Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 chicken cutlets (about 1 ½ pounds chicken, thinly sliced); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp. salt; 1/2 tsp. black pepper; 1/2 cup butter; 1/2 cup lemon juice; 1/2 cup chicken stock; 1 Tbsp. dijon mustard; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 3 Tbsp. capers, drained; 2 Tbsp. cornstarch; 2 Tbsp. water

Jump to Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it twist on a beloved Italian classic. Imagine juicy chicken cutlets, lightly seared and then slowly simmered in a velvety lemon-caper sauce that’s full of bright, tangy, and buttery flavor. You get all the punchy, restaurant-style deliciousness of the original dish, but with hardly any fuss. This is a dish that will wow family and friends any night of the week, leaving your kitchen filled with incredible aromas and your taste buds begging for seconds.

Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata is that it relies on just a handful of simple, accessible ingredients, each one playing a starring role in flavor, appearance, or texture. From the bright pop of lemon to the briny goodness of capers, here’s what you’ll need and exactly why they matter.

Chicken cutlets: Thinly sliced chicken ensures quick browning and a succulent texture after hours in the slow cooker.
All-purpose flour: A light coating helps the chicken brown beautifully and slightly thickens the sauce later.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors in this savory dish.
Black pepper: A classic seasoning that adds just the right touch of warmth.
Butter: The secret to a rich, luscious sauce—use real butter for best results.
Lemon juice: Fresh lemon gives the sauce those signature zesty, bright notes.
Chicken stock: Provides savory depth and helps round out the sauce.
Dijon mustard: A little goes a long way, adding subtle tanginess and body.
Garlic cloves: Bring aromatic sweetness and earthiness that infuse the sauce.
Capers: Briny and bold, these are a hallmark of chicken piccata and provide little bursts of flavor.
Cornstarch: Used at the end to thicken the sauce to silky perfection.
Water: Combined with cornstarch to ensure lump-free thickening for a glossy finish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata

Step 1: Prep and Brown the Chicken

Start by mixing together your flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Dredge each chicken cutlet in this mixture, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Next, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the chicken cutlets for about 2 minutes on each side. Don’t worry about the chicken being fully cooked at this stage—the golden sear is what you’re after, and the slow cooker will handle the rest.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Flavor

Place the browned chicken directly into your slow cooker. On top, add the remaining ½ cup butter, lemon juice, chicken stock, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and those irresistible capers. Give it all a gentle stir, then cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 3 hours. All those flavors will start to mingle, infusing the chicken with zesty, savory goodness.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

After 3 hours, carefully remove the chicken to a plate—you’ll return it in just a moment. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the bubbling slow cooker sauce until fully incorporated. Pop the chicken back into the sauce, cover, and let it cook an additional hour. This step thickens the sauce so that every piece of Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata is coated in that signature lemony richness.

Step 4: Serve and Savor!

Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is beautifully tender, your Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata is ready to serve. The aroma is out of this world, and the sauce is begging to be spooned over something cozy. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh lemon slices and a sprinkle of parsley for a picture-perfect finish.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a few thin lemon slices take your Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata from homey to restaurant-worthy in mere seconds. These little touches add not just color, but also a fresh brightness that wakes up every bite.

Side Dishes

This zesty, saucy chicken just begs for something to soak up every last drop. Classic options include a tangle of angel hair pasta, fluffy white rice, or creamy mashed potatoes. Even a side of garlicky roasted broccoli or crusty bread pairs beautifully—let your cravings guide you!

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata in shallow bowls with plenty of sauce, or slice the cooked chicken and fan it over a bed of risotto for a chef-style presentation. It also tucks beautifully into toasted ciabatta for a lemony chicken sandwich you’ll dream about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata holds up wonderfully. Simply let everything cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers a true treat for next-day lunches or effortless dinners.

Freezing

For longer storage, this dish freezes like a dream. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Try to freeze the chicken with plenty of sauce—this keeps it moist and flavorful. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for easy, anytime comfort food.

Reheating

When you’re ready for round two (or three!), gently reheat Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of extra chicken stock if the sauce seems too thick. Microwave works too, just cover it to keep the chicken juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of cutlets?

Absolutely! If using whole chicken breasts, slice them horizontally to make thinner cutlets. This helps them cook through evenly and soak up all the delicious sauce.

Does the sauce get too lemony in the slow cooker?

If you’re a big fan of that bright lemon flavor, the proportions here are spot-on. But if you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the lemon juice slightly or add a splash of cream at the end for a richer, softer finish.

Can I skip the capers?

While capers add classic briny pops that define chicken piccata, you can omit them if needed. A handful of chopped green olives or a few extra herbs can add a different kind of flair.

What’s the best pasta to serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata?

Angel hair pasta is a fabulous choice since it lets the luscious sauce coat every strand. Linguine, spaghetti, or even a bed of rice are all tasty alternatives!

Can I prep this meal the night before?

Yes! You can brown the chicken and mix the sauce ingredients in the slow cooker insert, then refrigerate overnight. In the morning, pop everything back in and start your slow cooker. Dinner will be ready when you walk in the door!

Final Thoughts

If you love a dish that’s effortless but tastes like you spent hours fussing over it, Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata is about to become your new weeknight hero. It’s zesty, comforting, and always a crowd pleaser—give it a try and watch empty plates pile up with some very happy smiles!

Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 6 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata recipe is a delicious twist on the classic dish, with tender chicken simmered in a flavorful lemon-caper sauce. Easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting meal.

Instructions

Coat chicken: Combine salt, pepper, and flour. Dredge chicken in mixture and brown in butter in a skillet.
Prepare sauce: In slow cooker, add browned chicken, butter, lemon juice, chicken stock, mustard, garlic, and capers. Cook on high for 3 hours.
Thicken sauce: Remove chicken, mix cornstarch with water, stir into liquid. Return chicken, cook for an additional hour.
Serve: Accompany with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with lemon slices and parsley.