Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
This flavorful and tender Mediterranean-style chicken is a perfect slow-cooked dish that brings together aromatic herbs, juicy olives, and succulent chicken in a delightful combination. Here’s how you can make it at home.
Ingredients
You will need the following:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup green olives, pitted
1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of spice)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by washing the chicken breasts and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano on both sides.
2. Sauté the Aromatics (Optional):
In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sliced onions and cook for about 2 minutes until they become soft and slightly golden.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant. (This step enhances the flavor, but you can skip it and add the ingredients directly to the slow cooker.)
3. Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Layer the cooked onion and garlic mixture over the chicken.
Add the green olives, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and cherry tomatoes.
Pour the chicken broth and balsamic vinegar over the mixture.
Sprinkle the dried basil and red pepper flakes (if using) evenly over the ingredients.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
Cook on low heat for 6–8 hours or on high heat for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
5. Finishing Touches:
Once the cooking time is complete, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Mediterranean chicken warm with your favorite side dishes like couscous, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Add lemon wedges on the side for an extra citrusy kick.
This slow-cooked Mediterranean chicken is bursting with bold flavors and is ideal for a comforting dinner. The slow cooking process allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a mouthwatering dish you’ll want to make again and again.
