Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both flavorful and easy, then look no further than this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken. Picture this: tender chicken thighs simmering in a rich, herby sauce packed with Mediterranean flavors—think olives, tomatoes, garlic, and a hint of lemon. It’s one of those dishes that does all the work for you while you go about your day. All you have to do is throw everything in the slow cooker, and in a few hours, you’ll have a meal bursting with vibrant, fresh flavors.

Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become one of your go-to dishes. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make, and the slow cooker ensures the chicken comes out perfectly tender every time. The combination of zesty flavors and the comforting warmth will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

Hands-Off Cooking: You don’t have to babysit this meal—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. It’s perfect for busy days when you don’t have time to hover over the stove.

Bursting with Flavor: This dish is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors. The olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and spices give the chicken a tangy and savory punch, while the lemon brightens it all up. Every bite is a flavor explosion!

Tender Chicken: Slow cooking the chicken thighs makes them incredibly tender, falling apart with ease and soaking up all the delicious flavors from the sauce.

Healthy and Fresh: Packed with lean protein from the chicken and plenty of vegetables, this dish is light yet filling. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for a variety of diets.

Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a big batch, so it’s perfect for meal prepping. Enjoy it for dinner one night, and use leftovers for lunch the next day!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken:

For the Chicken and Sauce

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs work best for slow cooking, as they stay moist and tender.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the dish its aromatic base.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These tomatoes bring a sweet, tangy flavor that complements the savory chicken.
• Green Olives: Green olives add a briny, salty kick. You can use kalamata olives if you prefer a more intense flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds juiciness to the sauce and pairs perfectly with the chicken.
• Lemon: A touch of lemon juice brightens up the dish and balances out the richness of the olives and tomatoes.
• Dried Oregano and Basil: These Mediterranean herbs add depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best flavors.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this easy and flavorful dish? Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Drizzle with a little olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.

Step 2: Add the Mediterranean Ingredients

Top the chicken with the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, green olives, and diced tomatoes. Squeeze the juice of half the lemon over the ingredients, then cut the other half into wedges for serving later.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken is cooked, give everything a gentle stir. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Serve the chicken with some of the sauce spooned over the top, and enjoy with a side of rice, couscous, or a simple salad.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 33g
Sodium: 650mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours (slow cook)
Total Time: 6-7 hours and 10 minutes

How to Serve Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

This slow cooker chicken is delicious on its own, but here are some great ways to pair it for a well-rounded meal:

Serve with Rice or Couscous

The sauce is perfect for drizzling over a fluffy bed of rice or couscous. Both options soak up the sauce, making every bite extra flavorful.

Pair with a Green Salad

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect side to balance the richness of the chicken. Try a simple salad with arugula, cucumber, and feta for an extra Mediterranean touch.

Serve with Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant make a great side dish that complements the Mediterranean flavors in the chicken.

Add a Side of Pita Bread

Warm, soft pita bread is perfect for scooping up the chicken and sauce. It’s a great addition if you’re serving this dish for a group or as part of a bigger spread.

Additional Tips

Don’t Skip the Lemon

The lemon juice really brightens up the flavors in this dish, so don’t skip it! If you prefer a more intense lemon flavor, add a little extra squeeze of fresh juice just before serving.

Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs

Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for slow cooking because they stay juicy and tender. You can use boneless thighs, but bone-in offers the best results.

Add Extra Veggies

If you want to bulk up the dish, feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach. These will cook right in the slow cooker and soak up all the amazing flavors.

Make It a Freezer Meal

This recipe freezes really well! Prepare the chicken and sauce as instructed, and freeze it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, just throw it in the slow cooker frozen and cook on low for 7-8 hours.

Adjust the Salt

The olives and sun-dried tomatoes can be quite salty, so be sure to taste the sauce before adding extra salt. You can always add more, but it’s harder to remove once it’s in there!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but keep in mind that they may dry out slightly in the slow cooker. Chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe due to their moisture and tenderness.

Q2: Can I add more vegetables to the slow cooker?
A2: Absolutely! Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini. Just chop them up and add them in with the other ingredients.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: Yes! This dish can be prepared the night before and stored in the fridge. Just pop it in the slow cooker the next day, and it will cook perfectly.

Q4: How can I make this dish spicier?
A4: If you like a little heat, you can add red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the slow cooker.

Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?
A5: Yes, this recipe freezes well. Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.

Q6: Can I use kalamata olives instead of green olives?
A6: Yes, kalamata olives will work perfectly in this recipe. They have a more intense flavor, so you might want to use a little less if you’re not a huge fan of their bold taste.

Q7: Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker?
A7: Yes, you can! Cook on high pressure for about 25-30 minutes, and the chicken will come out just as tender. Be sure to release the pressure naturally.

Q8: How can I make this dish dairy-free?
A8: This recipe is already dairy-free, so you don’t need to make any adjustments! It’s naturally light and packed with flavor.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra liquid if needed.

Q10: What should I serve this with?
A10: Serve it with rice, couscous, or a simple green salad. You can also add some warm pita bread or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is a simple, flavorful, and comforting dish that practically cooks itself. The chicken turns out perfectly tender, and the Mediterranean-inspired sauce is absolutely delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds!

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