Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is a flavorful, wholesome dish that brings the bright, sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean straight to the dinner table. With tender chicken slow-cooked in a savory blend of tomatoes, olives, garlic, and herbs, it’s the perfect meal for busy days when I want something healthy, hearty, and comforting. I love how the slow cooker makes everything so tender and flavorful with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s fresh, easy, and full of flavor. The slow cooker does all the work while the ingredients infuse together into a beautiful, aromatic sauce. It’s a lighter dish but still filling and satisfying, especially when I serve it over rice, couscous, or pasta. The Mediterranean ingredients—like olives, garlic, and herbs—give it a vibrant, rustic flavor that tastes like something from a cozy coastal kitchen.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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Olive oil
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Garlic (minced)
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Red onion (sliced)
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Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
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Kalamata or green olives (sliced)
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Sun-dried tomatoes (optional, for extra richness)
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Dried oregano
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Dried basil
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Paprika
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Salt and black pepper
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Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
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Optional: crumbled feta cheese or lemon wedges for serving
Directions
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I drizzle olive oil in the bottom of the slow cooker and add the chicken in a single layer.
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I season the chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and paprika.
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I add the garlic, onion, diced tomatoes, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes on top.
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I cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
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Before serving, I taste and adjust the seasoning, then garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
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I serve it over rice, quinoa, or couscous, and top with crumbled feta if I want a creamy, tangy finish.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6 hours (on low)
Total time: About 6 hours 10 minutes
Variations
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I sometimes add artichoke hearts or chickpeas for extra Mediterranean flavor and heartiness.
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For a bit of spice, I add red pepper flakes or a dash of harissa.
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A splash of white wine or lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors beautifully.
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I make it creamy by stirring in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or cream cheese before serving.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until hot, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. It also freezes well—I let it cool completely, then store it in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but I prefer boneless for easy shredding. If using bone-in, I cook on low for closer to 7–8 hours.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, I combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, refrigerate, and start cooking the next morning.
What can I serve with Mediterranean Chicken?
I like to serve it over rice, couscous, or mashed potatoes with a simple green salad on the side.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, I substitute chickpeas or white beans for the chicken and reduce the cooking time to 3 hours on low.
Do I need to brown the chicken first?
No, it’s optional. I sometimes sear it for extra flavor, but it turns out delicious either way.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is one of my go-to recipes when I want something comforting yet light and flavorful. I love how the slow cooker infuses the chicken with all those Mediterranean herbs, tomatoes, and olives, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Whether I serve it for an easy weeknight dinner or a weekend meal with friends, it’s always a hit and makes my kitchen smell amazing all day long.
Print
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken is a healthy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken slow-cooked with tomatoes, olives, garlic, and herbs. It’s an easy, hands-off meal packed with bright Mediterranean flavors perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium red onion, sliced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or 2 cups fresh diced tomatoes)
1/2 cup Kalamata or green olives, sliced
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: crumbled feta cheese or lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Drizzle olive oil into the bottom of the slow cooker and place chicken in a single layer.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and paprika.
- Add minced garlic, sliced onion, diced tomatoes, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and optional feta or lemon wedges.
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or couscous.
Notes
Add artichoke hearts or chickpeas for more texture and Mediterranean flair.
For spice, include red pepper flakes or harissa.
Add a splash of white wine or lemon juice before serving to brighten flavors.
Stir in Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a creamier finish.
Freezes well—cool completely before storing in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 110mg