Imagine coming home to the inviting aroma of Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken, a dish that’s as vibrant and colorful as a Mediterranean seaside sunset. This recipe brings together tender chicken, briny olives, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and a punch of fresh herbs, all slow-cooked to perfection in a single pot. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken is a fuss-free favorite that delivers bold flavor with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing a pop of flavor, a burst of color, or a touch of texture. Gather these essentials to create a meal that feels like a Mediterranean getaway on your dinner table.
- Chicken breasts or thighs (1 1/2 pounds): Choose boneless, skinless pieces for easy shredding and juicy results—thighs add extra richness.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz, with juices): These bring moisture and tang, forming the saucy base for the dish.
- Kalamata olives (1/2 cup, pitted and halved): Their briny flavor infuses every bite with classic Mediterranean flair.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (1/4 cup, chopped): Sweet and chewy, they add depth and a touch of luxury.
- Red onion (1 small, sliced): Provides gentle sweetness and a bit of crunch to balance the savory elements.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): For that irresistible aroma and a burst of classic Mediterranean flavor.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): A must-have herb that ties everything together with earthy notes.
- Dried basil (1/2 teaspoon): Adds an herby sweetness that complements the tomatoes.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle kick of heat—totally customizable.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, making each ingredient shine.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth to the overall dish.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Lends richness and helps everything meld together beautifully while cooking.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): For a bright, zesty finish that wakes up the whole pot.
- Feta cheese (1/3 cup, crumbled): Salty, creamy, and utterly irresistible as a finishing touch.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Adds a final burst of color and freshness right before serving.
How to Make Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken
Step 1: Layer the Ingredients
Start by arranging your chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and soaks up all the fabulous flavors from above. Next, layer on the diced tomatoes (juices included), followed by the kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, sliced red onion, and garlic. Don’t worry about perfection here—the beauty of Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken is in its rustic, homey charm.
Step 2: Season and Drizzle
Sprinkle the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), salt, and pepper over the layered ingredients. Then, drizzle everything with olive oil and a generous splash of lemon juice. This step is key: the oil and citrus not only add flavor but also help create a luscious sauce as the dish cooks.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 7 hours—or go for high if you’re short on time, and cook for 3 to 4 hours. As the Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken simmers away, the aromas will fill your kitchen and the chicken will become meltingly tender, ready to fall apart at the touch of a fork.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
When the cooking time is up, shred or slice the chicken right in the pot, letting it soak up all those Mediterranean juices. Just before serving, scatter crumbled feta and a shower of fresh parsley over the top. This final flourish adds creaminess, color, and a burst of fresh flavor that makes every bite sing.
How to Serve Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken
Garnishes
Don’t skimp on the finishing touches! A generous sprinkle of crumbled feta and a handful of chopped parsley not only look gorgeous but add brightness and creaminess that round out the dish. For a little extra wow, toss on some lemon zest or a few more sliced olives right before serving.
Side Dishes
Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken is wonderfully versatile. Spoon it over fluffy rice, nutty quinoa, or quick-cooking couscous to soak up the delicious juices. If you’re a bread lover, serve it with warm pita or crusty sourdough to mop up every last drop. For a lighter option, try it alongside a crisp Greek salad or grilled seasonal vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
This dish is just as happy on a weeknight dinner plate as it is at a festive gathering. For parties, pile the chicken and toppings into pita pockets with a smear of hummus, or serve it family-style in a big, beautiful dish so everyone can help themselves. Leftovers? Try stuffing them into a wrap with crunchy veggies for a Mediterranean-inspired lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken, you’re in luck—it keeps beautifully! Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes like a dream. Portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers (skip the feta and parsley until after reheating), label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual servings until hot, or gently warm a larger batch on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Once heated through, add fresh parsley and feta to bring back that pop of flavor and color.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! In fact, chicken thighs are a fantastic option for Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken because they stay extra juicy and tender during slow cooking. Either cut works beautifully, so use your favorite or whatever you have on hand.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for anyone avoiding gluten. Just be sure to pair it with a gluten-free side like rice or quinoa if you need to keep the whole meal gluten-free.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in a handful of baby spinach, chopped bell peppers, or even artichoke hearts during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It’s a great way to boost the nutrition and add even more Mediterranean flair.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken makes a delicious filling for wraps, grain bowls, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. Just reheat, add your favorite fresh toppings, and enjoy a brand-new meal.
Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?
Yes! Prepare Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken the day before, let it cool, and refrigerate it right in the slow cooker insert. When ready to serve, reheat on the warm setting, then add the feta and parsley just before your guests arrive.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s as easy as it is impressive, Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken is sure to win hearts at your table. Give it a try—you’ll love the bright, bold flavors and how effortlessly it comes together!
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Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken is a flavorful and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs simmered with diced tomatoes, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs. Topped with crumbled feta and fresh parsley, this dish brings a healthy Mediterranean flair to your dinner table, perfect for serving over rice, couscous, quinoa, or warm pita bread.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 small red onion (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken and vegetables: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Layer the diced tomatoes with their juices, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, sliced red onion, and minced garlic evenly over the chicken.
- Add herbs and seasonings: Sprinkle dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper evenly across the ingredients in the slow cooker. This will infuse your chicken with the classic Mediterranean flavors.
- Finish with liquids: Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the ingredients to add moisture and bring brightness to the dish. These liquids help keep the chicken tender through the long cooking process.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be tender, fully cooked, and easy to shred or slice when done.
- Prepare to serve: Before serving, shred or slice the chicken to your liking using two forks or a knife. This helps distribute the flavorful sauce evenly through the dish.
- Add final toppings: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. The feta adds a creamy, salty finish that complements the savory ingredients perfectly.
- Serve: Plate the Mediterranean chicken over cooked rice, couscous, quinoa, or with warm pita bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 4 days for convenient meal prep.
- For extra greens, add a handful of spinach to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Using chicken thighs instead of breasts will provide increased flavor and tenderness to the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken portion with toppings
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
