Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

Imagine tender, juicy chicken slowly simmering in a fragrant blend of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and herbs until it practically melts in your mouth. That’s the magic of Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken – a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort. This hearty, flavor-packed recipe captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine while letting your slow cooker do all the work. You’ll learn how to create a perfectly balanced dish that’s healthy, delicious, and impressive enough for guests yet simple enough for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is the ultimate combination of convenience and gourmet flavor. The long, gentle cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender while absorbing the vibrant Mediterranean flavors – tangy lemon, rich olive oil, and aromatic herbs create layers of complexity that belie the recipe’s simplicity.

The contrast of textures makes this dish particularly satisfying – fork-tender chicken against the slight chew of sun-dried tomatoes, the briny pop of olives, and the creamy bite of feta cheese. Each mouthful delivers a different sensation.

Perhaps best of all, this recipe follows the beloved “set it and forget it” cooking method. Just 15 minutes of morning prep rewards you with a home that fills with mouthwatering aromas throughout the day and a complete meal ready when you are. It’s also naturally gluten-free and packed with protein and vegetables, making it as nutritious as it is delicious.

Ingredients

For this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken, you’ll need:

• 2 pounds (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 large red onion, sliced (about 1 cup)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup (175g) kalamata olives, pitted
• ½ cup (80g) sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• ¼ cup (60ml) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup (30g) crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

The kalamata olives provide essential briny flavor, while sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated sweetness that balances the dish perfectly.

Pro Tips

Achieving perfect Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken depends on a few key techniques:

First, don’t skip browning the chicken thighs before adding them to the slow cooker. This extra 5-minute step creates a richer flavor through the Maillard reaction and helps the chicken maintain its texture during long cooking. Simply heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

Second, layer your ingredients strategically. Place heartier vegetables like onions and bell peppers on the bottom, followed by the chicken, then the more delicate ingredients. This ensures even cooking and prevents more fragile components from breaking down completely.

Finally, resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking. Each peek releases heat and steam, potentially adding 15-20 minutes to your cooking time. Trust the process and wait until the recommended cooking time has elapsed before checking on your Mediterranean chicken masterpiece.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. You’re not cooking them through, just developing flavor. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate.

Step 2: Layer the slow cooker
Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the sliced red onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper, creating a bed for the other ingredients. This base layer will infuse the dish with aromatic flavors while preventing the chicken from sticking to the bottom.

Step 3: Add the chicken and remaining ingredients
Place the browned chicken thighs on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle the sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives around the chicken. Pour the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and chicken broth over everything. Add the dried oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 4: Cook low and slow
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s tender enough to shred easily with a fork. About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the chicken to brighten the flavors.

Step 5: Finish and serve
Just before serving your Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the top. The residual heat will slightly soften the feta without melting it completely, creating a perfect creamy contrast to the tangy, herb-infused chicken. Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Variations

Moroccan-Inspired Mediterranean Chicken: Transform this slow cooker Mediterranean chicken with a North African twist by adding 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, plus ½ cup of green olives and ¼ cup of chopped dried apricots. The subtle sweetness of the apricots balances beautifully with the warming spices.

Greek-Style Mediterranean Chicken: Embrace classic Greek flavors by using only kalamata olives, doubling the feta cheese, and adding 1 cup of artichoke hearts. After cooking, stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves until just wilted, then top with extra feta and a drizzle of good quality olive oil for an authentic Greek-inspired meal.

Vegetable-Packed Mediterranean Chicken: For an extra nutritious version, add 1 medium zucchini (diced), 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), and 1 can of drained chickpeas. This creates a complete one-pot meal with additional fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein that still maintains the delicious Mediterranean flavor profile.

Storage and Serving

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken actually improves overnight as the flavors continue to meld, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop or microwave until just heated through.

For serving, try it over fluffy couscous, which cooks in just 5 minutes and beautifully absorbs the flavorful sauce. For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or with a side of roasted vegetables. My favorite presentation is to serve this Mediterranean slow cooker chicken in shallow bowls with a side of warm pita bread for scooping up the sauce, topped with extra feta, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a restaurant-quality presentation.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts work well, but they tend to dry out more easily. If using breasts, reduce the cooking time to 5-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high and check for doneness earlier.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken for up to 3 months. The flavor actually deepens after freezing and reheating, though the vegetables will be slightly softer.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Brown the chicken using the sauté function, then add remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes with a 10-minute natural release.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you don’t have feta, try goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor, or omit the cheese entirely for a dairy-free version that’s still delicious.

Can I prepare this the night before?
Yes! You can brown the chicken and prepare all ingredients, storing them separately in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, add everything to your slow cooker and turn it on before leaving for the day.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is comfort food at its finest — wholesome, aromatic, and bursting with sun-kissed flavors that transport you straight to the Mediterranean coast. It’s the kind of dish that solves the “what’s for dinner” dilemma while still feeling special enough for company. The balance of tender chicken, bright citrus, briny olives, and herbs creates a meal that’s nourishing for both body and soul, proving that truly satisfying food doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re serving family or guests, this slow cooker miracle delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Print