Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is a flavorful and easy dish that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your dinner table. This recipe combines tender chicken with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs for a meal that is not only delicious but also simple to prepare. Ideal for busy weeknights, this dish cooks itself in your slow cooker, allowing you to come home to a warm and satisfying meal.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a hassle-free dinner option. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a hearty meal that is full of flavor. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken stays moist and tender, while the combination of olives and herbs adds a delightful Mediterranean flair. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze!
How to Make Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken
Making Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is simple and straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (drained slightly)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup green olives
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1–2 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional)
Directions
- Layer in the Slow Cooker: Add the diced onions, garlic, and tomatoes to the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the chicken on top.
- Season: Sprinkle the mixture with oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and drizzle with olive oil.
- Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or on High for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and pulls apart easily.
- Add Olives & Rosemary: In the last hour of cooking, add the Kalamata and green olives. Tuck in a sprig or two of rosemary if you are using it.
- Shred & Serve: Gently shred the chicken in the sauce. Serve it over couscous, rice, or with crusty bread.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken
Serve your Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken over a bed of fluffy couscous or rice. You can also pair it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It makes for a hearty meal that everyone will love, and you can garnish it with a little fresh parsley for a pop of color.
How to Store Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken
- Prep Ahead: You can chop the onions and garlic ahead of time to make the cooking process quicker.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. If you like it spicier, add more crushed red pepper flakes.
- Add Veggies: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Variation
If you want to change it up, try adding different herbs like basil or parsley. You can also experiment with different types of olives depending on what you have on hand. For a low-carb option, serve this chicken over steamed vegetables instead of rice or couscous.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just note that it may take a little longer to cook, so ensure it’s fully cooked before serving.
2. Can I make this dish in a regular pot instead of a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can use a regular pot on the stove. Just adjust the cooking time to about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you ensure that your chicken broth is gluten-free.
Enjoy your Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken, and savor the delightful blend of flavors with every bite!
Print
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A flavorful and easy dish that combines tender chicken with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (drained slightly)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup green olives
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1–2 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- Add the diced onions, garlic, and tomatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the chicken on top.
- Sprinkle the mixture with oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and drizzle with olive oil.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or on High for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and pulls apart easily.
- In the last hour of cooking, add the Kalamata and green olives and tuck in a sprig or two of rosemary if using.
- Gently shred the chicken in the sauce and serve over couscous, rice, or with crusty bread.
Notes
Prep ahead by chopping onions and garlic for quicker cooking. Adjust seasoning and add extra vegetables for more nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: chicken, slow cooker, Mediterranean, easy dinner, gluten-free
