Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
Imagine coming home to the aroma of tender chicken infused with Mediterranean spices, briny olives, and rich sun-dried tomatoes—this is the pure magic of Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken. It’s a celebration of bright flavors, incredible textures, and minimal prep, yet it yields a meal that feels special enough for company. Whether you’re craving a healthy weeknight dinner or a show-stopper for a weekend meal, this recipe is as delightful to cook as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken is refreshingly straightforward, yet each choice delivers a crucial role—boosting flavor, color, or that irresistible texture that makes every bite sing. When combined in your slow cooker, these ingredients transform into something truly memorable.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (2 pounds): Thighs offer rich, juicy flavor but breasts will work for a leaner result.
- Kalamata olives (1/2 cup, pitted and halved): Their briny, bold taste adds classic Mediterranean flair.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (1/2 cup, chopped): These gems bring a concentrated sweetness and a chewy bite.
- Cherry tomatoes (1/2 cup, halved): Fresh, juicy pops of color and tang that balance the richness.
- Red onion (1 small, thinly sliced): Adds bite and mild sweetness after slow cooking.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): A non-negotiable for savory depth and aroma.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): The cooking liquid that melds all the flavors together into a savory sauce.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For richness and to carry all the seasonings.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens everything with zesty acidity.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Delivers the herbal backbone essential to Mediterranean cooking.
- Dried basil (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a touch of floral sweetness to the medley.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): To enhance and tie together all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds that warm, gentle heat we crave.
- Optional: Crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley for garnish: These are the finishing touches for creamy, salty, and fresh notes.
How to Make Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken
Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Veggies
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. Next, sprinkle the kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and garlic on top of the chicken. This layering lets every flavor infuse the meat as it cooks and gives the finished dish a beautiful, colorful presentation.
Step 2: Whisk the Flavorful Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. This simple sauce bathes the chicken and veggies in Mediterranean magic as they simmer, adding both moisture and a depth of flavor that penetrates every bite.
Step 3: Pour, Cover, and Cook
Pour that zesty marinade evenly all over your chicken and vegetables. Pop the lid on, set your slow cooker on low for 6 to 7 hours (or high for 3 to 4 hours), and go about your day while Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken practically makes itself! You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fork-tender and shreds with ease.
Step 4: Shred (or Not!) and Garnish
Now comes the fun part! You can serve the chicken whole for a rustic look or use two forks to shred it right in the slow cooker so it soaks up every drop of flavor. Scatter crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley over the top if you’d like that extra creamy, herb-fresh finish.
Step 5: Time to Serve
Spoon your finished Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken over rice, fluffy couscous, or serve it with toasty warm pita bread for scooping up all those delicious juices. Every plate is guaranteed to get rave reviews at the table!
How to Serve Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken
Garnishes
The right garnishes can take your Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken from tasty to utterly unforgettable. I love a generous sprinkle of crumbled feta for creamy, salty tang, plus a scattering of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. If you want a little extra flair, a squeeze of lemon or even a few toasted pine nuts add layers of interest without overpowering the main event.
Side Dishes
This dish is endlessly versatile with sides. Fluffy basmati rice or delicate couscous soak up all those incredible juices, while quinoa provides a hearty, wholesome base. Toasted pita or warm naan bread turns the chicken and sauce into a hands-on feast. For a lighter touch, try it alongside a crisp Greek salad brimming with cucumbers and tomatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your presentation! Serve Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken atop a vibrant bed of greens for a satisfying salad, pile it high in warm pita pockets with extra veggies for a Mediterranean sandwich, or plate it over zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb twist. Everyone will want to know your secret.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken are almost better the next day as those flavors mingle and deepen. Transfer extra portions, along with their sauce, into airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to four days. It’s a fabulous option for meal prepping your lunches!
Freezing
To freeze, let your Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay bags flat for easy stacking and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
For reheating, use the microwave or a gentle simmer in a saucepan on the stove. Add a splash of extra chicken broth if you want to loosen up the sauce. Top with fresh garnishes each time you serve, and it will taste just as incredible as the first night.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken pieces instead of boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in cuts will yield even more flavor and juiciness, though you may need to increase cooking time by an hour or so. Just remove and discard the bones before serving or shredding for the best eating experience.
Is it OK to add other vegetables?
Yes, Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken invites customization. Bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or even quartered zucchini are all delicious additions, but keep in mind that veggies with high water content may make the sauce slightly thinner.
Can I make this with chicken breasts if I want it leaner?
Chicken breasts work beautifully if you prefer a lighter meal. Just keep an eye on the cook time; breasts can dry out a little quicker than thighs, so check for doneness at the lower end of the cooking range.
Does this recipe work well for meal prep?
It’s perfect for meal prep! The flavors only improve as Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken sits, making it a fantastic choice for lunches or busy weeknights. Portion out into individual containers for grab-and-go convenience.
How spicy is this dish?
Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken is very mild, focusing on herbs, lemon, and savory flavors rather than heat. If you like a little kick, feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes before cooking or a drizzle of hot sauce at serving time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s as easy as it is elegant, Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken is one you’ll keep coming back to. It’s a true crowd-pleaser and a steady weeknight winner, so don’t hesitate—make it this week and let your kitchen fill with those irresistible Mediterranean aromas!
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Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Tender and flavorful Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken made with chicken, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a blend of herbs, slow-cooked to perfection. A satisfying and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a busy day!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Vegetables:
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish:
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Place chicken in the slow cooker and top with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and garlic.
- Mix Seasonings: In a bowl, combine chicken broth, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Pour over the chicken and vegetables.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Serve: Garnish with feta and parsley. Enjoy with rice, couscous, or pita bread.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil from the jar.
- This dish is great for meal prep and can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
