Crock Pot Lemon Italian Chicken with Capers
This is a delicious dinner with a combination of great flavors and it is really easy to make.
This is a delicious dinner with a combination of great flavors and it is really easy to make.
- Carbohydrate 0.1356 g
- Cholesterol 945.9 mg
- Fat 275.6766 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 116.001 g
- Saturated Fat 142.526346666667 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (849g)
- Sodium 1731.09333333333 mg
- Sugar 0.1356 g
- Trans Fat 20.6829466666667 g
- Calories 2939 calories
Step-by-step
- Cut the butter into slices and spread them out on the bottom of the crock pot
- Place each chicken breast on a slice of butter
- Sprinkle the Italian Dressing over the chicken
- Pour the lemon juice over the chicken
- Pour the chicken broth over the chicken
- Add the garlic to the crock pot
- Cook on high 4-5 hours, or low 6-8 hours
- Add the capers at the end of the cooking time
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions
- Serve the chicken, sauce, and capers over pasta
Why does the chicken taste bitter when cooked with lemon juice for hours? Acidity reacts to prolonged heat by breaking down proteins and dulling bright citrus notes. Managing this chemical interaction determines whether the dish succeeds. Slice the butter into thin pats rather than melting it whole. This ensures the fat coats the slow cooker base evenly before the meat goes in. Layer the chicken directly over those butter pats. Pour the chicken broth around the edges of the insert rather than washing away the seasonings on top. Keep the lid closed during the final hour of the 6-to-8-hour low cooking cycle to maintain a steady internal environment.
The Role of Acid and Capers
Capers bring a distinct salinity that balances heavy fats. Drain them thoroughly before adding them to the pot. Stir the capers in during the final thirty minutes of cooking. This preserves their firm texture and prevents the vinegar brine from overpowering the pan sauce. Italian dressing seasoning packets contain dehydrated herbs and salt. Whisk the dry packet contents into the warm broth before pouring if you want a smoother emulsion. When scaling the recipe up for larger gatherings, do not double the lemon juice linearly. Acid concentrates as moisture evaporates in a slow cooker. Increase the broth by fifty percent instead, and adjust the citrus to taste near the end.
- Storage: Keep leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Equipment: Use a 6-quart slow cooker to prevent overcrowding and ensure even heat distribution.
- Pasta Pairing: Boil long strands like spaghetti in salted water until al dente just before serving.
