Crock Pot Lemon Italian Chicken with Capers Recipe
This Crock Pot Lemon Italian Chicken with Capers is a flavorful, slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a zesty lemon and Italian dressing sauce, accented with briny capers. Perfectly paired with your choice of pasta, it’s an easy and delicious weeknight meal that requires minimal prep yet offers rich, vibrant flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix (about 1 oz)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 1 pound pasta (any variety you prefer)
Instructions
- Prepare the Butter and Chicken: Slice the half cup of unsalted butter into 8 pats. Spread these pats evenly on the bottom of the crock pot. Place each boneless, skinless chicken breast on top of two pats of butter to ensure even cooking and rich flavor.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Sprinkle the packet of Italian dressing mix evenly over the chicken breasts. Pour the 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1/2 cup chicken broth over the chicken, infusing it with bright citrus and savory notes. Add the minced garlic into the crock pot for added depth of flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours or on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Cook the Pasta: About 15 minutes before the chicken is done, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well to prepare for serving.
- Add the Capers: Once the chicken has finished cooking, add the 2 tablespoons of drained capers to the crock pot, stirring gently to mix them into the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the cooked pasta and top with the succulent chicken breasts. Spoon the flavorful sauce and capers from the crock pot over the chicken and pasta. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect blend of tangy and savory flavors.
Notes
- For best results, use chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking.
- To reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium chicken broth and rinse the capers before adding if preferred.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and reduce the cooking liquid on the stovetop before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
