If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish that tastes like a sun-soaked holiday along the Mediterranean coast, then you’re going to fall in love with Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken. This effortlessly delicious recipe brings vibrant peppers, juicy tomatoes, tangy olives, and tender chicken together in a slow cooker, allowing all those classic flavors to mingle and shine. From the very first bite, you’ll be whisked away on a flavor adventure—without even turning on your oven. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends, and you’ll love how every element works together to make a meal that’s both easy and irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a few thoughtfully chosen ingredients transform into layers of bold Mediterranean flavor in this simple Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken. Each item brings something unique—color, fragrance, or savory depth—so don’t skip the details!
- Chicken thighs or breasts (1 ½ pounds): Opt for boneless, skinless pieces for maximum tenderness and easy shredding.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds rich flavor and helps prevent sticking—choose extra-virgin for the very best taste.
- Red bell pepper (sliced): Offers gorgeous color and a gentle sweetness.
- Yellow bell pepper (sliced): Brings a sunshiny hue and pairs beautifully with the red pepper.
- Red onion (sliced): Adds a mellow, sweet bite and helpful depth to the base.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Essential for that authentic Mediterranean aroma.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz, with juices): Gives juiciness and a tangy tomato lift that ties everything together.
- Kalamata olives (½ cup, halved): The ultimate salty-sweet addition—don’t skip unless you must!
- Sun-dried tomatoes (¼ cup, chopped): Bring chewy texture and bursts of tangy Mediterranean flavor.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): An herbaceous highlight you’ll smell as soon as you open the lid.
- Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Gently earthy—perfect with chicken and vegetables.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Sneaks in a mild smokiness and lovely color.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the flavors—if you’re using olives, taste before adding extra.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a hint of warmth to the whole dish.
- Capers (2 tablespoons, optional): For a briny, lemony pop—totally worth the add-in if you have them.
- Lemon juice (from ½ lemon): Brightens everything up at the very end.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): A sprinkle before serving gives color and a fresh lift.
How to Make Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken
Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker
Start by lightly greasing the bottom of your slow cooker with olive oil. This simple step ensures absolutely nothing sticks, while also infusing a bit of signature Mediterranean richness right from the start. Drizzle the oil and use a brush or paper towel to make a quick sweep—set the stage for a flavorful, mess-free meal!
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Nestle your chicken thighs or breasts directly into the slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, oregano, thyme, and paprika, making sure each piece gets a generous coat. This blend of spices creates the backbone of your Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken, giving every bite a perfectly seasoned punch.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Flavor Makers
Layer the sliced bell peppers and red onion right over the seasoned chicken. Toss on your minced garlic, pour in the diced tomatoes (juices and all), and scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and capers (if using) on top. You’ll already see a rainbow of color and can just imagine how the flavors will simmer and combine.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Place the lid on your slow cooker and set it: Low for 6 to 7 hours or High for 3 to 4 hours, depending on your schedule. As it cooks, your kitchen will fill with inviting scents, and the chicken will slowly absorb every herb and vegetable essence. By dinnertime, everything will be fall-apart tender and perfectly infused.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Just before serving, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the cooked chicken and vegetables—this wakes up all those Mediterranean flavors and adds brightness. Gently stir to combine, then top with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Your Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken is ready to steal the show!
How to Serve Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken
Garnishes
A dish this colorful deserves a beautiful finishing touch. A shower of chopped fresh parsley is a must—it adds a burst of green and fresh aroma. For even more Mediterranean flair, try shaving a bit of lemon zest over the top or sprinkling with crumbled feta cheese just before serving.
Side Dishes
Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. Fluffy couscous, fragrant basmati rice, or warm, crusty bread are crowd-pleasing favorites to soak up all that vibrant sauce. For something lighter, serve with a leafy green salad and perhaps a dollop of garlicky yogurt or tzatziki on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a weeknight dinner, simply spoon your chicken and veggie mixture over your favorite grains. For guests, try piling the chicken high on a rustic platter surrounded by lemon wedges, parsley, and extra olives—instant Mediterranean vibes! If you’re feeling fancy, serve in individual shallow bowls with a swirl of olive oil and a pinch more paprika for color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken tastes just as wonderful the next day! Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen and mellow overnight, making lunch the next day a treat.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion cooled chicken and vegetables into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm leftovers in a covered saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. You can also microwave individual servings, covering loosely to prevent splatters. Add a fresh squeeze of lemon and a scattering of parsley to awaken the flavors before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken?
Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work perfectly in this recipe. Thighs stay extra juicy and tender, but breasts will absorb all those lovely Mediterranean flavors as well. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid overcooking if you use chicken breast.
Are there any vegetables I can add?
Definitely! Chopped zucchini, baby spinach, or sliced mushrooms are all fantastic additions—just add them toward the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep them vibrant and not mushy. This recipe is flexible and fun to personalize with your favorite veggies.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No worries! You can make a version of Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken in the oven. Simply follow the recipe steps in a large covered Dutch oven and bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender.
Is Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken gluten free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free, making it a wonderful option for a variety of diets. Just double-check all your packaged ingredients—like sun-dried tomatoes and olives—to ensure they’re certified gluten-free if you have any concerns.
Can this recipe be doubled for a crowd?
Certainly! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the extra ingredients. You may need to add about 30 minutes to the cooking time, but the results will be just as delicious—and everyone will be coming back for seconds.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bring classic Mediterranean magic to your table with zero fuss, you can’t go wrong with Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for whenever you want something both wholesome and celebratory. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dinner!
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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 recipe is a flavorful and easy dish featuring tender chicken cooked with bell peppers, onions, olives, and aromatic Mediterranean spices. Perfect for a satisfying meal with minimal effort!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Vegetables:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 small red onion (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Other:
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- ½ cup kalamata olives (halved)
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons capers (optional)
- juice of ½ lemon
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Season chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and paprika. Place in greased slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables: Layer bell peppers, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, olives, and capers over chicken.
- Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or on High for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Finish: Squeeze lemon juice over dish, stir gently, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with couscous, rice, or crusty bread.
- Consider using bone-in thighs for extra flavor, adjusting cook time.
- Add spinach in the last 30 minutes for a green boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
