Name: Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs); 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice); 1/2 cup kalamata olives (pitted and halved); 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped); 1 small red onion (sliced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Juice of 1 lemon; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (for garnish); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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If you’re dreaming of a delicious, effortless dinner that celebrates bright Mediterranean flavors, Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is your new weeknight hero. Juicy chicken gets a sun-drenched medley of tomatoes, olives, red onion, vibrant herbs, and a citrusy zip of lemon. Everything simmers together in the slow cooker, infusing the chicken with all those bold, briny flavors—filling your kitchen with an aroma that’ll instantly transport you to the blue coast of Santorini! This is comfort food that tastes fancy yet is stunningly simple to make. Trust me, it’s as perfect for meal-prep as it is for entertaining your favorite people.

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is how just a handful of ingredients come together for restaurant-worthy results. Each ingredient adds its own charm, from color and freshness to tang and savory depth. Here’s what you need, and why each one matters:

Chicken breasts or thighs: The tender base that soaks up all the wonderful flavors; thighs bring extra juiciness.
Diced tomatoes (with juice): Adds bright acidity, sauciness, and a touch of sweetness to the dish.
Kalamata olives: Infuse a briny, salty burst; halved for easy, flavorful bites.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Concentrated and sweet, these bring a chewy texture and a punch of umami.
Red onion: Sliced for gentle sweetness and a gorgeous pop of color.
Garlic: Essential Mediterranean warmth and earthiness; don’t skimp!
Dried oregano: Classic Greek herb that adds woodsy, peppery notes.
Dried basil: Lends a mellow, sweet depth to the tomato sauce.
Smoked paprika: A hint of smokiness lifts the whole dish (not to be skipped!).
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle spark of heat.
Salt and black pepper: Season to perfection and balance all the bright flavors.
Olive oil: Richness and a velvety texture to round it all out.
Lemon juice: Fresh citrus brightens everything and ties it all together.
Feta cheese (for garnish): Creamy and tangy, this finishing touch makes everything pop.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbal lift and lovely color at the end.

How to Make Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

Step 1: Layer the Base

Start by arranging the chicken breasts or thighs in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. This ensures they soak up every drop of that luscious Mediterranean sauce. Don’t worry if they overlap slightly—the slow cooker works its magic to cook everything evenly.

Step 2: Add the Veggies and Goodies

Pour in the diced tomatoes with all their juice (don’t drain!), then scatter the kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, and minced garlic over the chicken. These ingredients will melt together as they cook, creating layers of zesty, savory flavor in every forkful.

Step 3: Sprinkle the Spices

Now sprinkle the dried oregano, basil, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if you like a little fire), salt, and black pepper across the top. The vibrant herbs and spices bring real Mediterranean flair and color—your kitchen will already start smelling amazing!

Step 4: Drizzle with Olive Oil and Lemon Juice

Drizzle two tablespoons of rich olive oil and squeeze the juice of one fresh lemon right over everything. This combo ensures the chicken stays juicy and flavorful, and it delivers that signature zesty brightness.

Step 5: Mix Gently

Give everything a gentle stir, just enough to spread the flavors around but without fully submerging the chicken. This way, your chicken cooks evenly but still gets a glorious blend of toppings and sauce.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. When the chicken is wonderfully tender and infused with those Mediterranean aromatics, it’s ready! If you want to sneak in some extra greens, toss in a handful of fresh spinach about 15 minutes before the end of cooking.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Before serving, always taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Then, generously sprinkle on the crumbled feta and chopped fresh parsley as your beautiful finishing touch. Serve hot over your favorite grain or with warm pita bread—the sauce is too good to leave behind!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

Garnishes

A dish this vibrant deserves a final flourish! Top each plate with a generous sprinkle of crumbled feta and a scattering of freshly chopped parsley. Not only do these garnishes add creamy tang and a pop of green, but they instantly elevate the Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken to dinner-party status.

Side Dishes

This chicken shines with so many sides. Scoop it over fluffy couscous, brown rice, or quinoa so those grains soak up the luscious sauce. For a cozier night, plate it alongside garlic roasted potatoes or serve with warm, pillowy pita to scoop up all the goodness. A simple cucumber and tomato salad also adds brightness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, shred the chicken and tuck it into pita wraps with extra feta, greens, and some tzatziki sauce for an irresistible lunch. Or, serve over a bed of baby spinach for a Mediterranean-inspired power bowl. Don’t forget a wedge of lemon on the side for that little extra sparkle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is a meal prep dream. Simply transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors continue to mingle and get even better, making tomorrow’s lunch a real treat!

Freezing

To freeze, let the chicken and sauce cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep well for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge for an easy, flavorful dinner whenever you need it.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. If the sauce thickens a bit in the fridge, a splash of water or broth will restore its saucy goodness. Top with fresh parsley and feta to bring back that just-cooked flair.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually even juicier and more forgiving in slow cooker recipes. Just trim off excess fat, and you might need to add 15–30 minutes of cook time for bone-in thighs.

Is it okay to use oil-packed or dry sun-dried tomatoes?

Either works well for Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken. If using oil-packed, drain them so the sauce doesn’t get greasy. If using dry-packed, consider rehydrating them in a little warm water for a softer texture.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely! This recipe is flexible. Add bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or spinach for more color and variety. Just remember that delicate greens like spinach only need the last few minutes to wilt beautifully.

How spicy does the dish get with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper adds just a gentle heat when used as suggested, but you can always adjust to your own spice preference. For a milder version, simply omit them entirely.

Can I prep this meal ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and store it in the fridge (covered). In the morning, pop it in the slow cooker, set the timer, and come home to a ready dinner.

Final Thoughts

If you want to bring some sunshine and old-world flavor to your dinner routine, you truly can’t go wrong with this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken. The colors, aromas, and layers of flavor are sure to have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite go-to meal!

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken recipe is a delicious and healthy dish packed with Mediterranean flavors. Tender chicken breasts cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant herbs, all made effortlessly in a slow cooker.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
1/2 cup kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
1 small red onion (sliced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (for garnish)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Place the chicken in the slow cooker: Arrange chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, and garlic. Season with oregano, basil, paprika, red pepper, salt, and pepper.
Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice: Drizzle over the top.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Adjust seasoning and serve: Garnish with feta and parsley before serving.