Ingredients
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients—fresh lemons, good-quality chicken breasts, and real capers make all the difference. I always choose organic chicken when I can, as it tends to stay tender and juicy during slow cooking. For the aromatics, I keep it simple to let the lemon and caper shine, just like my mum taught me back home. If you need to swap out anything, I’ve included a few ideas below.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter (or a mix)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Substitutions: If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch but fresh is best for brightness. You can swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer a richer, juicier result. For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or a gluten-free blend for dredging.
Instructions
- Start by patting the chicken breasts dry and lightly seasoning them with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess. This step helps create a subtle crust that thickens the sauce later.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Quickly brown the chicken on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side—you’re not cooking it through, just building flavour and colour.
- Transfer the browned chicken to your crockpot. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, minced garlic, capers, and oregano. Give it a gentle stir to combine the flavours.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 1.5-2 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and set aside. If you want a thicker sauce, transfer the liquid to a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until reduced slightly.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately. I always squeeze a little extra lemon on top for that final zing!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
