Savory Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe Magic

Mediterranean flavors dance delightfully in this slow cooker mediterranean chicken that promises a remarkable culinary journey.

Aromatic herbs and tender meat create a symphony of taste surprising even seasoned home cooks.

Weeknight dinners just became infinitely more exciting with minimal preparation and maximum satisfaction.

Warm spices and simple ingredients merge into a comforting meal that feels like a vacation on your plate.

Coastal inspirations blend seamlessly through carefully selected components that transport you to sunny Mediterranean landscapes.

Fragrant rosemary, garlic, and olive oil infuse every succulent bite with authentic regional character.

You’ll find this recipe so effortless and delicious that it might become your new dinner staple.

Prepare to savor an extraordinary meal that celebrates Mediterranean cooking traditions with incredible ease.

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Magic

• Savor Mediterranean Flavor Explosion: Dive into a dish bursting with tangy olives, rich tomatoes, and aromatic herbs that transport your taste buds to sunny coastal regions.
• Conquer Hands-Off Cooking: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, creating a delicious meal with minimal effort while you tackle other tasks.
• Create Family-Friendly Comfort: Tender shredded chicken in a vibrant sauce offers a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both kids and adults with its approachable yet exciting flavor profile.
• Master Meal Prep Magic: Easily prepare a versatile protein that pairs perfectly with rice, quinoa, or bread, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

• Onion: A foundational vegetable that adds sweetness and depth to the slow cooker dish.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor that enhances the Mediterranean profile.

• Chicken Breasts: The main protein that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.

• Oregano, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A blend of herbs and spices that create a classic Mediterranean seasoning profile.

• Diced Tomatoes, Chicken Broth, Red Wine Vinegar: A combination that creates a rich, tangy sauce for the chicken.

• Green Olives, Kalamata Olives: Provide a briny, Mediterranean-style flavor and textural contrast to the dish.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken in Slow Cooker

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker Base

Layer the bottom of your slow cooker with thinly sliced onions and minced garlic. This creates a delicious aromatic foundation that will infuse incredible flavor into the chicken during cooking.

• Onions
• Garlic

Spread these ingredients evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful base.

Step 2: Dress the Chicken

Gently place chicken breasts on top of the onion and garlic layer.

Generously coat the chicken with a blend of dried herbs and spices for a Mediterranean-inspired taste.

• Dried oregano
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Ensure each chicken breast is thoroughly seasoned on all sides.

Step 3: Pour Liquid Goodness

Create a rich cooking liquid by pouring a combination of tangy and savory ingredients over the chicken.

• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Red wine vinegar
• Green olives
• Kalamata olives

Distribute the olives and liquids evenly across the chicken to ensure maximum flavor penetration.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Low setting: 6-8 hours
• High setting: 3-4 hours

The chicken is ready when it becomes incredibly tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the cooking liquid. This allows the meat to absorb all the delicious Mediterranean flavors.

Serve the chicken hot alongside your favorite accompaniments.

• Fluffy rice
• Quinoa
• Crusty bread

Garnish with fresh herbs if desired for an extra pop of freshness.

Pro Tips for Tender Mediterranean Chicken

• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for extra moisture and richer flavor during slow cooking.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth and choosing fresh herbs over salt-heavy seasonings.
• Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before serving to boost fresh Mediterranean taste and nutrition.
• Create a gluten-free option by serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional grains.
• Enhance meal prep by storing leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify.

Variations for Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

• Greek-Inspired Variation: Replace chicken breasts with bone-in chicken thighs for richer flavor and more tender meat.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional grains to reduce carbohydrate intake.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Add red pepper flakes or harissa paste to increase heat and enhance the traditional Mediterranean spice profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Mediterranean Chicken

• Pair Perfectly with Mediterranean Zest
• Match this slow-cooked chicken with crisp, mineral-driven white wines like Assyrtiko from Greece, cutting through the dish's richness with bright acidity.
• Complement Mediterranean Textures
• Serve alongside a fresh Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese, creating a balanced plate that echoes the chicken's vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
• Enhance with Herbal Accompaniments
• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil over the shredded chicken, adding a burst of green freshness that elevates the dish's aromatic profile.
• Complete with Rustic Bread
• Select a hearty sourdough or ciabatta bread to soak up the flavorful cooking juices, transforming each bite into a delightful Mediterranean experience.

Storage Advice for Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for 2-3 months.

Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a bit of broth or water to maintain moisture. Stir gently until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• What herbs and spices give this dish its Mediterranean flavor?

Oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper create the classic Mediterranean taste profile, infusing the chicken with aromatic and warm spice notes.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly for this recipe. They’re more forgiving in the slow cooker and tend to stay extra juicy and tender.

• How do the olives contribute to the dish's flavor?

Green and Kalamata olives add a tangy, briny element that enhances the overall Mediterranean character, bringing a rich and complex taste to the chicken.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free when served with rice or quinoa. Just ensure all ingredients like broth and vinegar are certified gluten-free if you have strict dietary needs.

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean chicken delights home cooks with tender, herb-infused meat simmered in rich olive oil and aromatic spices. Packed with zesty flavors from Greece, this simple slow cooker meal brings rustic comfort directly to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Olives and Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup green olives
• 1 cup Kalamata olives
• 1 can (14 ounces / 396 grams) diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Layer the base of the slow cooker with thinly sliced onions and minced garlic, creating an aromatic foundation for the Mediterranean-style dish.
2. Generously coat chicken breasts with a blend of dried oregano, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even seasoning.
3. Gently place the seasoned chicken atop the onion and garlic layer, maintaining an even distribution.
4. Delicately pour a mixture of diced tomatoes, rich chicken broth, and tangy red wine vinegar over the chicken, allowing the liquid to seep through.
5. Sprinkle a colorful array of green and Kalamata olives across the surface, adding a briny Mediterranean touch.
6. Secure the lid and slow cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, allowing the chicken to become incredibly tender and infused with robust flavors.
7. Once cooking is complete, use two forks to carefully shred the chicken, intermingling the meat with the flavorful cooking liquids.
8. Serve the succulent shredded chicken hot, accompanied by fluffy rice, nutty quinoa, or a crusty artisan bread to soak up the delectable juices.

Notes

• Customize Salt Levels by choosing low-sodium broth and adjusting added salt to control overall dish sodium content.
• Experiment with Different Proteins like skinless chicken thighs or turkey breasts for varied texture and flavor profile.
• Enhance Mediterranean Authenticity by adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or mint just before serving for bright, fresh finish.
• Make Gluten-Free friendly by serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional grains for low-carb option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 263 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 640 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg