Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

Imagine this: you come home after a long day, the aroma of sun-drenched tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and tender chicken fills your kitchen. No frantic chopping, no hours spent hovering over a stove. Just the comforting warmth of your slow cooker working its magic, creating a vibrant, flavorful Mediterranean feast. That’s the beauty of Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken – a recipe that delivers big on taste and convenience. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean, effortlessly achieved in your own kitchen. We’re talking juicy, succulent chicken infused with the bright acidity of Kalamata olives, the earthy richness of sun-dried tomatoes, and the fragrant warmth of oregano and basil. It’s a recipe that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat, perfect for weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend gatherings. Get ready to experience the ease and deliciousness of this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken!

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

A flavorful and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken breasts infused with Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual gathering.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Mediterranean

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 14.5 ounce can Diced tomatoes undrained
• 8 ounces Sun-dried tomatoes oil-packed, drained (reserve oil)
• 0.5 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
• 0.25 cup Red onion thinly sliced
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 0.25 cup Feta cheese crumbled
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil plus reserved oil from sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes (undrained), sun-dried tomatoes (drained, reserving oil), Kalamata olives, red onion, minced garlic, feta cheese, olive oil (including reserved oil from sun-dried tomatoes), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
• Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker.
• Pour the tomato mixture over the chicken, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged.
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
• Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks directly in the slow cooker.
• Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
• Serve hot, and enjoy!

Notes

For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce on the stovetop for 10-15 minutes before returning the chicken. You can also serve this over rice, quinoa, or couscous.

Keyword chicken, dinner, easy, family, mediterranean, slow cooker, weeknight

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe

This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to effortless elegance. Let’s explore what makes it so irresistible:

• Unbelievable Flavor without the Fuss: The slow cooker does all the work! The chicken simmers gently, absorbing all the incredible flavors of the Mediterranean ingredients. You end up with incredibly tender, juicy chicken, bursting with taste.
• Minimal Prep Time: This is a true set-it-and-forget-it recipe. The prep work takes just minutes, leaving you with more time to relax or focus on other things.
• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with nutritious ingredients like chicken breast, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes, this dish is a balanced and satisfying meal. It’s a fantastic option for those watching their calorie intake or focusing on healthy eating.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve this chicken over rice, quinoa, couscous, or pasta. It’s also delicious with roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful sauce. The possibilities are endless!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and pop them into the slow cooker in the morning for a delicious dinner ready when you arrive home. This is a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
• Impress Your Guests Effortlessly: This dish looks and tastes incredibly sophisticated, yet it’s surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You Should Try This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe

Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken recipe offers a unique blend of benefits:

• Explore New Flavors: This recipe is a gateway to experiencing the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean without the need for complex techniques or exotic ingredients. You can easily find everything you need at your local grocery store.
• Stress-Free Cooking: Embrace the joy of slow cooking! The slow cooker does the hard work, freeing you up to enjoy other aspects of your day. Say goodbye to kitchen stress and hello to delicious, effortless meals.
• Leftover Potential: This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken makes delicious leftovers! The flavors actually improve as it sits, making for even more satisfying lunches or dinners the next day.
• Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses readily available, affordable ingredients, making it a budget-friendly choice for delicious and nutritious meals.
• Family-Friendly: Most families will enjoy this flavorful and healthy chicken dish. It’s a great way to introduce your kids to the tastes and textures of Mediterranean cuisine.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is ideal for meal prepping. Prepare a large batch on the weekend and have healthy, flavorful lunches or dinners ready for the week.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils for Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

Gathering the right ingredients and tools is crucial for a successful Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken. Let’s dive into the specifics:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show! Choose quality chicken for optimal flavor and tenderness. Consider using organic chicken for a healthier option.
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds acidity and a juicy texture to the sauce. Look for quality canned tomatoes for better taste.
• 1 (8 ounce) package sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained (reserve oil): These bring a concentrated burst of flavor and intense sweetness. The reserved oil adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved: The salty, briny flavor of Kalamata olives is a classic Mediterranean touch. You can use other olives if preferred, but Kalamata is ideal.
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a touch of sweetness and bite. Red onion is ideal for its milder flavor compared to white or yellow onions.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that aromatic Mediterranean depth of flavor. Fresh garlic is best, but you can use jarred minced garlic in a pinch.
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a salty, tangy, and creamy element to the dish. Use high-quality feta for the best results.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus reserved oil from sun-dried tomatoes): Provides richness and enhances the flavor of the other ingredients. Use extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A quintessential Mediterranean herb; adds a distinctly earthy and aromatic note.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Another staple herb in Mediterranean cooking; complements the oregano beautifully.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Adjust to your taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice and complexity. Freshly ground black pepper is preferred.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of freshness and color to the finished dish.

Utensils:

• Slow Cooker (6-quart or larger): The heart of this recipe. A larger slow cooker provides more space and ensures even cooking.
• Cutting Board: For chopping the red onion and garlic. A sturdy, non-porous cutting board is recommended for hygiene.
• Sharp Knife: For efficiently chopping vegetables. A sharp knife ensures clean cuts and prevents bruising ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurement of ingredients. Accurate measurements are crucial for the best flavor balance.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula: To mix all the ingredients together in the slow cooker.
• Serving Bowls or Plates: To serve your delicious Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken. Choose serving dishes that complement the vibrant colors of the dish.

Detailed Recipe Steps for Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and chop the red onion and mince the garlic. Drain the sun-dried tomatoes, reserving the oil. Pit and halve the Kalamata olives.
2. Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the diced tomatoes (undrained), sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
3. Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker on top of the tomato mixture. **Ensure the chicken is not overcrowded in the slow cooker; if necessary, cook in batches.**
4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Shred Chicken (Optional): Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it cool slightly. Use two forks to shred the chicken into smaller pieces. You can also leave it whole, depending on your preference.
6. Stir in Feta: Stir the crumbled feta cheese into the slow cooker sauce. This step is best done after the chicken is shredded and added back to the slow cooker to prevent the feta from melting too much.
7. Return Chicken to Slow Cooker (If Shredded): Add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce and feta cheese.
8. Serve: Serve the Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy over rice, quinoa, couscous, or your favorite side dish.

**Essential Tip:** Don’t overcook the chicken! Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Check the internal temperature regularly to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.

Tips and Variations for Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

Here are some helpful tips and variations to enhance your Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken experience:

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat. Or, incorporate a teaspoon of your favorite Mediterranean seasoning blend.
• Add Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts during the last hour of cooking.
• Lemon Zest: Incorporate some lemon zest for a bright, citrusy note that complements the other flavors beautifully.
• Different Herbs: Experiment with other herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or marjoram.
• Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken thighs for the breasts for a richer, more flavorful dish. Chicken thighs will require a slightly longer cooking time.
• Other Cheeses: Try substituting the feta with goat cheese or a creamy Italian cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you ensure all your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker. If you have a large amount of chicken, it’s best to cook in batches to ensure even cooking and tender results.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Let’s explore the nutritional benefits of the key ingredients:

(Note: The exact nutritional values will vary depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used. This is an approximate estimation.)

• Chicken Breast: An excellent source of lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues. It’s low in fat and calories, making it a healthy choice for weight management.
• Olive Oil: Rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. It also contains antioxidants that protect against cell damage.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: A concentrated source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced cancer risk. They also provide vitamins and minerals.
• Kalamata Olives: A good source of healthy fats and antioxidants. They also contain fiber, which aids in digestion.
• Red Onion: A good source of antioxidants and fiber, contributing to overall health and well-being.
• Garlic: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential health benefits for the heart and immune system.
• Feta Cheese: A source of calcium and protein, vital for bone health and muscle function. However, it is also higher in fat and sodium than other cheeses, so moderation is key.
• Herbs (Oregano and Basil): Packed with antioxidants and possess anti-inflammatory properties. They also add flavor and aroma.

This recipe provides a balanced meal rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a great way to nourish your body while enjoying a flavorful and satisfying meal. For a more precise nutritional breakdown, you can use a nutrition calculator to input the specific ingredients and their quantities.

FAQs

In conclusion, this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken recipe is a true kitchen winner. Its ease of preparation, incredible flavor, and nutritional benefits make it a go-to dish for busy weeknights and relaxed weekends. The vibrant Mediterranean flavors will transport your taste buds, while the tender chicken and flavorful sauce will leave you craving more. Don’t forget to share your experience by commenting below or sharing this recipe with your friends and family! Let us know how you enjoyed this recipe. For more delicious recipes, check out our other blog posts, like our Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes or Whipped Feta Garlic Butter Bacon Smash Burgers. Happy cooking! And don’t forget to pin this recipe to your Pinterest board for later: Pinterest