Name: Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted; 1 medium red onion, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese; Fresh parsley for garnish

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If you’re craving a meal that’s equal parts flavorful, comforting, and effortless, let me introduce you to your new weeknight hero: Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken. This vibrant dish gathers all the best-loved Mediterranean flavors—juicy chicken, briny olives, sweet tomatoes, and a zippy finishing touch of feta and fresh herbs—into one glorious slow-cooked wonder. Whether you’re seeking a hands-off dinner or an impressive meal for guests, the beautiful aroma (and simplicity!) of this recipe will make your kitchen the envy of the neighborhood.

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part of this dish is how each ingredient comes together to create layers of richness, color, and unmistakable Mediterranean flair. Not only are these staples easy to find, but they each pull their weight—adding brightness, depth, and that satisfying “just one more bite” quality.

Chicken Thighs: Tender and juicy, thighs hold up beautifully to slow cooking and soak in all the Mediterranean flavors.
Cherry Tomatoes: When slow-cooked, they burst into sweet pockets of flavor, adding gorgeous color, too.
Kalamata Olives: These briny gems lend a salty, deeply savory punch that really makes this dish sing.
Red Onion: Sliced thin, it melts into the background and infuses a subtle sweetness.
Garlic: Four cloves bring that heavenly aroma and classic Mediterranean zing.
Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet and smoky, they add incredible depth and a pop of color.
Chicken Broth: Keeps everything moist while adding another layer of savory flavor.
Olive Oil: For luscious richness and that signature Mediterranean mouthfeel.
Lemon Juice: Brightens everything up, balancing the richer flavors and making the dish feel fresh.
Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
Dried Oregano: Classic herbal flavor—don’t skip it!
Dried Basil: Brings sweet, herby notes for true Mediterranean authenticity.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors, especially in a slow cooker recipe.
Black Pepper: Just a hint of warmth to round it all out.
Crumbled Feta Cheese: Sprinkle over at the end for creamy, tangy contrast.
Fresh Parsley: A final flourish that adds freshness and a pop of green.

How to Make Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Veggies

Start by arranging the boneless, skinless chicken thighs directly in the bottom of your slow cooker. Scatter cherry tomato halves, kalamata olives, sliced red onion, minced garlic, and strips of roasted red pepper over the chicken, ensuring an even distribution so every bite is packed with flavor and texture.

Step 2: Whisk the Flavorful Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is the secret to infusing that unmistakable Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken essence throughout every bite—be generous with your whisking to fully combine!

Step 3: Pour Over and Set to Cook

Pour that dressing evenly over the chicken and vegetables, making sure everything has a little drizzle. Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 7 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours, depending on your schedule. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is wonderfully tender and your kitchen smells like a Mediterranean getaway.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

Right before serving, sprinkle the whole dish with crumbled feta cheese and a generous shower of fresh parsley. The feta will begin to soften slightly, adding tangy richness, while the parsley brings brightness and a bit of crunch. Your Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is now ready to enjoy—just wait for the oohs and aahs!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

Garnishes

This dish shines brightest with a flourish of crumbled feta and plenty of chopped fresh parsley. You can also jazz it up with a scattering of lemon zest or some toasted pine nuts for texture and extra Mediterranean flair.

Side Dishes

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy couscous, creamy orzo, rice, or a hunk of warm, crusty bread to mop up those gorgeous juices. If you want to keep it extra light, try serving alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a citrusy vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party twist, try serving the chicken over a bed of lemony yogurt, or pile it into toasted pita pockets with a dollop of tzatziki. You can also shred the chicken and spoon it over roasted vegetables for an easy, satisfying grain bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, so leftovers are a real treat—perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.

Freezing

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken freezes like a dream! Allow the dish to cool, transfer to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, and stash away for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for round two.

Reheating

For best results, gently warm the chicken in a covered skillet over medium heat or reheat individual portions in the microwave until piping hot. If the sauce seems a bit thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen things up.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, but they may be slightly less juicy than thighs and might cook a bit faster, so start checking for doneness about an hour earlier.

Is it possible to add other vegetables?

Yes, you can absolutely get creative! Try tossing in artichoke hearts, zucchini, or even small chunks of eggplant for more veggie goodness.

What if I don’t have kalamata olives?

If you’re out of kalamata olives, regular black olives or even green olives can work in a pinch, though the flavor will be milder. Feel free to mix and match your favorites.

Can this dish be made dairy-free?

Yes—simply omit the feta cheese or swap it for a dairy-free alternative at the end. The dish is naturally gluten-free as well!

Should I sear the chicken first?

Searing is totally optional. If you have a few extra minutes, searing the thighs in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes per side adds extra flavor, but it’s still delicious if you skip this step for convenience.

Final Thoughts

This is one of those recipes that makes you feel like a kitchen superstar without spending hours at the stove. Give this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken a try—you just might find yourself making it on repeat, and sharing the recipe with every friend who comes to dinner!

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A flavorful and easy-to-make Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken recipe that combines tender chicken thighs with cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, garlic, and a medley of Mediterranean flavors. Finished with feta cheese and fresh parsley, this dish is a delightful main course that pairs perfectly with rice, couscous, or crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Vegetables:

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup kalamata olives, pitted
1 medium red onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced

Seasonings:

1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Prep Ingredients: Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Add cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, garlic, and roasted red peppers.
Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine chicken broth, olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Pour over the chicken and vegetables.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.
Finish: Before serving, top with feta cheese and parsley. Serve with your choice of accompaniment.