Picture this: melt-in-your-mouth chicken, sweet peppers, savory tomatoes, briny olives, and a sprinkle of feta, all slowly melding together into one glorious meal. Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken is the kind of dish that brings the sun-soaked flavors of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen, filling your home with irresistible aromas as it gently simmers away. With just a few pantry staples and colorful veggies, this recipe delivers vibrant taste and incredible ease—ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends when you want something both wholesome and utterly crave-worthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken is in its simplicity—just a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients that bring color, brightness, and depth to every bite. Each one plays a starring role, and together they make magic in your slow cooker.
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Opt for thighs for the juiciest, most flavorful chicken, but breasts work beautifully if you prefer leaner meat.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and a vibrant pop of color that brightens up the whole dish.
- Yellow Bell Pepper: Balances the red pepper and creates a stunning, sunny look when serving.
- Red Onion: Lends a gentle savory note and deepens the sauce with a touch of sweetness as it cooks down.
- Garlic: Three cloves, for classic Mediterranean flair and irresistible fragrance.
- Diced Tomatoes (with juice): Build the flavorful base sauce and add a bright acidity that makes the other ingredients sing.
- Kalamata Olives: Briny, tangy, and totally transformative—don’t skip these!
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Bring a concentrated tomato sweetness and a fun chewiness that pairs perfectly with tender chicken.
- Dried Oregano: Essential for that Greek-inspired earthiness we all love.
- Dried Thyme: An aromatic herb that ties everything together with its subtle, woodsy undertones.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Just the right amount to season every bite.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a gentle kick, if you like a little spice.
- Olive Oil: A couple tablespoons to enrich the sauce and marry all the ingredients.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for zesty brightness that finishes the dish with a flourish.
- Feta Cheese (for serving): Salty, tangy crumbles that melt just so over warm chicken.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish): A final sprinkle of green for freshness and color.
How to Make Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken
Step 1: Layer the Veggies and Aromatics
Begin by arranging the sliced red and yellow peppers, red onion, and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the can of diced tomatoes (juice included), Kalamata olives, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. This base creates the hearty sauce that the chicken will soak up as it cooks, swirling all the Mediterranean flavors together.
Step 2: Add the Spices and Olive Oil
Sprinkle the veggies and tomatoes with dried oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and, if you’re a fan of some heat, crushed red pepper flakes. Drizzle the olive oil over everything and give it a gentle stir. These seasonings create a fragrant layer that infuses every bite of the Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken with classic flavors.
Step 3: Nestle in the Chicken
Place your chicken thighs or breasts right into the vegetable mixture, nestling them down so they’re at least halfway covered by the chunky sauce. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the top to give everything a citrusy lift, making sure the chicken is well-coated. The slow cooker will do the rest, allowing all these elements to meld into one superb dish.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Pop the lid on your Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is completely tender and shreds easily with a fork. The irresistible aroma will let you know you’re getting close!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once cooked, shred or slice the chicken into the sauce, gently stirring to combine. Scoop the saucy chicken onto plates or bowls, then top generously with crumbled feta and a shower of fresh, chopped parsley for brightness. Every serving looks as beautiful as it tastes!
How to Serve Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken
Garnishes
Finish your Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken with an extra crumble of feta cheese and a good sprinkle of fresh parsley. A drizzle of olive oil or a few more olives make a pretty (and delicious) touch, or toss on a few cherry tomatoes for extra color and freshness.
Side Dishes
This Mediterranean chicken loves company! Scoop it over fluffy couscous, rice, or quinoa to soak up all the luscious sauce. Warm pita bread or a crisp Greek salad on the side will round out your meal and transport you straight to a seaside taverna.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stuffing Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken into toasted pita pockets with crunchy lettuce and an extra squeeze of lemon, or layer it on top of creamy hummus with a scattering of olives. Leftovers also make magical grain bowls with a spoonful of tzatziki and roasted veggies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Tuck any leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the chicken even more irresistible the next day.
Freezing
Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then ladle into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened up too much. The microwave works well for single servings—just be sure to cover and stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless for Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken adds even more flavor and stays extra juicy. Just keep in mind it may need a little extra time to become fall-off-the-bone tender.
What can I substitute for Kalamata olives?
If you don’t have Kalamata olives, try green olives or even capers for a briny, tangy contrast. Just be sure to taste and adjust the salt if needed.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! The crushed red pepper flakes add gentle heat, but you can increase the amount or toss in a chopped chili to give your Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken a real kick.
What if I want to add more veggies?
Go for it! Spinach is wonderful stirred in during the last 30 minutes, or add zucchini, eggplant, or artichoke hearts at the start for an even heartier dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken is naturally gluten-free. If you serve it with a gluten-free side like rice or quinoa, it’s a lovely option for anyone avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
There’s just nothing quite like the sunshine flavors and effortless charm of Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken. It’s a reliable favorite in my kitchen for both hearty family dinners and easy entertaining. Give it a try and discover how simple, soulful ingredients can transform into something absolutely delicious—your slow cooker will do all the heavy lifting!
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Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This flavorful Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy dish that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Tender chicken cooked with bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, olives, and a blend of herbs and spices, all topped with feta cheese and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Veggies:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- juice of 1 lemon
For Serving:
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Place peppers, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, olives, sun-dried tomatoes in the slow cooker.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Drizzle with olive oil, stir to combine.
- Cook Chicken: Nestle chicken into the mixture, squeeze lemon juice over the top. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
- Final Touches: Shred or slice chicken, coat with sauce. Serve topped with feta and parsley.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with couscous, rice, quinoa, or warm pita.
- Use chicken thighs for a richer flavor and more tender texture.
- Add spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra greens.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
