This slow cooker Mediterranean chicken is a flavorful, healthy meal featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and classic Mediterranean spices. It’s an easy set-it-and-forget-it recipe, perfect for busy days or when you want a wholesome, comforting dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work for you.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and heart-healthy ingredients.
- Bold Flavors: Mediterranean spices and ingredients like Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes create a rich, satisfying taste.
- Customizable: Easily adjust vegetables and seasonings to your liking.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Layer Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add the onion, garlic, diced tomatoes (with juices), Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, red bell pepper, and zucchini on top.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the chicken broth, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the top.
- Serve: Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6 hours (on low)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: ~320 kcal
Variations
- Vegetable Options: Add eggplant, mushrooms, or spinach for more variety.
- Cheese Substitution: Use goat cheese or omit the cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Citrus Zest: Add a squeeze of lemon or orange juice for a bright, zesty flavor.
- Spice It Up: Increase the red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, bone-in chicken works well but may require slightly longer cooking times.
2. Can I prepare this without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Use a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Simmer on low heat for 1–2 hours.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth.
4. What can I substitute for Kalamata olives?
Black olives or green olives work as a replacement, though flavor will vary.
5. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cooking on low and ensuring the chicken is submerged in the liquid helps retain moisture.
6. Can I add potatoes to the recipe?
Yes, diced potatoes or sweet potatoes make a hearty addition.
7. Is this dish spicy?
It’s mildly spiced. Adjust red pepper flakes for more or less heat.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but ensure your slow cooker has enough capacity to handle the volume.
9. What other garnishes work well?
Fresh dill, mint, or toasted pine nuts can enhance the dish’s flavor.
10. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, chop 3–4 ripe tomatoes and use them with their juices as a substitute.
Conclusion
Slow cooker Mediterranean chicken is a delicious and nourishing meal that’s perfect for busy schedules. With its vibrant vegetables, lean protein, and flavorful spices, it’s a wholesome dish that’s sure to please. Try this easy recipe for a comforting, satisfying dinner that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your table!
Discover More Irresistible Recipes
After enjoying the Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe, why not explore more delicious dishes to complement your meal? Pair it with the comforting flavors of Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup for a hearty combination. For a healthy snack idea, try the crunchy Cottage Cheese Chips Recipe. If you’re in the mood for bread, indulge in the soft and cheesy Mozzarella-Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels. Add some Asian-inspired flair with the quick and flavorful Easy Chicken Chow Mein, or satisfy your sweet tooth with the decadent Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe.
Print
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with this Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe! A simple, hearty dish with chicken, olives, and tomatoes.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Layer Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add the onion, garlic, diced tomatoes (with juices), Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, red bell pepper, and zucchini on top.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the chicken broth, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the top.
- Serve: Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (on low)
- Category: Cuisines
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe