Description
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken: Tender chicken in a savory tomato sauce with olives, artichokes, and herbs. Easy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
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.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1020mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 130mg