every drop of that tangy, savory flavor. It’s just as good spooned over fluffy rice or a bed of mashed potatoes as it is served with steamed vegetables or roasted asparagus.

This recipe has quickly become a go-to in my kitchen—not just because it’s simple, but because it feels like home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Hands-off cooking: Your crockpot does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
Bright, comforting flavor: The lemon and capers give it that classic piccata punch, while the slow-cooked chicken is incredibly tender.
Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Kid and family friendly: It’s rich and satisfying, but still light enough to please a wide range of tastes.
Fancy without the fuss: It looks elegant, but it’s super easy to pull off.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of pepper
1/2 teaspoon of paprika
1 cup of low sodium chicken broth
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup of capers (rinsed and drained)
2 tablespoons of cornstarch
2 tablespoons of water
1/2 tablespoon of lemon zest
2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

HOW TO MAKE CROCKPOT CHICKEN PICCATA:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Season the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken breasts on a clean cutting board or plate. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. This simple blend adds a subtle depth of flavor that holds up beautifully against the bold lemon and caper sauce.
Layer the Crockpot
Nestle the seasoned chicken breasts into the bottom of your crockpot. They don’t have to be perfectly arranged—just make sure they’re in a single layer, or as close to it as possible.
Add the Flavor Boosters
Pour the chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the chicken. Then scatter the capers around the pot. Don’t worry if they float around—it all blends together during cooking to infuse the chicken with that signature bright piccata flavor.
Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, depending on your schedule. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is fork-tender and has absorbed all those wonderful flavors.
Thicken the Sauce
About 15 minutes before serving, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this slurry into the crockpot and stir gently to combine. Let the sauce thicken while the crockpot remains on warm or low. It’ll develop that velvety, luscious texture that makes the dish so satisfying.
Add the Final Touches
Right before serving, stir in the lemon zest and butter. The zest adds a fresh pop of citrus, and the butter rounds out the sauce with just the right amount of richness. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a little color and extra freshness.

HELPFUL TIPS:

Use chicken thighs if you want an even juicier result. They hold up beautifully in the slow cooker.
Double the sauce if you plan on serving this with pasta or rice—it’s that good.
Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference here. Bottled can work in a pinch, but fresh brings the dish to life.
Add veggies like sliced mushrooms or artichoke hearts during the last hour of cooking for an easy one-pot meal.

DETAILS:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
Total Time: 4–6 hours
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Diet: Gluten-Free (if using a gluten-free broth)

NOTES:

If your chicken releases a lot of liquid during cooking, you can ladle some out before adding the cornstarch slurry to keep the sauce thick.
Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: (Estimates per serving)

Calories: 280
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 550mg

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This is a great make-ahead dish. You can even assemble everything in the crockpot insert the night before and refrigerate. In the morning, just pop it in and start cooking.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Let the chicken cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers with some sauce. It’ll keep for up to 3 months.

What can I serve with Chicken Piccata?
Mashed potatoes, steamed rice, egg noodles, or even cauliflower rice all pair beautifully. Don’t forget a side of crusty bread to mop up the sauce!

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in single portions for easy reheating. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

Related Recipes

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CONCLUSION

Crockpot Chicken Piccata is one of those rare dishes that checks all the boxes: easy, comforting, elegant, and totally delicious. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again—especially on days when you want a homemade meal but don’t have the time (or energy) to hover over the stove.