Looking for a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful, but easy enough to set and forget? Say hello to this Mediterranean Slow Cooker Chicken! Imagine tender, juicy chicken simmering away with vibrant Mediterranean flavors—think olives, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs—all while you go about your day. It’s one of those “dump and go” recipes that delivers big on flavor, but requires minimal effort. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking to impress, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
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Why You’ll Love Mediterranean Slow Cooker Chicken
This Mediterranean Slow Cooker Chicken is everything you need in a meal: simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Here’s why it’ll be your new go-to recipe:
- Flavorful: The chicken soaks up all those Mediterranean ingredients, turning into something mouth-wateringly tasty. The combination of olives, tomatoes, and spices creates a savory sauce that pairs beautifully with the tender chicken.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Pop everything in the slow cooker, and let it do the work. There’s no need to stand over the stove or worry about checking on it every few minutes. It’s easy cooking for busy days!
- Customizable: If you love extra olives, throw in a few more. Want it spicier? Add some crushed red pepper flakes. This recipe is perfect for adjusting to your tastes.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special occasion, this dish has the flavors to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to create this Mediterranean masterpiece in your slow cooker:
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Tender and juicy, they’ll soak up all the incredible flavors while slow cooking.
- Tomatoes: Use diced canned tomatoes to make a flavorful base, or fresh tomatoes for a burst of freshness.
- Olives: Green or Kalamata olives bring that briny, savory kick that’s essential to Mediterranean dishes.
- Garlic: A few cloves of garlic add richness and depth to the sauce.
- Onion: Sautéed onions enhance the flavor base and create a subtle sweetness.
- Spices: A combination of oregano, basil, and thyme brings that classic Mediterranean aroma.
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and helps the chicken stay juicy as it cooks.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this Mediterranean Slow Cooker Chicken:
1. Prepare Your Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper for that simple but essential base flavor.
2. Add the Good Stuff: Toss in the diced tomatoes, olives, garlic, and onions. Don’t forget the oregano, basil, and thyme—they’ll infuse the chicken with Mediterranean goodness.
3. Pour in the Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the top to create a flavorful cooking liquid. It helps keep the chicken moist and creates that delicious sauce you’ll want to dip your bread into.
4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shred with a fork.
5. Shred and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return it to the pot, stir it into the sauce, and let everything soak up those flavors for a few more minutes.
How to Serve Mediterranean Slow Cooker Chicken
This dish pairs beautifully with various sides to complete your meal:
- Rice: Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice (white, brown, or couscous) to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Pita Bread: Soft, warm pita bread is perfect for sopping up the sauce and adding some extra texture.
- Greek Salad: A refreshing Greek salad with feta, cucumbers, and olives makes the perfect side to balance the richness of the chicken.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers make a perfect pairing with the flavors of this dish.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make this recipe even better:
- Prep Ahead: Prep everything the night before and store it in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to cook, just toss it all in the slow cooker and go.
- Spice It Up: If you love heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped chili to the slow cooker for some kick.
- Dietary Adjustments: If you’re following a low-sodium diet, opt for low-sodium chicken broth and olives to control the salt level.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freezing: This dish freezes wonderfully. Portion out leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw overnight and reheat.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just fine in this recipe. Just note that they might cook a bit faster than thighs, so be sure to check them earlier.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! This dish actually gets even better when it sits for a while. You can prepare it a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! This dish freezes beautifully. Freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat when ready.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if needed to loosen up the sauce.
Q6: Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
A6: Definitely! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or even artichokes for extra veggies in the dish.
Q7: Can I make this dish spicy?
A7: Yes! Add red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to kick up the heat. Adjust the spice level to your liking.
Q8: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A8: Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes will add a great flavor, especially during tomato season. Just chop them up and use them in place of the canned variety.
Q9: Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
A9: Yes! If you’re short on time, you can make this dish in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes, then shred the chicken once done.
Q10: What can I serve with this for a complete meal?
A10: Pair this dish with rice, pita bread, or a Greek salad for a well-rounded meal that’s full of Mediterranean goodness.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Slow Cooker Chicken is everything you want in a dish—simple, flavorful, and easy to prepare. It’s the perfect option for busy days when you want a comforting, home-cooked meal with minimal effort. Serve it up with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a winning meal that everyone will love.
Print
Mediterranean Slow Cooker Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is full of vibrant Mediterranean flavors from Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and capers, all cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce. It’s perfect served over rice, couscous, or orzo.
Ingredients
- 1.5–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown Chicken (Optional):
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on both sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside. - Combine Ingredients:
In the slow cooker, combine the browned chicken (if using), onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, artichoke hearts, olives, capers, parsley, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. - Cook:
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and very tender. - Serve:
Serve the chicken with the flavorful sauce over rice, couscous, or orzo. Garnish with additional chopped parsley, if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4-1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg