Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken
A flavorful and healthy dish packed with tender chicken, Mediterranean spices, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for a set-it-and-forget-it meal! This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is sure to bring a burst of sunshine and delicious flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort.
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:
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Start by placing the thinly sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a flavorful base for the chicken, as the juices from the other ingredients will soak into the onions and garlic during cooking.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Season your chicken breasts (or thighs) generously with dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. The seasoning will help the chicken soak up the delicious Mediterranean flavors.
Lay the seasoned chicken pieces over the onion and garlic in the slow cooker.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Now it’s time to layer in the vegetables! Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chopped sun-dried tomatoes, red bell pepper slices, zucchini half-moons, and Kalamata olives. These ingredients will create a flavorful and aromatic vegetable medley that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
Pour the chicken broth over the top to keep everything moist and help it cook evenly.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours. The chicken should be tender and shred easily with a fork when it’s done. The long cook time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, remove the lid and give everything a gentle stir. Garnish the dish with crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
Serve your Mediterranean chicken hot with a side of rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Effortless: This dish is a true “set-it-and-forget-it” meal. Just layer the ingredients in the slow cooker, let it cook, and you’ll have a delicious dinner with very little prep time.
- Packed with Flavor: Mediterranean spices and fresh ingredients come together to create a vibrant and aromatic dish that will make your taste buds dance.
- Healthy and Balanced: With lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and Mediterranean ingredients, this dish is nutritious and satisfying. It’s a great option for a healthy dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Pro Tips:
- Add Lemon: For an extra burst of brightness, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish just before serving. The citrus adds a fresh and tangy contrast to the richness of the chicken and vegetables.
- Customizable: This recipe is easy to make your own. Swap zucchini for eggplant for a slightly different texture, or add chickpeas to make the dish heartier. You can also adjust the level of heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish makes excellent leftovers, and the flavors just get better the next day!
- Make it a Complete Meal: To make this a well-rounded meal, serve the chicken with a fresh Greek salad or roasted vegetables.
In Conclusion:
This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is a simple, one-pot meal that brings the best of Mediterranean flavors to your table. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a healthy, satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, olives, and feta is sure to become a family favorite! 🍗🍅✨