Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken thighs cooked with vibrant Mediterranean ingredients like bell peppers, kalamata olives, and herbs. Perfect for a hands-off weeknight meal, it offers a delicious combination of savory and tangy flavors, garnished with fresh parsley, lemon slices, and optional feta cheese for an authentic touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours on low or 4 hours on high
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes (low) or 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Generously season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs with salt and black pepper on both sides to enhance their flavor.
- Layer vegetables in slow cooker: Place half of the sliced red onions, minced garlic, and sliced red and yellow bell peppers at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful base.
- Add the chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs evenly over the vegetable layer in the slow cooker.
- Season the chicken with herbs and spices: Sprinkle dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes evenly over the chicken to infuse it with Mediterranean flavors.
- Add remaining vegetables and olives: Top the chicken with the remaining sliced onions, bell peppers, kalamata olives, and the canned diced tomatoes for added texture and flavor.
- Pour liquids: Pour the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice over all the ingredients to keep the chicken moist and impart a zesty tang.
- Cook the dish: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or on high heat for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Check tenderness: Verify that the chicken is fork-tender, meaning it pulls apart easily, ensuring it is done.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the cooked chicken and vegetables to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, lemon slices, and if desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for a perfect finish.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes according to taste.
- Use chicken breasts if preferred, but cooking time may vary.
- Feta cheese is optional but adds an authentic Mediterranean flavor and creaminess.
- Serve with crusty bread, rice, or couscous to make it a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, Mediterranean chicken, chicken thighs recipe, easy slow cooker recipes, healthy chicken dinner, Mediterranean diet, slow cooked chicken, one pot chicken meal
Find it online: https://topreci.com/slow-cooker-mediterranean-chicken-recipe/
