A Taste of Sunny Shores, Made Easy
Imagine a culinary escape to the sun-drenched coasts of the Mediterranean, where fresh herbs perfume the air and vibrant flavors dance on your palate. Now, imagine achieving that same delightful experience with minimal effort, right in your own kitchen. As a busy home cook (and a firm believer in the power of delicious, healthy meals!), I understand the quest for recipes that deliver on both taste and convenience. That’s why today, we’re diving into a dish that promises to transport you with every bite, all thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. Get ready to discover your new favorite weeknight meal: Mediterranean Crockpot Chicken.
Why Make This Recipe
This Mediterranean Crockpot Chicken is great for many reasons. It gives you fancy flavors without a lot of work. This is perfect for busy days. It is healthy with lean meat, fresh vegetables, and good olive oil. The dish is full of flavor from Mediterranean herbs and spices. You can change it to fit what you like or what you have. It also makes good leftovers for lunches or quick dinners.
How to Make Mediterranean Crockpot Chicken
Making this chicken is easy with your slow cooker. You will prepare your ingredients first. Then, you will layer them in the slow cooker. After that, you will make the sauce and pour it over everything. Finally, you set the cooker and let it cook until the chicken is tender.
Ingredients of Mediterranean Crockpot Chicken
Fresh & Flavorful Essentials
- Chicken (boneless, skinless thighs or breasts)
- Canned Diced Tomatoes (fire-roasted)
- Kalamata Olives (pitted)
- Artichoke Hearts (canned or jarred, quartered)
- Red Onion (thinly sliced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Chicken Broth (low sodium)
- Olive Oil
Aromatic Herbs & Spices
- Dried Oregano
- Dried Basil
- Smoked Paprika
- Sea Salt
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- Fresh Parsley or Dill (for garnish)
Directions of Mediterranean Crockpot Chicken
Prepare Your Ingredients
- Pat chicken dry. Season chicken well with salt and pepper.
- Cut all vegetables and herbs as listed.
Layering for Flavor
- Lightly grease your slow cooker.
- Put sliced red onions on the bottom.
- Place chicken pieces on top of the onions.
- Spread diced tomatoes, olives, and artichoke hearts evenly.
The Sauce & Seasoning
- Mix chicken broth, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, basil, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.
- Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Set It & Forget It!
- Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cook until chicken is soft and easy to shred.
The Finishing Touch
- Shred chicken in the slow cooker with two forks. Or take it out, shred it, and put it back.
- Stir everything together to mix the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill before you serve it.
How to Serve Mediterranean Crockpot Chicken
You can serve this dish with many things.
Classic Pairings
- Creamy Polenta or Couscous: These soak up the flavorful sauce well.
- Fluffy Quinoa or Brown Rice: These are healthy and filling sides.
- Warm Pita Bread or Crusty Sourdough: Use these to scoop up all the sauce.
Green Goodness
- Simple Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a lemon-herb dressing.
- Steamed Asparagus or Green Beans: These are light and fresh vegetables.
How to Store Mediterranean Crockpot Chicken
This dish makes great leftovers. You can put them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze leftovers for later meals.
Tips to Make Mediterranean Crockpot Chicken
Here are some tips for making your chicken even better:
Spice It Up!
- Add a Kick: Put in a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
- Lemon Zest: Stir in fresh lemon zest for a brighter taste.
Veggie Boosters
- Spinach or Kale: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Bell Peppers: Add sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) with the other vegetables.
Pro Tips for Your Mediterranean Crockpot Chicken
- Do Not Overcrowd: Make sure there is enough space in your slow cooker for even cooking.
- Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts: Thighs usually stay juicier in the slow cooker. Breasts also work if you want leaner meat.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your food before serving. Add more seasoning if you need to.
Variations
This Mediterranean Crockpot Chicken is very easy to change. You can add other vegetables like zucchini, yellow squash, or cherry tomatoes. Chickpeas are also a good addition. For softer vegetables, add them in the last hour of cooking so they do not get too soft.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this Mediterranean Crockpot Chicken recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. It is best to thaw it first for even cooking. If you use frozen chicken, add about 1-2 hours to the cooking time on low.
What can I do with leftover Mediterranean Crockpot Chicken?
Leftovers are delicious! Eat them as they are, or use them in wraps, salads, or on baked potatoes. It freezes well for future meals.
Is this Mediterranean Crockpot Chicken recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. This is good for people with diet needs. Make sure all your ingredients, especially broths, are certified gluten-free if you need to be strict.
Zesty Mediterranean Chicken with Roasted Red Peppers
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Small bowl
- Forks
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 (14.5) oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes undrained
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives halved
- 1 (12) oz jar marinated artichoke hearts drained and quartered
- 1 large red onion thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers from a jar, drained and sliced
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill chopped (for garnish)
- Zest of one lemon for garnish/flavor boost
Instructions
Preparation & Cooking
- Pat chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Lightly grease the slow cooker and layer thinly sliced red onions on the bottom.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the onions.
- Evenly spread the diced tomatoes, Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and roasted red peppers over the chicken.
- In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, olive oil, minced garlic, and all dried spices, including red pepper flakes if desired.
- Pour this flavorful mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
- Remove chicken, shred with forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
- Gently stir all ingredients together to combine flavors.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or dill and lemon zest before serving.