I learned this Chicken Piccata recipe from my granny, and it’s one of those dishes that instantly takes me back to her cozy kitchen.
I remember watching her carefully squeeze fresh lemons, sprinkle capers, and gently simmer the chicken while telling stories from her youth.
The bright lemon, salty capers, and tender chicken created a flavor combination that felt both comforting and a little indulgent, the kind of meal that makes you pause and actually savor dinner.
Over the years, I’ve adapted her recipe for the slow cooker, and it’s been a game-changer. You don’t have to hover over the stove, and yet the chicken comes out incredibly juicy, soaking up all that zesty, buttery sauce.

I love making this when I want a meal that feels special without the stress, and I know you’ll feel the same way the first time you try it.
There’s something magical about lifting the lid after hours of simmering and inhaling that lemony, garlicky aroma, it immediately makes the kitchen feel warm and inviting.
Whether you’re cooking for a quiet night at home or planning a dinner that impresses guests, this Crockpot Chicken Piccata lets you bring all the classic flavors to your table effortlessly. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-off cooking – I love that I can set everything in the slow cooker in the morning and go about my day. You’ll enjoy how the chicken cooks gently without you having to hover over the stove.
Classic Italian flavors – The bright lemon, garlicky aroma, and briny capers are the flavors I grew up loving with my granny, and I know you’ll get that same comforting, tangy taste in every bite.
Juicy chicken – I’ve tried so many ways to keep chicken tender, and this slow-cooker method always delivers. You’ll notice how it practically melts in your mouth, making every forkful feel indulgent.
Meal-prep friendly – One of my favorite things is knowing I can make a batch ahead of time. You can store it in the fridge and reheat it later, and it still tastes fresh and flavorful, perfect for busy weeknights or prepping for the week.
Ingredients That YoU Will Need

Chicken – 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. I usually choose breasts for a lean option, but thighs stay juicier if you prefer.
Flour – 2 tablespoons for dredging. It helps the chicken develop a nice golden crust when seared.
Salt and Black Pepper – 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper to season the chicken and bring out all the flavors.
Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons for searing, optional but I like it for extra richness and color.
Garlic – 4 cloves, minced. I never skip garlic because it adds so much depth and aroma.
Onion – 1 small, finely chopped. It softens and sweetens as it cooks, blending perfectly with the sauce.
Chicken Broth – 1 cup low-sodium. This forms the base of the sauce and keeps the chicken moist.
White Wine – ½ cup, optional. I love the subtle acidity it adds, but you can use extra broth if you prefer.
Lemon Juice – ¼ cup, about 2 lemons. The fresh lemon brightens the dish and balances the richness.
Capers – 3 tablespoons, drained. I like the tangy, briny punch they give to the sauce.
Butter – 3 tablespoons unsalted. I stir it in at the end for a silky, rich finish.
Parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped for garnish. I sprinkle it on at the end for color and a fresh, herby note.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Piccata
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

I always start by seasoning my chicken generously with salt and pepper. Then I dredge it lightly in flour to give the sauce a subtle thickness.
Sometimes I take a few extra minutes to sear the chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden on both sides.
You don’t have to do this, but I love the flavor it adds. Even if you skip the sear, the slow cooker will still make the chicken incredibly tender.
Step 2: Assemble in the Crockpot

I place the chicken directly in the crockpot and layer on the flavor. I add minced garlic, diced onions, chicken broth, a splash of white wine if I have it, fresh lemon juice, and capers.
I like to make sure the chicken is nestled in the liquid so every bite absorbs the bright, tangy, and slightly briny flavors. When you do this, you’ll notice the aroma starts filling the kitchen immediately.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

I cover the crockpot and let it do all the work. Cooking on low for 5 to 6 hours gives the chicken a melt-in-your-mouth texture that I just love.
If I’m short on time, I use high for 3 to 4 hours and it still turns out beautifully. While it cooks, I often sneak a taste of the sauce and imagine how it will pair with pasta or rice later. The kitchen fills with such an inviting aroma that it’s hard not to peek.
Step 4: Finish with Butter

Once the chicken is perfectly tender, I stir in a few tablespoons of butter to make the sauce rich and silky. I always taste at this stage and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
This step is when the sauce truly comes alive and I feel like I’ve turned simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve

I sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top to brighten it up. I usually serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice so every bite soaks up the sauce. The first forkful is always worth savoring.
You’ll notice the chicken is tender, the sauce tangy yet buttery, and every bite feels indulgent without having spent hours in the kitchen.
Tips for Success

Sear for flavor
I always like to sear my chicken if I have a few extra minutes. It’s optional, but those golden edges make the sauce taste richer and give the dish that extra depth you’ll notice in every bite. You’ll love the aroma as it cooks.
Don’t overcook
I’ve learned the hard way that lean chicken breasts can dry out if left too long. I like to check them around 3 hours on high or 5 hours on low, just to make sure they’re perfectly tender. You’ll notice when the chicken is done—it practically falls apart with a fork.
Make it creamy
If you want the sauce to feel extra indulgent, I always stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end. It gives the piccata that silky, velvety texture that I just can’t resist. You can taste the difference in every bite.
Use thighs for juiciness
Sometimes I swap chicken breasts for thighs, especially when I want a really tender, juicy meal. Dark meat stays moist in the slow cooker, and you’ll love how it melts in your mouth with the tangy, buttery sauce.
Variations I Love

Low-carb option
Sometimes I like to skip the pasta and serve this with zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash. You still get all the tangy, buttery flavors, and it feels light yet indulgent. You’ll barely notice you’re skipping the carbs.
Gluten-free
If you’re avoiding gluten, I usually swap the flour for a little cornstarch when dredging the chicken. It thickens the sauce beautifully without changing the flavor, and you can enjoy it worry-free.
Extra lemony
When I’m craving that bright, zesty flavor, I toss in a few thin slices of lemon right into the slow cooker. As it cooks, the lemon flavor infuses the sauce, giving every bite that fresh, sunny tang. You’ll taste the difference immediately.
How I Like Storing This Chicken Piccata
Fridge
I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This way, you can grab a quick, flavorful meal without any extra prep. I love that the sauce tastes even better the next day after the flavors have mingled.
Freezer
If I make a big batch, I freeze the cooled chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw overnight in the fridge. I find that this keeps the chicken juicy and the sauce rich.
Reheat
When I reheat, I like to do it gently on the stovetop. Sometimes the sauce thickens in the fridge, so I add a splash of broth to loosen it up. You’ll get that same velvety, tangy sauce as if you just made it fresh.
Nutrition (per serving, ~6 servings)
Each serving of this Crockpot Chicken Piccata gives you a comforting, satisfying meal without overloading you. I love knowing that when you dig into this dish, it’s not only delicious but also balanced.

- Calories: 310 – enough to fill you up and keep you energized.
- Protein: 32g – the chicken keeps you fueled, perfect for a hearty dinner or post-workout meal.
- Carbs: 6g – low enough if you’re watching your carbs or keeping it light.
- Fat: 17g – from the butter and olive oil, giving each bite that rich, silky texture.
- Fiber: 1g – a little green from parsley or any veggies you add makes it feel wholesome.
I like thinking of it as a meal that hits all the right notes: creamy, tangy, and comforting, yet still balanced enough to enjoy guilt-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use wine?
Not at all! I usually swap in extra chicken broth if I’m avoiding alcohol. You still get that wonderful depth of flavor, and honestly, I think you’ll barely notice the difference.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! I love tossing in artichokes, mushrooms, or spinach toward the end. It makes the dish feel even heartier and adds a little green, which is always a bonus.
Is Chicken Piccata always creamy?
Traditionally, it’s not. But if I want a richer, velvety sauce, I stir in a splash of cream at the very end. You can do the same—you’ll get that silky texture without changing the classic flavors.
Delicious Crockpot Chicken Piccata
Course: Main CourseCuisine: Italian-AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes5
minutes331000
kcalTender chicken simmered in a tangy lemon, caper, and garlic sauce, slow-cooked to perfection. Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for weeknights.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs (about 3) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt & black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, diced
4 cups chicken broth
½ cup dry white wine (optional)
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
2 tbsp capers, drained
3 tbsp butter
1 cup heavy cream (optional for creamier sauce)
2 cups baby spinach leaves (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge in flour. Optional: Sear in olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side for extra flavor. - Assemble in Crockpot
Place chicken in slow cooker. Add garlic, onion, chicken broth, wine (if using), lemon juice, and capers. - Cook Low & Slow
Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender. - Finish with Butter & Cream
Stir in butter and cream (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice. - Add Spinach & Serve
Stir in spinach just before serving to wilt. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
Tips for Success:
- Searing chicken adds depth to the sauce.
Don’t overcook; check at 3 hours on high.
Add a splash of cream for a silky sauce.
Thighs stay juicier than breasts.
Variations:
Low-carb option: Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash.
Gluten-free: Swap flour with cornstarch.
Extra lemony: Add thin lemon slices directly to the slow cooker.
Storage & Reheating:
Fridge: Airtight container up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooled chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop, adding broth if sauce thickens.
Nutrition (per serving, ~6 servings):
Calories: 310
Protein: 32g
Carbs: 6g
Fat: 17g
Fiber: 1g
Conclusion
I learned this Crockpot Chicken Piccata from my granny, and it quickly became one of my favorite go-to dinners. I love how the chicken turns incredibly juicy, soaking up all the lemony, garlicky goodness while the capers add that little pop of briny flavor.
Whenever I make this, I know you’re going to love how hands-off it is—you just let the slow cooker do all the work while life keeps happening around you.
By the time you lift the lid, your kitchen will smell amazing, and the chicken will be tender enough to fall apart with just a fork.
I like serving it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up every last bit of that buttery, tangy sauce. Trust me, once you try it, this will be one of those recipes you reach for again and again for weeknight dinners or when you want something special without all the fuss.










