Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is a vibrant, wholesome meal full of bold flavors and nourishing ingredients. Tender chicken simmers all day in a savory tomato-based sauce with olives, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs, soaking up every bit of Mediterranean goodness. It’s a no-fuss recipe that brings warmth, color, and incredible taste to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s packed with flavor and comes together with barely any effort. I just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. The result is juicy, tender chicken infused with tangy, herby, savory notes that feel both comforting and fresh. It’s perfect for meal prep, dinner parties, or just when I want something a little different from the usual.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
canned diced tomatoes (fire-roasted or plain)
sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
kalamata olives, pitted and halved
red onion, thinly sliced
garlic, minced
olive oil
Italian seasoning or dried oregano
paprika
salt
black pepper
fresh parsley or basil (for garnish, optional)
lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions

1. I place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker and season it with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

2. I add the garlic, onion, diced tomatoes (with their juice), sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, and olives on top.

3. I drizzle with olive oil and give everything a gentle stir to combine.

4. I cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.

5. Just before serving, I taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges for brightness.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high to cook.

Variations

Sometimes I add spinach or chopped zucchini during the last hour for more veggies. I’ve used chicken thighs for extra richness, or even swapped in turkey breast or lamb chunks. When I want to stretch the meal, I serve it over couscous, rice, or orzo. For a spicy twist, I add crushed red pepper flakes or a spoonful of harissa.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much. This dish also freezes well—perfect for batch cooking and future meals.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, I’ve used bone-in thighs or drumsticks. I just increase the cook time slightly and remove the bones before serving if needed.

Do I need to brown the chicken first?

No, it’s not necessary. But when I have time, I sear the chicken briefly for extra flavor before adding it to the slow cooker.

What sides go best with Mediterranean chicken?

I love it with couscous, quinoa, rice, or warm crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A light side salad also pairs beautifully.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, I skip the chicken and use chickpeas or white beans for protein. It still tastes amazing and hearty.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. I cool it completely, then freeze in portions. It reheats really well and makes a great freezer meal.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is a flavorful, nourishing dish that I can rely on any time I want something easy yet impressive. It’s full of bold, zesty ingredients and tender, slow-cooked chicken that melts in your mouth. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe brings a taste of the Mediterranean to my table with very little effort.

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours
• Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is a vibrant, flavorful dish with tender chicken slow-cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce packed with olives, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs. It’s easy, healthy, and full of Mediterranean flair.

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Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted or plain)
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
• Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

1. Place chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
2. Add garlic, red onion, diced tomatoes (with juice), sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, and olives.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and gently stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender and easily pulls apart.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges.

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Notes

• Add spinach or zucchini in the last hour for more vegetables.
• Use chicken thighs for richer flavor or substitute turkey or lamb.
• Serve over couscous, orzo, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
• To make vegetarian, substitute chicken with chickpeas or white beans.
• This dish freezes well—cool completely and store in airtight containers.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 110mg