Description
This Crock Pot Lemon Italian Chicken with Capers is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish where tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked with zesty lemon juice, savory Italian dressing mix, garlic, and butter. Finished with a splash of capers and served over your favorite pasta, this recipe delivers a comforting and delicious meal perfect for busy days or relaxed weekends.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix (about 1 oz)
- ¼ cup lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1 pound pasta (any kind you prefer)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Butter and Chicken: Slice the unsalted butter into 8 pats. Spread the butter pats evenly at the bottom of the crock pot. Place each chicken breast on top of two butter pats to ensure the chicken stays moist and flavorful during cooking.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix evenly over the chicken breasts. Pour the lemon juice and chicken broth over the chicken to provide a tangy and savory base. Add minced garlic to the crock pot for extra aroma and flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the crock pot and cook the chicken on HIGH heat for 4-5 hours or on LOW heat for 6-8 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Cook the Pasta: About 15 minutes before the chicken is done, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Add Capers: Once the chicken is cooked, stir the drained capers into the crock pot. Capers add a burst of briny, tangy flavor that complements the lemon and garlic flavors beautifully.
- Serve: Plate the cooked pasta, then top it with the chicken breasts. Spoon the lemony sauce and capers over the chicken and pasta. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and easy shredding if desired.
- Feel free to substitute Italian dressing mix with your favorite Italian seasoning blend if unavailable.
- Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste before cooking if preferred.
- To make the sauce thicker, remove the chicken and reduce the cooking liquid in a saucepan over medium heat before pouring over pasta and chicken.
- Fresh lemon juice is preferred for brightness but bottled works well in a pinch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours on HIGH or 6-8 hours on LOW
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American