If you’re searching for a cozy meal that bursts with vibrant flavors and effortless preparation, the Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe is your new go-to dish. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a harmonious blend of herbs and colorful Mediterranean ingredients, all slow-cooked to perfection. The result is a juicy, aromatic meal that feels both wholesome and a little adventurous, perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekend dinners when you want fuss-free yet impressive food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in building those layered Mediterranean flavors you crave. From herbs to olives, every component is simple yet impactful, making your Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe come alive with wonderful aroma, color, and texture.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender protein base that soaks up all the rich Mediterranean flavors.
- 1 heaping tablespoon curry powder: Adds a warm, slightly exotic spice twist without overwhelming the dish.
- 2 teaspoons dried basil: Brings an earthy sweetness that complements the herbs and tomatoes beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme: A classic Mediterranean herb that deepens the savory profile.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in every bite.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and balances the aromatic spices.
- 1 (28 oz) can whole tomatoes, mostly drained and chopped: Provides natural acidity and juicy richness for a luscious sauce.
- 2 (14 oz) cans quartered artichoke hearts, drained: Offers tender texture and a slightly tangy flavor that defines Mediterranean cuisine.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and infuses it with savory depth.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and a lovely underlying aroma.
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped: Gives bursts of saltiness and fruity complexity.
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar: Brightens the dish and adds a touch of acidity to balance the richness.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish): Freshens the final dish with a pop of color and herbal brightness.
How to Make Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts right into the slow cooker. These juicy cuts will act as the canvas for the vibrant flavors that follow, and slow cooking them ensures they turn tender and perfectly succulent.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine the curry powder, dried basil, dried thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle half of this seasoning mix evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker to begin infusing them with those warm, fragrant Mediterranean spices.
Step 3: Add the Rest of the Ingredients
Now it’s time to build the body of the dish. Pour in the drained and chopped whole tomatoes, artichoke hearts, chicken broth, chopped onion, kalamata olives, and white wine vinegar. These ingredients bring a vibrant mix of textures and flavors that will meld perfectly in the slow cooker.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Remaining Seasoning
Top everything off by sprinkling the rest of the seasoning blend over the ingredients in the slow cooker. This ensures every layer of the dish gets touched by the aromatic herbs and spices.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and let the magic happen. Cook the dish on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. This slow, gradual cooking process is what makes the chicken melt-in-your-mouth tender and allows all the flavors to marry beautifully.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred or chop them into bite-sized pieces. Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce, letting it soak up all the rich, Mediterranean-infused juices.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish off your Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top. The fresh herb garnish not only adds a wonderful pop of color but also lightens the dish with a fresh, vibrant taste.
How to Serve Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro are must-haves here because they lend a bright, fresh aroma that balances the richness of slow-cooked chicken. Adding a few extra kalamata olives or a wedge of lemon on the side can also elevate each serving with texture and zesty brightness.
Side Dishes
The beauty of this dish is how versatile it is with sides. Serve it over fluffy couscous, hearty brown rice, protein-packed quinoa, or even whole wheat pasta for a full and satisfying meal that will impress any crowd. Each option brings its own texture and subtle flavor boost that complements the Mediterranean notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning the chicken and sauce over a bed of roasted vegetables or serve it tucked into warm pita bread with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh cucumber for a casual, Mediterranean-inspired sandwich. For an elegant presentation, place the chicken on a platter garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs, inviting everyone to serve themselves family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 4 days, and the flavors often deepen even more overnight.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully, making it great for meal prep. Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through, to maintain moisture and even heat.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you even more juicy and flavorful results due to their higher fat content. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed to ensure they cook through fully.
Is curry powder a typical Mediterranean spice?
While curry powder isn’t traditionally Mediterranean, it adds a subtle warm and complex flavor to this recipe that complements the herbs and bright ingredients beautifully, giving it a unique twist.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
You can certainly prepare this on the stove by simmering everything low and slow in a covered pot for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the chicken is tender, though the slow cooker makes it perfectly hands-off and convenient.
What can I substitute for kalamata olives?
If you’re not a fan of kalamata olives, green olives or even capers can work well as a salty, briny alternative to keep the Mediterranean vibe intact.
Can this dish be made spicy?
Definitely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced fresh chili when adding the other ingredients in the slow cooker to give it a flavorful kick without overpowering the other tastes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and effortlessly delicious about the Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe. It’s a wonderful blend of bold herbs, tangy olives, and tender chicken that will quickly become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or entertaining guests, this dish promises satisfaction with minimal effort. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy all the Mediterranean goodness in every cozy, flavor-packed bite!
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Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (LOW) to 4 hours 15 minutes (HIGH)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A flavorful Crock Pot Mediterranean Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with aromatic curry powder, herbs, artichoke hearts, olives, and tomatoes, resulting in a rich, savory dish perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 heaping tablespoon curry powder
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Liquids
- 1 (28 oz) can whole tomatoes, mostly drained and chopped
- 2 (14 oz) cans quartered artichoke hearts, drained
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
Garnish
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker to create the base of the dish.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the curry powder, dried basil, dried thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle half of this seasoning mix evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Add Ingredients: Pour in the chopped tomatoes, quartered artichoke hearts, low-sodium chicken broth, chopped onion, chopped kalamata olives, and white wine vinegar into the slow cooker over the chicken and seasoning.
- Season Again: Sprinkle the remaining half of the seasoning mixture evenly over the top of all the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook the mixture on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred or chop them using forks or a knife. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir to combine well with the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Sprinkle the dish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro as a herbaceous garnish to brighten the flavors.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the Mediterranean chicken hot over couscous, brown rice, quinoa, or whole wheat pasta for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
- You can substitute fresh herbs like thyme and basil if you have them on hand, using about 1 tablespoon each.
- Make sure to drain the artichoke hearts and tomatoes well to avoid excess liquid in the slow cooker.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Adjust the salt to taste depending on your preferred sodium level and if you use salted olives or broth.
