The Best Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Recipe for Busy Weeknights

This slow cooker Mediterranean chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings the rich, sun-kissed flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table. Tender chicken simmers in a vibrant sauce made with tomatoes, olives, garlic, and aromatic herbs, creating a hearty yet healthy meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish requires minimal prep and delivers maximum taste. Serve it over whole grains, cauliflower rice, or alongside roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy & Hands-Off: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
Bursting with Flavor: A perfect balance of tangy tomatoes, briny olives, and fragrant herbs.
Nutritious & Balanced: Packed with lean protein and wholesome ingredients.
Great for Meal Prep: Makes delicious leftovers that taste even better the next day.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, no salt added
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced
• 2 tbsp capers, drained
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Prep the Ingredients

1. Slice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the olives.
2. Pat the chicken dry and season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Assemble in the Slow Cooker

1. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, onions, garlic, olives, capers, oregano, basil, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
2. Nestle the chicken breasts or thighs into the mixture, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and cover with the lid.

Slow Cook to Perfection

• Low Setting: Cook for 6-7 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
• High Setting: Cook for 3-4 hours for faster results.

Finish & Serve

1. Stir in the lemon juice just before serving for a bright, fresh flavor.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and crumbled feta if desired.
3. Serve over quinoa, whole wheat couscous, or zucchini noodles for a wholesome meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 240 | Protein: 30g | Carbs: 10g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 3g

Tips for Success

• Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: They hold up better in the slow cooker and remain tender.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Add extra red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Enhance the Flavor: For even more depth, sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Make it a One-Pot Meal: Toss in baby spinach or artichokes during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra veggies.

Why This Recipe Works

• Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, making this a stress-free meal.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The acidity of tomatoes, saltiness of olives, and brightness of lemon create a delicious harmony.
• Great for Meal Prep: Stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it ideal for quick meals.

This slow cooker Mediterranean chicken is a simple yet elegant dish that’s full of bold flavors and nourishing ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dinner option or an easy meal prep recipe, this dish will become a favorite in your rotation. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with every bite!